The holiday season is a magical time to be in Lincoln, as the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive holiday spirit and countless activities for visitors and locals to enjoy. From family-friendly fun and unique local experiences to romantic outings, Lincoln has it all. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and cozy up as we explore the best opportunities to put you in the holiday spirit.
Zoo Lights, Powered by LES at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is a popular, enchanting holiday tradition that you won’t want to miss. With countless carefully draped holiday vine lights, glowing light tunnels, over 30 lit animal silhouettes and holiday train rides, this event transforms the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland, creating a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Don’t wait - gather your family and friends to enjoy the brilliant light displays exquisitely set to music and savor seasonal treats at this magical, unforgettable holiday experience.
Lincoln’s North Pole
This holiday season, add a trip to Lincoln’s North Pole to your list! This year, Downtown Lincoln’s Tower Square will once again be transformed into the North Pole. Both festive and fantastically fun, our North Pole offers everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. From holiday lights and decorations to nightly music, hot chocolate, ornament making and more, be sure to visit 13th and P Streets to see it for yourself.
Nebraska Christmas Lights Show at Star City Shores
Embrace the enchantment of the holiday season at this unique drive-through holiday lights extravaganza. As you journey through a twinkling, winding path in the comfort of your vehicle, you will find yourself immersed in a Christmas light experience that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The interactive displays of beloved holiday characters will truly set the stage for a cherished family tradition to continue for years to come. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to bask in the season’s warmth and craft incredible memories while letting the charm of the season guide your way.
Shopping Adventures to Spread Holiday Cheer
Lincoln’s local shopping scene makes finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list a joyful experience. With a diverse range of quaint boutiques, charming shops and national retailers, Lincoln offers shopping options that suit every taste. Wrap up some local love with a gift purchased at the From Nebraska Giftshop, share the warm scent of the season with a hand-poured candle from Wax Buffalo or add some seasonal sparkle to someone’s home with holiday décor from Cooper & Co. Home & Gift. These are just a few of our favorite things - find yours and discover more at lincoln.org/things-to-do/shopping.
Magical Lights of Lincoln at Lancaster Event Center
After three successful years in Seward, Magical Lights will undergo an impressive expansion in 2023 with the move to Lincoln. This captivating drive-through experience leverages cutting-edge technology to synchronize over a million colorful lights with music, sprawling the entire Lancaster Event Center Fairgrounds. This spectacular display produced by Magical Lights, LLC is globally recognized, previously illuminating Disney and Universal Studios theme parks across the country.
Whether you are a local or just passing through, we invite you to explore these incredible holiday attractions and activities to make your holiday season one you won’t soon forget.
