Christmas across Nebraska

Now that Thanksgiving is out of the way, it is officially Christmas season. Lights are being strung, Christmas trees are being decorated, the cold windy weather is brewing and motivation to finish these last two weeks of the semester is waning. With finals looming, a festive study break is the best way to stay sane. Here are some of the best Christmas events across Nebraska that might convince you to leave the library.

The Nutcracker Ballet

This ballet is a Christmas classic. So much so, in fact, that my family still goes nearly every year. While I admit that might be a bit much, it is definitely something you should attend at least once. For those who haven’t yet had the honor of seeing this performance, it will be playing at the Lied Center For Performing Arts right here in Lincoln on Dec. 18 and 19. Tickets range from roughly $90 - $110, depending on how close to the action you want to be. If you haven’t left for break by that time, I highly recommend splurging in the name of Christmas.

Omaha Holiday Lights Festival

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a high-quality light show (aside from Union’s, of course). This festival is located in the Old Market district of Omaha, which is hands-down the coolest part of the city any time of the year. There will be over a million lights on display, covering six blocks in total. The lights were put up Nov. 22, and will be on exhibit to spread Christmas cheer until Jan. 3. There are plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops in the district as well, so this could be a great opportunity to explore Omaha.

Santa’s Workshop

This event is a bit more of a drive, but if your finals week is looking light and you have some time on your hands, Cody Park will have one of the largest Christmas displays this year. Located in North Platte, it is worth the three-hour drive. The displays and lights are up every night, but the weekends are when the fun happens. Every Friday through Sunday until Dec. 24, there will also be hayrack rides, marshmallow roasting pits, a carousel and other rides.

Whether you decide to visit one of these local festivities or not, I hope that you find time to celebrate Christmas with your friends before heading off for break. 

By Kelina Rodgers