Holiday Light Festival

Dec 3–13 / KEARNEY – From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM each evening at Yanney Heritage Park, the city hosts its annual Holiday Light Festival. Trees along the park walkway are lit by dozens of local organizations, creating a glowing holiday tunnel. Special themed nights include First Responder Night, Candy Cane Night, Hot Chocolate Night, and Santa Night, providing a festive and family-centered experience. For more information, please visit https://visitkearney.org/event/holiday-light-festival-%F0%9F%8E%84/2025-12-07/

2025 Holiday Lighted Parade

Dec 6 / BEATRICE – From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Beatrice’s 11th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade lights up 5th Street (from Scott Street to High Street). It’s a free community event featuring float entries decked in lights and holiday decoration, and families can enjoy hot cocoa, cider, and a festive atmosphere. For more information, please visit https://nebraska.beatricechamber.com/events/details/2025-holiday-lighted-parade-19726

Christmas at the Cody’s

Dec 6–7, 13–14, 20–22 / NORTH PLATTE – At the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, visitors can tour the decorated Victorian mansion, ride in hayrack wagons, sip hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts, and hear carolers. The mansion’s rooms and trees are dressed in holiday finery, making for a charming step back in time. For more information, please visit https://visitnebraska.com/press-releases/eight-events-make-your-holiday-season-merry-and-bright

Light Up Lexington Christmas Parade

Dec 7 / LEXINGTON – At 5:30 PM in downtown Lexington (Kirkpatrick Memorial Park), a community parade of lighted floats marches through town. Children can ride on a firetruck, enjoy hot cocoa or cider, chat with Santa, and soak in the hometown holiday spirit. For more information, please visit https://www.centralnebraskatoday.com/2025/11/10/332882/

KETV Family Festival – Holiday Lights Festival

Dec 7 / OMAHA – From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, downtown Omaha hosts a free family festival across several venues (Durham Museum, Children’s Museum, Police Mounted Patrol Barn, YMCA, Public Library). Free trolley service connects the sites, and attendees can enjoy crafts, Santa visits, music, and more. For more information, please visit https://familyfuninomaha.com/event/ketv-family-festival/

Archery on Fire

Dec 6 / PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK – From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex, try your hand at balloon archery, 3-D archery, crossbows, tomahawks, and slingshots with naturalists on hand. There are also Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, marshmallow roasting, and games. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s park events page. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission+1

Christmas in the Woods / Hayrack Rides

Dec 6, 13, 20, 27 / PONCA STATE PARK – At Ponca State Park, lighted hayrack rides go through the woods (starting around 4:30 PM). Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and a warm community gathering in the education center. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s December event listing. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission+1

Historical Exhibit & Night Hike (Schramm Park)

Dec 7 / GRETNA – Schramm Park’s Education Center hosts a historic open house from 1:00 PM–4:00 PM where visitors can view artifacts and learn about the area’s past. Then at 7:00 PM, naturalists lead a two-mile night hike on the Red Cedar Trail, offering a peaceful winter night experience. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s park event page. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Holiday Hike

Dec 13 / WILDCAT HILLS SRA – Starting at 1:00 PM from the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, families can take a half-mile, holiday-themed hike. Along the trail, there are nature games, seasonal interpretation, and a fire to warm up with cocoa and cookies afterward. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s December schedule. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Dec 13 / MAHONEY STATE PARK – From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge, families can decorate sugar cookies, make ornaments, take free trolley rides through decorated park grounds, and meet Santa. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s December programming. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Yule Log Festival

Dec 20 / PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK – The Yule Log Festival runs from noon to 5:00 PM at the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge. Activities include roasting marshmallows, a Yule Log Quest (with preregistration), lighted hayrack rides, cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and a fire‑side gathering. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s December events page. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission+1

Indian Cave Christmas Bird Count

Dec 18 / INDIAN CAVE SRA – Join the park’s annual Christmas Bird Count from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Participants help count birds, learn identification tips, and enjoy a free soup lunch after the count. For more information, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s event listing. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Holiday Tree Decorating Contest

Dec 28 (ongoing through) / LEWIS & CLARK SRA – At Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton, decorate an entryway tree along the park entrance driveway for a chance to win a two-night cabin stay. Judges encourage eco-friendly decorations like popcorn garland and solar lights. For more information and rules, please visit Outdoor Nebraska’s December park event page. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission