Check out our calendar of events to discover great ways to escape cabin fever in Nebraska.

See the rooms of Christmases past when you visit the Crook House Museum in Omaha. The house is the restored home of Gen. George Crook, who commanded the Department of the Platte from Fort Omaha. It was built in 1879, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each holiday season, every room in the Crook House is decorated to reflect 19th century Christmas celebrations. 

In Nebraska City, another historical home gets the holiday treatment. Christmas at the Mansion spruces up the former home of the Morton family at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Festive decorations and seasonal music will make the season come alive as you stroll through the 52-room house and pick your favorite display. 

If you’re visiting Lincoln for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Capitol, venture across the street to the Governor’s Residence for more holiday fun. The mansion is decorated for the season and hosts a Holiday Public Open House after the lighting ceremony.

Now–Nov. 23
How We Christmas in Nebraska City!

Enjoy a communitywide extravaganza, from the tree lighting and Santa sightings to shopping promotions and light displays. 

Now–Dec. 21 
From Here to the Horizon: Photographs in Honor of Barry Lopez 

Take in more than 90 works donated by 50 American photographers to honor the late writer Barry Lopez at Lincoln’s Sheldon Museum of Art. Lopez wrote about our relationship with nature in many formats. 

Nov. 18
Seward Junior Women’s Holiday Craft Show

The third Saturday in November is always special, thanks to more than 100 booths of homemade crafts set up at the Seward County Fairgrounds to tempt you. There’s food, too! 

Nov. 18
Fall Art Walk 

Stop and shop for that perfect gift in local galleries in Ashland. Get a bite downtown before you head out. 

Nov. 22
Hip Hop Nutcracker 

Enjoy this contemporary take on a holiday classic at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha.  

Nov. 25; Dec. 3, 10
Light of the World Pageant

Witness a Minden tradition as residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of more than 12,000 bulbs lighting up the Kearney County Courthouse and the town square. The pageant is part of several local holiday celebrations, including a parade. 

Nov. 27–Dec. 31
SantaLand

Explore Creighton’s annual drive-through light display from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31. From Dec. 1–23, visit Santa’s Workshop and Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House.

Nov. 28–Dec. 3
My Fair Lady

Don’t miss your chance to see the Tony Award-nominated production of this classic musical as its North American tour stops at Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre. 

Dec. 1–3, 8–9 
Christmas Past & Present

Head to Grand Island to view the Fantasy of Trees exhibit, and learn how Christmas might have been celebrated in past eras and in different locations.

Dec. 7
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas

Listen to the Grammy-nominated songwriter and pianist as he brings a heartwarming celebration to the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha. 

Dec. 8–10
Don’t Let Christmas Pass You By!

Be there when Eric Michael Gillett and a stellar cast welcome the holidays at the Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville. The show provides an evening of seasonal songs filled with hope and inspiration. 

Dec. 9
Old Dominion

Lend your ears to one of Nashville’s most successful contemporary country bands when they hit the stage at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Nominated for their eighth straight American Country Music Group of the Year honor, Old Dominion knows how to put on a show. 

Dec. 10
Nebraska Reptile Show

Attention fans of the slithery and scaly: Reptiles, exotic animals, turtles and supplies to care for them will be on sale at the Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Bellevue at Beard-more Event Center. 

Dec. 14–17
Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration

Join in one of Omaha’s favorite holiday traditions as singers, dancers and the Omaha Symphony make the holiday come alive at the Holland Performing Arts Center. 

Dec. 16–22
Elf the Musical

Thrill to an adaptation of this modern classic Christmas movie at Kearney’s Merryman Performing Arts Center. Don’t be afraid to sing along to anthems like “Christmastown,” “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” and “There Is a Santa Claus.”

Jan. 9–14
Mamma Mia!

Sing along with this ABBA-inspired production as its 25th anniversary tour hits Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre. 

Jan. 9–14
Les Misérables

Enjoy this Tony Award-winning hit, restaged for its latest triumphant tour, when it rolls into Lincoln’s Lied Center for Performing Arts.