Winter in Nebraska is more than snowfall on the desolate plains. Cities large and small offer holiday-themed celebrations. Vast wildlife parks and trails allow tourists to embrace a real magical winter wonderland. The city of Omaha alone offers art and cultural activities to escape from winter's worst. There are also plenty of fun things to do that revolve around the season.
Seek out the Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism for specific trip planning. You can search for winter events and attractions by date, region, city and type, such as nature and wildlife, historic and cultural.
Participate in community holiday events. Many small towns hold holiday pageants and festivals with lights, decorations, visits by Santa, music and food for a nice country holiday experience. The small town of Minden in central Nebraska is big on the holidays, so much so that it's known as "Christmas City." People travel for miles to see the annual holiday pageant and check out the lights at the historic courthouse and downtown area.
Check out Holiday Wildlights at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. This world famous zoo doesn't shut down just because it's winter. While you're enjoying zoo animal-themed lights and decorations, visit some of the zoo's renowned attractions, such as the Lied Jungle, Kingdoms of the Night and Desert Zone--all sprawling exhibits featuring tropical jungles, deserts, swamps and bat caves.
Visit Arbor Day's hometown. Nebraska City is a historic, tree-lined town that is also home to gorgeous Arbor Day Farm. Enjoy wine tastings and carriage rides as you tour this sprawling natural attraction.
Spend some time in Omaha. The zoo isn't the only place to check out. Take a carriage ride around the charming Old Market district. Visit the boutiques lining the district's streets or try some food at an ethnic restaurant or bistro downtown. While you're at it, stop by Lauritzen Gardens to view natural flowers and plant life, and in the evening check out a concert at the Slowdown in the city's up-and-coming NoDo district.
Go ice fishing at Mahoney State Park. Just down the road from Omaha in Ashland, enjoy ice fishing, toboggan runs, sledding and ice skating depending on the weather conditions.
Enjoy the state's largest reservoir. Lake McConaughy in west central Nebraska boasts ice boating, ice skating, backpacking and birding year-round. A heated indoor eagle viewing facility is also open from mid-December until the eagles leave in February or March.
