Subscribe to this free weekly newsletter here.

Walking through Wonderland, Through Jan. 3:

Experience a real-life Winter Wonderland by heading to Fontenelle Forest this weekend. Each year during the month of December, the folks at Fontenelle transform their Great Hall into a Winter Wonderland for all to enjoy. Everyone is invited to experience this festive holiday display of decorated trees and wreaths. They are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, though they are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It’s free for members, and included with daily admission for non-members. Masks are required while inside the Nature Center. Find out more about the display here.

Christmas at Community, Through Jan. 3:

We all know the story—a rich old man has a change of heart and a rise in spirits after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. A Christmas Carol, that classic, implausible tale, is now streaming from Omaha Community Playhouse. This production is filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music, and crisp, wintry sets. Join Tiny Tim and the rest of his family (and yours) as they bear witness to a Christmas miracle. Learn more about this annual OCP tradition and the people who help keep it alive here, and start streaming here.

 A Symphony of Sound, Friday, Dec. 25:

Have you already watched all the holiday-themed shows on Netflix? Or maybe you're just missing stepping out for a Christmas show? Tune in to some local TV this weekend for entertainment from the Omaha Symphony. Open some presents, enjoy some Christmas Day brunch, and settle in to watch Physicians Mutual Presents: Home for the Holidays on WOWT at 1 p.m. This performance will have everything, from Christmas pop tunes to orchestral features and exciting dance numbers, just in case you feel like shaking a leg. For more information, head here.

 A Winter Waltz, Through Dec. 25:

Presented by American Midwest Ballet, The Nutcracker Home Cinema Edition is currently free to view on AMB's Facebook and YouTube channels. This family-favorite classic features awe-inspiring choreography, exquisite costumes, beautiful lighting, and impressive scenery, set to the enchanting music of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This story is a treat for everyone, even those who may not typically enjoy ballet. Learn more about this traditional holiday performance here, and watch it here.

 Salem Sounds, Friday, Dec. 25 and Saturday, Dec 26:

While the Salem Baptist Church was not able to be perform Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas live at the Holland Center this year, they are still sharing the spirit of the season. You can watch this powerful production from home at 7:30 a.m. on KXVO on Christmas Day and 11:00 p.m. on KMTV the day after. The local, Grammy-nominated church choir will be performing a combination of holiday classics and new music. Find out more about this and other upcoming performances at the Holland Center here.

---

In Heartwarming News: The third annual Operation Grateful Goodies will take place on Dec. 25, 2020. Operation Grateful Goodies is a program in which dozens of members of the Jewish community fan out across Omaha to deliver "thank you" treat boxes to those working away from their families on Christmas Day. They will visit those who save lives and deserve our gratitude more than ever after this difficult year: hospital staff, urgent care staff, police officers, firefighters, and people at emergency veterinarian offices and nursing homes, to name a few. 
Due to COVID-19, our program will look different than in past years, but we are moving forward with the necessary adjustments.

Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.