Holiday Lights Festival

01/01/2026

Brad Williams Photography

01/01/2026

Thank you Brad Williams Photography for these stunning photos capturing last night’s show!

Yes, while the show was shorter than planned, we are deeply thankful to the quick actions of security and fireworks operators to ensure everyone was safe and no one was injured. We appreciate your understanding and support, and we look forward to the return of the full show next year!

Happy New Year to all!!

01/01/2026

Thank you, Mayor John W. Ewing, Jr.! Yes, friends - tonight’s Fireworks Spectacular was shorter than expected. We are happy all is well and everyone is safe. We look forward to the full show next year! Thanks for your understanding, Omaha!

My family and I enjoyed downtown Omaha and the fireworks.

Although the show was cut short (a person apparently entered an otherwise secure fireworks firing zone from the Missouri River bank!), it filled our hearts to see so many people out and about to ring in the new year together. We are thankful everyone was OK and next year, we'll enjoy the full show.

May you all have a safe and fun New Year's Eve.

As we close the book on 2025 and open 2026, I want to wish each and every one of you a new year filled with hope and possibility. Let's make this Omaha's best year ever!

01/01/2026

The New Year's Eve fireworks in Downtown Omaha were cut short Wednesday evening by someone tripping on a cord. The show was scheduled to be nine minutes long. Read more at the link in the comments.

01/01/2026

The City of Omaha said the New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular was interrupted by a person who "suddenly emerged from the Missouri River bank."

12/30/2025

**UPDATE: As news is now reporting, a person entered the fireworks firing zone and disconnected the wiring, mid-show. Thankfully no one was injured and we all truly appreciate your understanding!**

✨🎆 Tomorrow Night: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular! 🎆✨

Join us for a FREE, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration that brings our whole community together to ring in the New Year. The Holiday Lights Festival’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular will light up the Omaha skyline and create a memorable night for all.

🎶 Countdown & Soundtrack 🎶
Listen LIVE starting at 7:00 p.m. on Star 104.5 — and yes, you can enjoy the countdown from the warmth of your car, parked safely, of course.

📍 Best viewing from our producing partner The RiverFront
🅿️ Parking meters will be FREE after 5:00 p.m., thanks to our friends at City of Omaha - Parking & Mobility Division

Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and celebrate the New Year together — safely, warmly, and joyfully.

12/16/2025

Holiday Lights Festival Version:
This season, let’s do more than shine a light — let’s be the light. 💛
Volunteer with Food Bank for the Heartland and help ensure families across our community have access to nourishing meals during the holidays.
Every hour helps. Every box packed matters. Every act of kindness adds up. ✨

12/10/2025

✨ Last Sunday, downtown Omaha lit up with holiday magic thanks to KETV Family Festival as part of Omaha's Holiday Lights Festival!

Families explored six amazing venues with support of seven organizations — including Omaha Children's Museum, The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Public Library's Downtown Branch, Omaha Mounted Foundation with the YMCA of Greater Omaha and The RiverFront — all offering free activities, crafts, shows and holiday cheer.

🚋 Big thanks to Ollie the Trolley with the free trolley rides that made hopping between spots easy and stress-free!

🌟 And downtown — including the Old Market Historic District, North & South 24th Streets, and The RiverFront — is shining nightly with thousands of lights, decorations, and holiday displays through January 1st.

❤️ Plus — the festival’s charity effort, Shine the Light on Hunger, supports Food Bank for the Heartland, helping families in need this season.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, holiday lights, or a chance to give back — this is the season to check out downtown Omaha!