We’ve talked about some of the towns in Nebraska that celebrate Christmas in style, but have you ever thought about visiting all of them? For true die-hard Christmas fanatics, this is a road trip that will make your winter. Stop off in each town (and all of the little towns in between!) to gaze at the decorations and maybe grab a cup of hot chocolate before moving on. What a neat experience!
The interactive map is right here so you can change your starting point or the stops you want to make.
Google Maps
- Fort Robinson, Harrison
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons Although it’s not yet dressed up for Christmas in this picture, this and all of the other buildings on the state park grounds get all lit up for the season. The community comes out to “Light Up The Fort,” and you can view the lights through the end of the year.
- Hemingford
Hemingford Events The Hemingford community puts on a unique display of Christmas spirit every year with their massive wooden diorama. Drive by in your car and you’ll be treated to Christmas music from a loudspeaker.
- North Platte
Visit North Platte The entire town of North Platte goes all out to make their home look particularly festive. But the place you want to be is the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Park, where you’ll enjoy the annual Christmas at the Codys’, a lively historical Christmas festival.
- Minden
flickr/Tim O’Brien Of course our Christmas towns road trip would include a stop in Nebraska’s official Christmas City. Stop by the courthouse to see their famous light display.5. ChesterThe Center of Creativity in Chester, housed in the big old school building, puts on one of the most impressive animated light shows in the state. Neighbors get in on the fun by decorating their homes and streets as well.
- Seward
flickr/Shannon Ramos Although the Christmas parade has already passed for the year, you can venture through the beautifully decorated downtown to enjoy the sights.
- Nebraska City
Go Nebraska City The Lied Lodge itself is merry and bright, but the most spectacular attraction in NE City at Christmas is the Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights. Board a trolley for a one-hour tour of the best light displays in the city.
- Omaha
flickr/Asten The Holiday Lights Festival is hard to describe - it’s kind of like being enveloped by a million stars. Visit at night to get the full effect of the decorations in downtown Omaha.
- Ponca
Northeast Nebraska Ponca’s downtown gets all dressed up for the occasion with sweet decorations everywhere. Ponca State Park, along with the rest of Nebraska’s state parks, is participating in Winterfest, a celebration full of park activities.
- Creighton
Facebook/SantaLand Our final stop is a positively delightful town that totally transforms itself at Christmastime. SantaLand comes alive all December long with lovely decorations, Santa visits, and ongoing festivities.
That is one festive road trip! We can only include a limited number of stops on our road trip, so we definitely recommend taking side trips whenever possible to small towns along the way. Spend some time driving through the neighborhoods in each town and you’ll see the displays lovingly set up by residents who want to share their Christmas spirit with everyone who passes by.
Google Maps
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Although it’s not yet dressed up for Christmas in this picture, this and all of the other buildings on the state park grounds get all lit up for the season. The community comes out to “Light Up The Fort,” and you can view the lights through the end of the year.
Hemingford Events
The Hemingford community puts on a unique display of Christmas spirit every year with their massive wooden diorama. Drive by in your car and you’ll be treated to Christmas music from a loudspeaker.
Visit North Platte
The entire town of North Platte goes all out to make their home look particularly festive. But the place you want to be is the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Park, where you’ll enjoy the annual Christmas at the Codys’, a lively historical Christmas festival.
flickr/Tim O’Brien
Of course our Christmas towns road trip would include a stop in Nebraska’s official Christmas City. Stop by the courthouse to see their famous light display.5. ChesterThe Center of Creativity in Chester, housed in the big old school building, puts on one of the most impressive animated light shows in the state. Neighbors get in on the fun by decorating their homes and streets as well.
5. Chester
flickr/Shannon Ramos
Although the Christmas parade has already passed for the year, you can venture through the beautifully decorated downtown to enjoy the sights.
Go Nebraska City
The Lied Lodge itself is merry and bright, but the most spectacular attraction in NE City at Christmas is the Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights. Board a trolley for a one-hour tour of the best light displays in the city.
flickr/Asten
The Holiday Lights Festival is hard to describe - it’s kind of like being enveloped by a million stars. Visit at night to get the full effect of the decorations in downtown Omaha.
Northeast Nebraska
Ponca’s downtown gets all dressed up for the occasion with sweet decorations everywhere. Ponca State Park, along with the rest of Nebraska’s state parks, is participating in Winterfest, a celebration full of park activities.
Facebook/SantaLand
Our final stop is a positively delightful town that totally transforms itself at Christmastime. SantaLand comes alive all December long with lovely decorations, Santa visits, and ongoing festivities.
If you’re looking for a different type of road, trip, how about trying one of Nebraska’s most beautiful scenic drives?
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