About Omaha
Perched on the banks of the Missouri River, Omaha is one of the Midwest’s largest cities at just under 1 million residents. The downtown district has seen more than $2 billion in new development in the past few years and the city continues to invest in the visitor experience, including a new floating pedestrian walkway spanning the river. Omaha is home to one of the country’s most-visited zoos – the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – which is known for its variety, as well as the world’s largest indoor desert.
Although it doesn’t have any professional sports teams, Omaha has hosted the NCAA Men’s Collegiate World Series for more than 60 years, drawing baseball fans from around the country. The city is also a leader in the farm-to-table food scene, claiming more than one restaurant on the Good Food 100 List, which recognizes eateries dedicated to sustainable ingredient sourcing.
With its four distinct seasons, hosting a holiday party in Omaha means you’ll be treated to everything a Midwestern season has to offer, from a light dusting of snow in the trees to shining lights around every corner. Catering companies and top-rated restaurants are available to provide a holiday feast for a few friends or 500 employees, and experienced event planners can help you select the perfect venue and vendors for your big bash.
Holiday Party Options in Omaha
From all-inclusive venues to plain spaces awaiting the touch of an experienced designer, you’ll find many options to assist you in creating the perfect holiday party venue in Omaha.
- Catering
For many cultures and families, the holidays are best celebrated with food and lots of it. Providing a delicious spread at your Omaha holiday party venue is as simple as choosing the kind of food you want to serve and contacting one of the city’s many restaurants or caterers. There is a wide variety of options from fine dining to tacos, pasta and soul food.
- Party Entertainment
Whether you’re planning a formal dinner or an all-night bash, your guests will likely be looking forward to some after-dinner entertainment. Omaha event entertainment companies have experienced and professional staff, from DJs to costumed character actors, who know how to please a crowd and keep the party moving. Party entertainment companies can also provide fun design elements such as dance floors, lighting and audiovisual equipment. Live bands or musicians are another local option.
- Party Rentals
If your holiday party venue doesn’t include tables, chairs, audiovisual, banquet serving or other equipment, there are several service providers who can set you up with everything you need from table linens and candles to disco balls and space heaters. Some companies also include design elements such as table centerpieces or decorative wreaths, and if you’re looking for a true holiday wonderland experience, you can rent tents and patio heaters for the best of both worlds.
Holiday Party Companies in Omaha
Parties at holiday time are a great way to reconnect with family and friends. Leave the details of setting up your Omaha party venue to the pros and celebrate the season instead.
- 402 Event Services
If you’re looking for a reliable, creative one-stop shopping experience, 402 Events can do it all so you can remain stress-free. Staff at the full-service event firm have more than two decades of combined experience and can streamline the planning process from budgeting to production. There’s no need to coordinate with several different vendors – 402 Events offers rentals, decorating services, lighting and staging and more. There are a number of packages to choose from for a service level that suits your event and budget.
- LimeLight Expressions
LimeLight is a family-owned and operated business with a mission to give back to the Omaha community by dedicating a portion of its proceeds to a non-profit organization each year. The firm will design, plan and coordinate your holiday party from the very beginning after a detailed consultation, ensuring your event meets your vision and expectations. There are no pre-set packages for parties, allowing you and your consultant to contract services that meet your needs.
- Dream Big Events
Founder Audra Pace has more than a decade of experience planning events from small weddings to large non-profit galas. The firm provides design and management services for corporate holiday parties, including coordinating with vendors, venue selection, décor and props, and onsite management the day of the event. Dream Big provides free consultations to explore the design and scope of your party.
Pros and Cons of Holiday Parties in Omaha
Always look at the pros and cons of a locale before moving on with party planning.
Advantages
- Thriving music scene
Continue the party with fun out on the town. Live music venues are popular and plentiful in many areas of the city, from honky-tonks to concert halls.
- Culturally diverse
Education and healthcare opportunities draw residents and visitors from many different cultures, and this diversity is reflected in retail shops and authentic ethnic cuisine.
- Great food
The city is a leader in the farm-to-table food scene, with many restaurants winning local and national awards for sustainable practices and creativity with fresh local produce. Catering options will be fantastic.
Disadvantages
- Winter is cold and often snowy
Temperatures plunge into the mid-30s and colder during the winter months, and more than two feet of snow can fall any time between October and March.
- Not close to other major cities
While it is a population center itself, Omaha is not very close to other major cities, Kansas City being the closest at about 3 hours away.
- Road conditions
The city’s rapid outward expansion means that once outlying areas are now populous and require upgrades to the old roadways and side streets.
Famous Locations in Omaha
- Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most visited in the country, and for good reason: it’s ranked as one of the Top 5 Zoos in the entire world. The zoo is home to thousands of different species across its 160 acres. See the world’s largest indoor desert and glazed geodesic dome and North America’s largest indoor rainforest. The zoo is a leader in large cat conservation and houses several rare or at-risk species including the reclusive snow leopard and critically endangered komodo dragon.
- Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge
Affectionately called “Bob” by local residents, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans 3,000 feet across the Missouri River and links more than 150 miles of regional hiking and biking trails. The $2 million suspension bridge connects the states of Nebraska and Iowa, and the city actively promotes “Bobbing” – standing on the bridge’s state line for a photo op. Bob even has his own Instagram and Twitter.
- The Old Market
Step back in town to Omaha’s historic district, complete with well-preserved original buildings from the heyday of America’s westward expansion. Now the arts and entertainment district, the Old Market is bustling with world-class eateries, museums, theaters, live music venues, boutique retail shops and more. The cobblestone streets host many festivals and special events throughout the year, including the Holiday Light Festival, an Omaha tradition for many years.