Christmas in Lincoln Nebraska: Your Ultimate Guide
If you plan to visit Lincoln, Nebraska, consider visiting during Christmas for an unforgettable experience. Christmas in Lincoln Nebraska, is special, as the city offers a variety of Christmas experiences, including drive-through light shows and spectacular light displays. The most significant thing is that you will find the aroma of roasted chestnuts has filled the air. Regardless of whether you plan to have a meal with your friends or look for that ideal gift, Lincoln will never let your expectations down
Some Popular Options for Christmas in Lincoln Nebraska
The North Pole
The town square of downtown Lincoln changes into a festive paradise that can spoil you with decorations, lights, hot chocolate, ornament-making, and, of course, music. During Christmas, the town square changes into the “North Pole,” where visitors take part in various festive activities and write letters to their dear Santa Claus.
Magical Lights of London
Visitors who visit Lincoln during Christmas can’t afford to miss “Magical Lights of Lincoln,” which is held at the Lancaster Event Center. It is a drive-through show where more than one million lights synchronize to music, and the themed zones include areas such as Toyland, Candyland, Huskers, and Magical Farms. The display never fails to catch the attention of people because of its music and harmonized light show. It goes till the 31st of December and commonly starts around 5:30 pm. Tickets are available online or at the event.
The Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo of Lincoln hosts a yearly holiday event known as Zoo Lights. It is powered by LES when the Christmas season approaches. During Christmas, it changes the zoo into a splendid light display where you can see more than 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, a 60-foot light tunnel, and a 40-foot Christmas tree. The highlights of the event are the light shows, different interactive components, hot cocoa stations, and new light features. Visitors can enjoy this event in the evening from 5.30 to 9.00 pm, excluding some days, like Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Nebraska State Capitol
It is a well-known destination that gets decked up during the season of Christmas. Visitors flock to this place to see the tree lighting ceremony that happens each year, besides several other festive events. The Christmas tree is lit on the 2nd floor rotunda during a ceremony that the governor and the first lady host. Commonly, this event includes carols, a special holiday message, and music. After the governor and first lady light the tree, they host a Hometown Christmas event that is held at the governor’s residence. Some extravaganzas, like carriage rides, live nativity scenes, and live music, give life to this event. However, you must not visit the Nebraska State Capitol on Thanksgiving Day, the day following it, Christmas, or New Year’s, as this building remains closed on these days.
Shopping
If you are a shopaholic, you will never be disheartened with Lincoln, as the Christmas Maker’s Market and other local shops will become one of the best destinations where you can shop till you drop. These markets can be your ideal destination to buy holiday treats and unique gifts. Again, you can also pick some handmade crafts and gifts from this place. You will come across more than 50 vendor booths, including free kids’ activities. The market also hosts a Christmas Cookie Contest, where you can meet with Santa.
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle is illuminated with countless Christmas lights, and it creates an enraptured experience known as “Lincoln Castle Illuminated.” Visitors walk along the castle walls and take in breathtaking views of the county that is ornamented with lights. This event is characterized by Christmas trees, illuminated walls, and different light installations.
Food and Dinner
Lincoln is the ideal place where you will be spoiled with lots of festive food and drink choices during Christmas. The best thing is that you will come across both unique and traditional choices, and you have to take your pick according to your taste buds. Lincoln has many restaurants and pubs where you will find special menus for Christmas. Some of the varieties you can try are beef Wellington, turkey, and, certainly, vegan choices.
If you explore Walkabout Lincoln, you will be served some festive meals like burgers, turkey, and desserts. Another option you can try is the Magna Carta pub, where you will get festive dinners and lunches. There are vegan and gluten-free options too that you can try for yourself. If you have a fetish for local drinks, you must visit Thor’s Tipi Bar. It is also popular for its jolly cocktails. Another popular fixture is an outmoded German sausage stall that is located close to the castle grounds.
Get a Dickensian Experience
If you are like countless others who want to get a Dickensian experience, your one-stop destination will be the Cathedral Quarter. This place will be the best from which you can begin your journey. It has lots of characterful and historic architecture shops that line up both sides of the street. The unique thing about this place is it feels as if the cobbled streets are taken straight out of a Christmas movie. It is the best place where you can see the attractive area of Bailgate. Make sure to check out some cafés and independent shops you will find along the way.
Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral is one of the important places to enjoy many winter events. Among them, one worthwhile is the Time. Lincoln Cathedral also offers many other events, including carol services, special services meant for Christmas Day, and concerts. Visitors also ensure that they have enjoyed a candlelight concert that features well-known carols that the cathedral choir performs and scores from Christian movies. They can also enjoy Holy Communion or Festal Evensong on the eve of Christmas.
Participate in the Christmas Pantomime
If you want to make your Christmas in Lincoln Nebraska, a little more special, visit the panto. Its origins start from the Middle Ages, and the Christmas pantomime continues to remain popular because it is a time-honored custom. It seems the best way to spend time with your friends and family and also bid adieu to the current year.
Lincoln Ice Adventure
One of the remarkable events in Christmas in Lincoln Nebraska is the family-friendly and festive Lincoln Ice Adventure. You can witness a path of ice sculptures, many kinds of seasonal activities, and live displays of ice carvings. The event of ice sculptures showcases 16 minutely designed ice sculptures, and some of them carry Lincoln themes that are placed in notable locations spread across the city.
Each participant follows a sequence of ice sculptures, and each one drops a hint so that Santa can solve the mystery of his lost piece of sleigh and also complete an anagram. Some other events that accompany Lincoln Ice Adventure are a market, some festive activities such as a carousel, and musical performances that go on in places like St. Paul and Castle Square.
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Why choose Lincoln as your ideal destination?
Christmas in Lincoln Nebraska captivates visitors from across the globe as it instantly puts them in a holiday mood. They can see some interactive displays that feature some holiday characters who form the ideal setting, and it lasts for many years. Whoever visits this city never misses the golden opportunity to soak themselves in the warmth of this breathtaking season and take away with them some memorable memories.
