The Magical Nebraska Christmas Tree That Comes Alive With 12,000 Colorful Lights

Holiday time is here again, and that means that we're looking forward to all kinds of fun, festive events. One of the biggest takes place in Omaha at the Durham Museum. The 2018 tree is already in place and getting ready for the lighting ceremony on November 24th. Keep reading for behind-the-scenes information on how it all comes together.

Every year, the Durham Museum sets out to find the perfect Christmas tree for their annual event, Christmas at Union Station.

People from all around the metro area submit their trees for consideration. There's a strict set of criteria that the chosen tree must meet, including height, shape, and location.

This year, the tree was donated by Jay and Kelly Incontro in memory of Kelly's two daughters, Taylor and Jordyn Podraza, who died in 2010 along with their father in a car crash.

Because of the special nature of this year's tree, the Durham Museum will break with tradition and add two angels to the top to represent these sweet girls.

Below is some footage of last year's tree lighting ceremony, which is a hugely popular event every year.

Lavish decorations and more than 12,000 lights will adorn the tree all through the holiday season. It's the largest indoor tree in the whole region, and it's a truly spectacular sight.

These pictures are of 2017's tree; the 2018 tree has been put into place and is in the process of being decorated, and the lighting ceremony will take place on November 24th.

After Christmas at Union Station is over, the tree will be recycled into mulch that will be distributed to playgrounds throughout the metro area.

The Durham Museum is located at 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108. If you'd like to attend the lighting, it's happening on Friday, November 24th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the tree lights being turned on at 7:00 p.m. The tree will be on display through the end of the year, so you can still see the magic even if you can't get to the lighting ceremony. Get more information, including admission prices, click here.