Christmastime is magical all across the state of Nebraska. We go all out with lights and decorations to celebrate the season both outside of our homes and in the streets of our towns and cities. There’s one city that celebrates this time of year like no other: a place that bills itself as “Nebraska’s Christmas City.” Christmas in Minden is truly something special.

Welcome to Minden, Nebraska! As one of the best Nebraska Christmas towns, Minden has been putting on a bright, twinkling light show every holiday season since 1915.
flickr/Tim O'Brien
That year, the city acquired a large number of light strings to string from the railroad station. They were meant to welcome the G.A.R. convention coming through, but due to poor weather, they couldn't be hung. Instead, they were used later that year to decorate the courthouse square.

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The lights have shone every year since then, and the celebration has continued to grow. Now, the city puts on a number of events to light up the holiday season.
Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Go ice skating under the colorful lights of the city square, come out for the lighted parade, shop and play downtown, and have fun at the children's carnival, among other events. The most highly anticipated event of the season is the Light of the World Pageant, a show put on by Minden residents in the town square. There are three performances each year and admission is free. This is one of the best towns to celebrate Christmas in Nebraska.
The city isn't alone in its decorating efforts, though. Residents get in on the magic by setting up their own impressive light displays. One family even puts on a massive drive-through show featuring five acres of elaborate, colorful displays, including a six-room, nearly full-size Victorian dollhouse. Visit Minden and see for yourself why it's considered one of the best Christmas towns in Nebraska.
Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce/Facebook


Take a look at this drone footage by @milessteen5983:

 

Minden offers a unique, festive holiday experience, and you can really feel the Christmas spirit running all through the town. See a full list of this year’s activities on the City of Minden’s website or the Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the special people in your life this year, check out the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Christmas In Nebraska

Melissa M. | November 01, 2023

Aside from Minden, what are some other Christmas towns in Nebraska I should visit?

While there's no denying the city of Minden's holiday cheer, other towns also get into a festive spirit this time of year. Here are some other Christmas towns in Nebraska to visit:

  • Nebraska City is decorated with decorations just about everywhere you look during the holiday season. 
  • Omaha hosts its annual Holiday Festival of Lights downtown. Fun for the whole family, you can enjoy twinkling lights, vendors, ice skating, live music, and more!
  • Crawford’s Fort Robinson State Park goes to town with its holiday lights, decorating just about every building throughout the property. The park also hosts a Historical Christmas Dinner that cannot be missed – if you can get your hands on a ticket before the event sells out, that is.
  • Kearney hosts a downtown Christmas walk in early December complete with Santa and his reindeer.
  • Norfolk turns into a postcard of Christmas cheer during the holidays. Enjoy a variety of events and decor throughout the season.

 

What are some of the things I must do to enjoy the holiday season in Nebraska?

To fully enjoy the holiday season in Nebraska, you can do the following:

  • Drive around to see all the festive Christmas lights in Nebraska. Whether it’s a walk-thru or a drive-thru display, you can marvel at all the twinkling lights.
  • Visit one of Nebraska’s Christmas towns.
  • Visit with Santa.
  • Pick out a tree at a Christmas tree farm.
  • Shop at one of the local stores for something unique for a loved one.

 

 

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Minden, NE, USA