Happy Tuesday, Omaha. In today’s edition: Bright nights at Lauritzen Gardens, Santa and his reindeer, the Omaha holiday market, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Festive foot traffic endures: This past snowy weekend, crowds filled the Old Market, bundling up through slush and wind for holiday spirit, while visitors from Albion shifted plans earlier to beat the weather — read the full story.

Communities brace economic shock: Tyson plans to close its Lexington, Nebraska beef plant in mid-January, laying off 3,200 workers. Cattlemen warn of ripple effects, transport costs, and hope a buyer keeps it running — get all the details.

Major retail deal announced: Federal Realty acquired Village Pointe, a 453,000-square-foot lifestyle center in Omaha, for $153.3 million. It is 96 percent leased and shadow anchored by Scheel’s, with tenants including Apple and lululemon — get all the details.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate global holidays at The Durham Museum
• Celebrate Cannupa Hanska Luger’s Dripping Earth
• Shop Omaha Holiday Market’s 50+ vendors
• Experience Zoolightful’s dazzling holiday lights
• Celebrate Christmas with Omaha Symphony
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Unearthing a cinematic partnership: Spike Lee visits Omaha Dec. 7 as Film Streams’ Feature9 guest. The piece reminds us his legacy runs through Omaha native Monty Ross, Lee’s early 40 Acres partner and producer on Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X. With Malcolm X’s Omaha roots, the event doubles as a homecoming for a largely unsung collaborator. Read the full story.

How to protect your horse: Douglas County Fairgrounds has closed its open riding arenas through Dec. 8 to curb equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). The pause only affects horse activities. Following ODA’s new preventive rules, events must register and have isolation plans. There are no Oregon cases reported, but officials are monitoring horses returning from Texas and Oklahoma. See what new rules require.

Burrito mood activated When hunger roars this week, Burrito Envy & Tequila Bar answers with playful, satisfying wraps, like the K‑Town with Korean beef and kimchi jam, or the crunchy Frito B‑Rito with jalapeño queso… then go rogue with tots or crushed Takis, because why not.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

✨ Bright Nights @ Lauritzen Gardens | Wednesday (12/3) at 4:00pm – Lauritzen Gardens transforms into a sparkling Nordic escape filled with wooden tree sculptures, twinkly trails, and magical garden corners. Kids (and grownups, honestly) will love the playful lights in Sofia’s Play Garden and the cheerful trolls who make surprise appearances. Treat yourself to s’mores, festive bites, and a cozy drink as you explore.

✨ Lights on Dundee @ Historic Dundee | Thursday (12/4) at 5:00pm – If your holiday spirit needs a nudge, Dundee’s lighting bash has free trolley rides to the North and South poles, live reindeer, and photos with Santa and his mysterious plus-one. Wander the shops, sip something warm, and let the merchants handle the magic.

🍷 Wine Fest @ Nebraska Humane Society | Thursday (12/4) at 6:00pm – Think Brew at the Zoo’s classier cousin at the Humane Society, with wine, whiskers, and a charcuterie board that puts holiday spread to shame. Sip and stroll with Jimmy D and TwiLea playing, bid on the silent auction, and let the adoptables work their charm.

🛍️ Farnam Winter Pop-Up Opening Weekend @ Farnam Street | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Whether you’ve nailed your list or you’re still thinking on it, 15 local shops pop up at 33rd and Farnam with handmade goods and giftable finds. Hit opening weekend, enjoy two hours of free parking, maybe the Holiday Cocktail Crawl, and call it quality time.

🎉 Holiday Cultural Festival @ Durham Museum | Friday (12/5) at 4:00pm – Skip the airport, this is your world tour without TSA, jet lag, or the middle seat. The Durham fills up with cultural orgs, live music and dance by Omaha’s official Christmas tree, crafts in traditional dress, Santa sightings, and hard-to-find eats, plus gift-worthy goodies.

This weekend

🦌 Santa and His Reindeer @ Bel Air Plaza | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Santa is touching down at Bel Air Plaza with actual reindeer, not the plywood kind from the neighborhood lawn tour. Bring the crew, chat with the big guy, and let Elsa and Anna supply cookies, hot cocoa, and a brief ceasefire in holiday chaos.

🎁 Omaha Holiday Market @ Aksarben Village | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Whether you’ve got gifts to grab or just want to stroll Aksarben, Nebraska spelled backwards, this holiday market lines up 50 local vendors under blessedly heated tents. It’s free, with free parking, open rain or shine, so bundle up, leave the dog, and wander.

🎶 Holiday Harmony featuring Jean Holtmann @ Lauritzen Gardens | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – If your idea of holiday cheer is not mall carols, head to the festive garden for Jean Holtmann and classic holiday hits. Included with admission, free for members, and a civilized way to dodge chaos, breathe crisp air, and actually enjoy sleigh bells.

🍷 Winter Wine Walk @ Rockbrook Village | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Holiday shopping is less stressful with a tasting pour in hand. Sip Corkscrew Wine & Cheese picks while wandering local spots like Savory Spice, Alletti Jewelry, and Wild Birds Unlimited, snag snacks and flash sales, show ID for a wristband, start anywhere. Free, 21+.

🕯️ Making Christmas Candle @ Lauritzen Gardens | Sunday (12/7) at 10:00am – Holiday stress calls for melting wax, not down. If your living room must smell like Christmas, it should be your blend. Join candle pro Chantelle Green for a candle workshop to blend your own scent or pick from favorites, pre-registration required, members save, 16+.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/3 A Christmas Carol @ Omaha Community Playhouse – 7 pm
• 12/3 Sammy Obeid @ Funny Bone – 7 pm
• 12/3 David Nance & Glyders @ Joslyn Castle – 8 pm
• 12/4 Scotty McCreery and more @ Liberty First Credit Union Arena – 7 pm
• 12/4 Hannah Berner @ Hollad Performing Arts – 7 pm
• 12/4 The Interactive Beatles Experience @ Slowdown – 7:30 pm
• 12/6 A Ring of Flutes @ Lauritzen Gardens – 1 pm
• 12/6 Let’s Get Lost (Elliott Smith tribute) @ O’Leaver’s – 9 pm