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- ✨ From yacht rock to The Grinch, Omaha is in full holiday mode
✨ From yacht rock to The Grinch, Omaha is in full holiday mode
In this Scoop: Life-saving work, campus kindness, and more feel-good finds
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Who else feels like December is flying by in a blur of lights, cocoa, and chaotic to-do lists?
This week’s your chance to slow down and soak it in. Catch Mannheim Steamroller live, cruise through Lauritzen’s Bright Nights, or wander a little shop that’s been sprinkling holiday magic since the '80s.
You don’t have to do everything. Just pick something that feels good!
In today’s Scoop:
🧤 When Winter Needs Heroes
🐶 Warm Hearts, Wagging Tails
✨ Where Winter Feels Right
❄️ Festive Fun for Every Mood
🍕 Italian Delights, Holiday Comfort
With winter in full swing, Mangia Italiana is exactly where you’re meant to be.
This cozy Irvington Road favorite leans into comfort with rich lasagna, saucy fettuccine Alfredo, and that beloved house sugo: sweet, tangy, and perfect for bread-dunking.
Lunch specials are always a hit, soups rotate, and the whole place smells like something good is always simmering. Dine in, take it home, or let their catering handle the holiday gathering.
🎄 A Winter Wonderland, Year-Round
Tannenbaum has magical feel that pulls you in the moment you open the door.
It smells like Christmas, shelves are stacked with ornaments from playful to keepsake-worthy, and somehow a small shop holds an unbelievable amount of holiday cheer.
You’ll spot pieces from beloved artisans, plus thoughtful gifts and Old Market souvenirs. It’s been part of Howard Street since the 80s, and browsing here always takes longer than planned.
❄️ Street Outreach Teams Step Up as Winter Hits
The Gist: On bitter December days, street outreach teams from groups like the Stephen Center are checking on people living in outdoor encampments across Omaha. They bring basics like socks, food, and warm gear, but also something harder to measure, trust. Their work is part of a new six month city pilot that coordinates agencies, tracks encampments, and gives people clear timelines and help finding shelter or housing. Early signs suggest the approach is building stronger connections.
Why It Matters: As temperatures drop and frostbite cases rise, these visits can mean the difference between life and death for neighbors on the street.
🐾 Blankets and Barks Brighten Campus and Shelter
The Gist: Students gathered at UNO earlier this month for a feel good service project with a furry twist. Hosted by the Office of Engagement and the Nebraska Humane Society, the event invited students to turn recycled T-shirts into cozy blankets for shelter animals, mostly cats. As blankets came together, Humane Society volunteers strolled dogs through the atrium, offering plenty of tail wags and stress relief between classes.
Why It Matters: It paired hands-on giving with a moment of connection, supporting local shelter animals while building community on campus. The Nebraska Humane Society welcomes volunteers and adopters year round through its website.
Say hello to Uno, a 9 month old torti kitten with legendary toe beans.
This small Domestic Shorthair comes with a big helping of cattitude and prefers the quiet corners of life.
She is slowly discovering that toys, gentle voices, and kind humans might be worth her time after all. Uno will shine in a calm, patient home where she can build trust at her own pace.
She is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready at Town and Country Animal Rescue for $150.
To learn more about this sweet girl...
🐦 The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza | The Rose Theater | Omaha | 12/19–12/21 | More
This Mo Willems musical is a must-see holiday treat for kids and grown-ups alike.
🎨 Las Posadas at The Platform | The Durham Museum | Omaha | 12/20 | More
A kid-friendly holiday drop-in with themed activities, archive photos, & cultural traditions!
❄️ Frozen Live in Concert: Omaha Symphony | Holland Center | Omaha | 12/20 | More
Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends come to life with live orchestral music in this dazzling concert.
☕ Christmas at Zen West | Zen Coffee Company | Omaha | 12/20 | More
Celebrate the season with Santa, holiday crafts, and special cocoa & cookie flights!
🔥 Bright Nights Holiday Experience | Lauritzen Gardens | Omaha | until 12/23 | More
Evenings of lights, family fun zones, Santa sightings, and sparkling botanical beauty.
🌟 Holiday Lights Festival: RiverFront Lights & Shows | Gene Leahy Mall + Tri-Park | Omaha | until 1/1 | More
Fridays/Saturdays offer an extra “wow” of projected multimedia shows across the park.
🍹 Holiday Yacht Rock Night | Crescent Moon Ale House | Omaha | 12/18 | More
A tropical twist on Christmas featuring DJs, seasonal cocktails, craft beer, and dinner.
💚 The Grinch is in the House! | Monolithic Brewing | Omaha | 12/19 | More
One of Monolithic’s favorite traditions returns as the Grinch stops by for photos & laughs!
🏃♂️ Candy Cane Course Run | meet @ Inner Rail Food Hall | Omaha | 12/20 | More
Dash into the holidays with a 5K or 12K featuring designer shirts and finisher medals!
📸 Selfie with the Grinch | Nebraska Furniture Mart | Omaha | 12/20 | More
Snap a selfie with the Grinch and score a free gift during this cheerful stop.
🎶 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Orpheum Theater | Omaha | 12/20–12/21 | More
Lush arrangements, modern flair, and Christmas music that’s become a seasonal tradition.
🐾 Cat Supply Holiday Donation Drive | Felius Cat Cafe | Omaha | until 12/31 | More
Drop off new cat supplies and enjoy 10% off any coffee bar drink as a thank-you.
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