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- 💰 Welcome wage bump hits Nebraska on Jan 1
💰 Welcome wage bump hits Nebraska on Jan 1
Fireworks, bubble drops, and a first grader’s Christmas magic (plus more local joy inside)
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We’re almost there: just one day left in 2025. Whether you’re heading out for fireworks or staying in with fuzzy socks and a good book, we hope you close the year feeling warm, loved, and proud of how far you’ve come.
The weather’s been surprisingly kind this week, and Omaha is shining, from glowing gardens to bustling bookstores to free ice skating. We’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate, explore, or just take a breath.
And if you need one last dose of feel-good? A local first grader used her “blessing money” to brighten Christmas for NICU babies. ❤️
In today’s Scoop:
🎁 A Small Gift, Big Hearts
💵 A Pay Raise Arrives
❄️ Winter Glow, Local Escapes
💛 Glow, Gather, Give Back
❄️ Seafood With Seasonal Sparkle
Bonefish Grill settled into the holidays with an inviting glow: candlelit tables, a lively bar, and a menu that leans into winter indulgence.
Seasonal favorites like Lobster Stuffed Shrimp, cedar plank salmon, and rich desserts make it a natural choice for cold nights out, while festive cocktails add a little extra cheer.
Plan around Bang Wednesday, when $7 Bang Bang Shrimp® turns an ordinary evening into a small celebration. Polished, welcoming, and reliably satisfying.
🩷 On Stocked Shelves, Your 2026 Reads Await
Pop Fiction Bookstore is a little winter escape: bright walls, bold books, and a welcoming buzz that makes you want to stay awhile.
Opened this spring, it highlights women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ voices, with standout picks and an unexpectedly strong horror section.
Extended seasonal hours help with last-minute gifting, book clubs are already lining up for the new year, and recommendations come with zero judgment and lots of heart.
🎄 First-Grader Brings Christmas Cheer to NICU Babies
The Gist: A Nebraska first-grader named E is spreading holiday warmth in a big way. Using her own “blessing money,” she bought and donated 16 decorated Christmas trees to neonatal intensive care units across the state. The tradition is personal for E, who spent time in the NICU herself as a newborn. Each tree comes with lights and ornaments, and families can take them home after discharge.
Why It Matters: For families spending the holidays in the hospital, these small trees bring comfort, joy, and a reminder they are not alone.
💰 Nebraska's Minimum Wage Jumps to $15 on Jan. 1
The Gist: Starting January 1, Nebraska’s minimum wage rises from $13.50 to $15 an hour, a change approved by voters back in 2022. It applies statewide, including Omaha and Lincoln, and puts Nebraska among a growing group of states reaching the $15 mark. Tipped workers will still earn a base wage of $2.13 per hour, but employers must ensure total pay meets the minimum.
Why It Matters: For many local workers, this means a bigger paycheck and more spending power at neighborhood businesses. Beginning in 2027, Nebraska’s minimum wage will increase annually based on cost-of-living changes.
Patches is proof that the best things come with a little patience.
With a lot of charm, this 1.5 year old domestic short hair at Felius Cat Cafe takes time to warm up, but once she does, her playful and affectionate nature shines.
She loves cat grass, wand toys, and cozy hideaways. Patches is spayed, vaccinated, litter trained, good with cats, and requires a kidney support diet. Adoption fee is $100.
To learn more about this sweet girl...
🫧 Bubbly New Year’s Eve Bash | Children’s Museum | Omaha | 12/31 | More
A joyful daytime party designed just for kids, featuring bubble shows & hands-on crafts.
🎇 NYE Firework Extravaganza | Heartland of America Park | Omaha | 12/31 | More
Watch the sky sparkle with a choreographed display you can enjoy from downtown.
🦖 Noon Year’s Eve at Union Station | The Durham Museum | Omaha | 12/31 | More
Celebrate early with kid-friendly music, crafts, and a countdown-to-noon balloon drop.
✨ Bright Nights: Final Week Glow | Lauritzen Gardens | Omaha | until 1/4 | More
Stroll a sparkling wonderland with illuminated conservatories, & festive installations!
❄️ Warm Hands, Full Hearts: Winter Care Kits | Paradise Found | Omaha | 1/4 | More
A hands-on service event focused on warmth, kindness, and giving back.
⛸️ Winterland: Free Public Ice Skating | Heartwood Preserve | Omaha | until 2/1 | More
Complimentary ice skating all season: reservations required and fun for every skill level.
🥩 New Year’s Eve Celebration | Sullivan’s Steakhouse | Omaha | 12/31 | More
An elegant New Year’s Eve featuring signature steaks, fresh seafood, & a champagne toast.
🎶 House of Loom Presents NYE | Benson Theatre | Omaha | 12/31 | More
Ring in 2026 with house and daydreamer vibes, live percussion, & project mapping.
💿 Blacklight New Year’s Eve | The Tavern | Omaha | 12/31 | More
Dress in neon and ring in the New Year under blacklights with friends, drinks, & music.
🎆 NYE Bays & Beats | Topgolf | Omaha | 12/31 | More
Reserve a bay for up to six and enjoy golf games, shareable snacks, & sweet treats!
👑 12th Night at the Castle: Madrigal Dinner | Joslyn Castle | Omaha | 1/2–1/3 | More
A Tudor-inspired celebration with catered dining, costumed performers, & choral music.
🖤 The New Wave (21+) | The Verdict Bar & Grill | Omaha | 1/3 | More
A moody, high-energy night of synth, goth, new romantic, and classic alternative hits!
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