Whether your kids are on winter break or you're hosting family and friends for the Christmas season, here are some holiday celebrations and activities to partake in around Lancaster County.
Here are some of this week's events.
Santa sightings
Santa at the Station at Hickman Fire Station, 401 W. Seventh St., Hickman.
Stop by to see Santa at the Hickman Fire Station for a meet and greet and photos on Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. There will also be cookies and hot chocolate.
Santa Meet and Greet at Advanced Chiropractic Solutions, 3121 S. 11th St.
Share your Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus during this night of family fun. Take pictures, sip hot chocolate and make some crafts on Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
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Pictures with Santa at Barnes & Noble, 2910 Pine Lake Road.
Santa will be available for photos on Friday, Saturday and Monday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday and Tuesday from noon to 5 p.m. Photo package pricing ranges from $10 to $28 with additional add-ons available.Ìý
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Rock ’n’ Joe Coffee Bar, 5025 Lindberg St.
Bring your wish list for Santa and get a cookie and hot chocolate. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available Saturday from 9-11 a.m.
Santa Saturday at West Gate Bank, 6003 Old Cheney Road.
Take pictures with Santa and bring new, unwrapped toy donations for the People's City Mission. Santa will be available for pictures on Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m.
Storytime with Santa at the Lincoln Children's Museum, 1420 P St.
Spend the day with Santa and his reindeer at the Lincoln Children's Museum on Saturday. Reindeer will be visiting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a story time starts at 2 p.m. Photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and the sleigh will follow until 4:30 p.m. The day will also include hands-on activities, such as crafting reindeer "food." Admission is free for museum members. General admission ranges from $12 to $16.
Pawfection Love with Santa at Pet Wants Lincoln, 5200 S. 48th St., Suite 2.
Bring your furry friend to take a picture with Santa followed by pet treats. Santa will be available for pictures from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Ice skating Christmas karaoke at the Railyard Lincoln, 300 Canopy St.
Hosted by Elite Karaoke, show off your ice-skating skills or sing your favorite Christmas song in the Railyard. The event is Sunday at 4 p.m. and Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.
Visitors to the Railyard skate on the ice rink on Dec. 21, 2023. Elite Karaoke is hosting a ice-skating and karaoke event at the Railyard on Sunday at 4 p.m. and Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.
Christmas celebrations
Blue Christmas Service at Denton United Methodist Church, 9335 W. Third St., Denton.
This church service is meant to lift the spirits of those suffering during the Christmas season. United Methodist Church invites all those to the Blue Christmas Service to lament and heal. A meal for all will follow. The service is Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Grinchy Christmas Saturday at Frontier Harley-Davidson, 205 N.W. 40th St.
The Grinch is making a stop at Harley-Davidson for some free family fun Saturday. From 10-11 a.m., enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa before the festivities begin. Pictures with the Grinch are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And for those who are Grinch-shy, the festively decorated photo area will be open for pictures without the Grinch from 2-5 p.m.
Holiday Festival Celebration at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A St.
Hosted by the Malone Center, this free family event includes food, games, prizes, books and Christmas gifts for children. The event is Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
Holiday activities
Holiday crafts at Corky Canvas, 3700 S. Ninth St.
Get your creative side going while enjoying a glass of wine with art classes before the new year. On Wednesday at 6 p.m., paint a Grinchmas scene with a partner for $30. On Friday at 6:30 p.m., learn to paint a Christmas cat for $40. On Saturday, paint a Snoopy's Christmas scene at 1 p.m. for $35 or paint a winter twilight at 7 p.m. for $40. On Sunday, learn to paint a stacked snowman at 1 p.m. for $35, or a holiday truck at 6:30 p.m. for $40. The following weekend, paint a winter scene at 7 p.m. Friday, winter hills with a partner at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, or a winter mountain landscape at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, each priced at $40. Also on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., create a door sign starting at $25.Ìý
Cooking class for holiday entertaining at Art & Soul, 5740 Hidcote Drive, Suite A.
This week's cooking menu includes bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, steak crostini, winter squash flatbread and a mistletoe margarita. The class is $115 and limited tickets are available. The holiday class is 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Holiday cookie decorating class at the Urban Farmhouse Room, 3900 Yankee Hill Road.
Learn some tips on decorating sugar cookies with buttercream frosting in this holiday class. Led by Shmily Tree Cakery, each participant will decorate six sugar cookies. The class is Thursday at 7 p.m. and is $25 per person. Reserve your spot online.
Holiday lights bike ride at Cycle Works, 2741 Vine St.
Dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, reindeer or wear your favorite ugly sweater to form a parade of Christmas bikers. Helmets and lights, both front and rear, are required. Participants will meet at Cycle Works at 5 p.m. on Saturday for hot cider, cookies and socializing. The ride will then leave at 6 p.m. and end at Yia Yia's for pizza and cold beverages.
Christmas caroling at St. Teresa Catholic School, 616 S. 36th St.
Join the School Sisters of Christ the King for an afternoon of Christmas caroling. The group will meet at the school at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday and split up to carol in various locations. Dinner will be served at St. Teresa afterward. Women ages 12 to 35 are invited.
Pizza wreath workshop at White Elm Brewing Company, 720 Van Dorn St.
Decorate your own holiday pizza wreath to take home to bake. Golden Goat's Pizza's premium bruschetta will be served during the class. Tickets for the class are $30 and pints of local craft beer are discounted at $4. Register in advance online for Sunday's class from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Merry markets
Holiday soirée at Bailey Pointe, 7208 Van Dorn St.
Enjoy light bites, festive refreshments, live music, raffle prizes and Christmas carols. Guests are invited to take a tour of the community at the event. To reserve a spot, call 402-656-6298. The event will last from 2:30-4 p.m. on Thursday.
All the Jingle Ladies shopping event at Painted Tree Lincoln, 2960 Pine Lake Road.
Enjoy seasonal treats and live music and visit unique businesses while shopping for last-minute gifts. The event is Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
Falling Snow Craft Fair at Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St.
Finish your last-minute Christmas shopping while supporting local small businesses with more than 150 vendors to pick from. The indoor market is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Harvest Market at Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall, 241 Victory Lane.
This indoor market includes access to fresh food from local family farmers and producers. The market is free to attend on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drinks and entertainment
Give Back holiday-themed trivia night at White Elm Brewing Company, 720 Van Dorn St.
Test your holiday knowledge about movies, music, history, pop culture and more with this festive trivia night. Bring a canned or non-perishable food item to donate and get a $3 pint. Metamodern BBQ will be serving at 5 p.m. until sold out. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Barrel Room.Ìý
Christmas music bingo and Porkccentric at Backswing Brewing Co., 500 W. South St.
Play Christmas music bingo, drink some beer and enjoy food from a local food truck. Bingo is free to play and will last from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday. Porkccentric will serve nachos and tacos at 5:30 p.m.
Christmas movies trivia night at Wine, Beer & Spirits, 5220 N. 27th St.
Grab a drink, wear your best holiday pajamas and test your Christmas movie knowledge on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.Ìý
"Christmas Vacation" trivia at Boiler Brewing Company, 129 N. 10th St.
See how much you know about "Christmas Vacation" at this themed trivia night on Thursday at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served and it is free to play.Ìý
Christmas-themed music bingo at Off Leash Dog Bar, 1975 M St.
Enjoy some holiday-hits bingo and sip on seasonal drink specials. Wear an ugly sweater and enjoy 10% off your tab. Waivers must be signed for dogs and owners. Event is for those over 21 years old. Bingo is 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday.Ìý
Darryl White Christmas at Boiler Brewing Company, 129 N. 10th St.
Three days of live music are set for Boiler Brewing Company featuring Darryl White on trumpet. Each show is limited to 50 general admission tickets with seating being first come, first served. The shows on Friday and Saturday start at 8 p.m. Sunday's show is at 3 p.m. Purchase tickets online in advance for $25.
Christmas rooftop show atÌýBierhaus Maisschäler, 737 P St.
Featuring Andrea Von Kampen, this rooftop show is Saturday at 2 p.m. General admission is $25. VIP tickets are $100 and include a meet and greet with Andrea, a signed whiskey bottle and early access at 1 p.m.
The Grinch Returns: Concert and toy drive at the Royal Grove, 340 W. Cornhusker Hwy.
Live performances include DJ Dany Ayo, STACKX7, JBreed, Alfredo Herrera and KG Boog. Admission is $10 at the door or free with a new clothing item or toy donation. The event is Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Ìý
Ugly sweater contest and karaoke party at DAME, 2713 N. 48th St.
Dress up in your ugly sweater while sipping holiday cocktails and mocktails. Karaoke party starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Sweater contest and prizes at midnight.
Ugly sweater party at Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St.
Wear your ugly sweater while enjoying live music. Performers include Alli and I, Brad Hoffman, Orion Walsh and Rich Confer. General admission is $10. Doors open on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m.
Ugly Xmas Party at Lancaster's Lounge, 3800 Old Cheney Road.
Get your ugly Christmas sweater out for a party at Lancaster's Lounge on Friday. Lazzari's Pizza and cupcakes will be available at 5 p.m. and happy hour deals run from 3-7 p.m. The ugly sweater contest winners will be announced at 11 p.m.Ìý
Ugly sweater party at the North Pole at Captain Jack's Bar, 140 N. 12th St.
Dress your holiday worst for this party on Friday at 7 p.m. Prizes for the top three ugliest sweaters will be announced at 10 p.m.Ìý
McKinney's Ugly Sweater Party at McKinney'sÌýIrish Pub, 151 N. Eighth St., Suite 140.
Wear your favorite ugly sweater with prizes available for the most creative sweaters. Food, drinks and prizes start at 9 p.m. Saturday.
Real Christmas trees are beautiful; however, if you buy them too early, then they’re often dead by Christmas day.Ìý Therefore, whether you’ve bought your tree yet or are late to the party, here are a few ways to make your real Christmas tree last longer.Ìý The needles of a healthy Christmas tree should feel soft and supple; if they feel brittle, then don’t buy the tree.Ìý When you bring your tree home, you should cut around a half-inch off the stump to improve water intake.Ìý You should be watering your tree every day to ensure the trunk doesn’t seal up.Ìý Choose a stand that can hold a large amount of water; this will allow the tree to drink more water and stay healthy.Ìý To prevent your tree from drying out, keep it away from heat sources and opt for LED lights.
Photos: Santa, face-painting and more at Hometown Christmas festival
Children, including Elise Suelter (from right), 12, and Leah Mulka, 14, both of Lincoln, sing Christmas carols during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday outside the Governor's Mansion.
People listen to a military band playing Christmas music during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday outside the Governor's Mansion.
People gather around a small petting zoo during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday outside the Governor's Mansion.
Roger Fuhr of Leigh (standing) shares a laugh after taking a photo with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and an elf — Mike Pethoud of Adams, Chris Obbink of Firth and Courtney Holliday of Adams, 16 — during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday at the Governor's Mansion.
Keandre Tomlin of Lincoln, 6, gets his face painted by Adeline Naviaux of Lincoln, 15, during the Hometown Christmas event on Sunday at the Governor's Mansion.
Evan Cook of Omaha, 15, wears a reindeer balloon hat during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday at the Governor's Mansion.
Demonstrators wave Palestine flags as people ride on a hayrack ride during the Hometown Christmas on Sunday at the Governor's Mansion. Pro-Palestine demonstrators interrupted the annual tree-lighting event at the state Capitol earlier in the day.
Cicely Wardyn of Lincoln adjusts an outdoor heater next to a Nativity scene during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday at the Governor's Mansion.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7241 or ajohnson2@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ajohnson6170
Alyssa Johnson
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