Omaha Holiday Lights Festival 2025 Illuminates Nebraska’s Tourism Scene, Supporting Hunger Relief Efforts Amid Volatile Times: Know More

Published on November 20, 2025

Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival is set to light up the city’s streets, creating a dazzling spectacle that will run from November 29 through January 1, offering a festive atmosphere that highlights both the spirit of the season and the need for community solidarity. As part of the celebration, the festival also partners with the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, aiming to provide millions of meals to those in need during one of the most challenging times in the region’s history.

This year’s event is particularly significant as it underscores the growing issues of food insecurity and hunger, affecting many families across Nebraska. The city’s tourism industry, already buoyed by the increasing popularity of seasonal festivals, is now tied to a deeper cause: raising awareness and contributing to essential food relief efforts. The Holiday Lights Festival has long been a staple of Omaha’s cultural calendar, drawing both locals and tourists to the city for a festive, immersive experience. However, this year’s event carries an added layer of meaning, with local businesses, residents, and visitors coming together to provide vital support for the region’s most vulnerable.

The Intersection of Tourism and Community Action in Omaha

For over two decades, the Holiday Lights Festival has been a highlight for Omaha, with twinkling lights illuminating the iconic Gene Leahy Mall and extending across 72 acres of The Riverfront park system. From the Old Market to the 24th Street commercial corridors, the lights offer more than just an aesthetic pleasure—they serve as a beacon of hope. But beyond the breathtaking displays, this year’s event highlights a more profound initiative: addressing the escalating hunger crisis facing the region.

The Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, running concurrently with the festival, seeks to raise much-needed resources for the Food Bank for the Heartland, an organization that supports 93 counties across Nebraska and western Iowa. The campaign sets a bold goal of providing 6 million meals, a figure that reflects the increasing need for food assistance in a year marked by unprecedented disruptions like the government shutdown and the pause in SNAP benefits.

The involvement of Omaha’s local businesses, including Conagra Brands, Farm Credit Services of America, and WoodmenLife, in the hunger relief initiative adds a layer of depth to the tourism experience. Visitors who attend the festival are not only treated to vibrant displays of holiday cheer but are also given the opportunity to participate in something much larger—a collective effort to address a dire need in the community.

This intersection of holiday tourism and charitable giving creates a unique experience for tourists. As families and visitors flock to the Gene Leahy Mall and The Riverfront, they are not just enjoying a stunning light display—they are witnessing a tangible, community-driven effort to combat food insecurity. It’s an event that unites people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of responsibility, solidarity, and compassion while enhancing the city’s reputation as a destination that values both cultural richness and social responsibility.

Impact on Nebraska’s Tourism Sector

The Holiday Lights Festival is more than just an event—it is a reflection of the city’s larger commitment to community values. For the tourism sector, the festival plays a crucial role in driving seasonal visitors to Omaha, contributing significantly to local businesses and attractions. Visitors from across the state and even out of state are drawn to the event, adding a tourism boost to the local economy. The festival attracts thousands of families, businesses, and tourists, all contributing to the growth of local commerce during a crucial period in the tourism calendar.

Tourism-related activities during the festival—ranging from the KETV Family Festival to the “Stuff the Truck” event—also present opportunities for collaboration between hospitality services, cultural institutions, and retail businesses. These activities help position Omaha as a holiday destination for those looking for a family-friendly escape with a heartwarming cause. The influx of tourists during the holiday season stimulates not only the city’s hotel and restaurant industries but also local arts and culture venues like the Joslyn Art Museum and the Durham Museum, all of which benefit from the increased foot traffic the event brings.

Moreover, the KETV Family Festival, held on December 7, further solidifies Omaha’s place on the holiday tourism map by offering free admission to multiple venues, making it an affordable destination for families. With trolleys connecting six cultural sites, the festival encourages visitors to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene, all while contributing to a noble cause.

A Call to Action for Tourists and Residents Alike

The combination of a vibrant holiday celebration with a powerful hunger relief campaign offers tourists and locals alike an opportunity to give back during their holiday travels. Tourists can actively participate in the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign by donating nonperishable foods or funds online, or by attending the “Stuff the Truck” event, which encourages hands-on participation.

By donating at participating sites like Baker’s Supermarkets or arts and cultural organizations, tourists can have a direct impact on their visit, transforming a festive outing into a meaningful experience. This integration of tourism and philanthropy highlights Omaha as a city that not only provides joy and entertainment but also emphasizes the importance of social good during a season of giving.

With local businesses contributing to the cause and tourists engaging in the campaign, the Holiday Lights Festival becomes a platform that encourages collective action, fostering a spirit of community unity. The emphasis on volunteerism, alongside holiday festivities, creates an experience that appeals to tourists seeking more than just entertainment—those looking for a way to contribute and make a difference in a community they are visiting.

A City United by Light and Hope

As Omaha celebrates the season with its dazzling light displays, it is important to remember the greater mission of the event. It is a reminder that even in times of uncertainty and hardship, there is power in coming together as a community—whether that community is made up of residents, businesses, or visitors. The Holiday Lights Festival, as part of the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, embodies the true spirit of the season: light, hope, and compassion.

For tourists, the festival offers more than just a festive atmosphere; it presents an opportunity to connect with the community, participate in a local tradition, and contribute to a cause that affects many. The Food Bank for the Heartland continues to rely on the generosity of all those who attend the festival, donate to the cause, or volunteer their time. In a city known for its warm hospitality, this year’s Holiday Lights Festival represents a powerful fusion of holiday tourism and social responsibility, a model for other cities to follow in blending tourism with charitable action.

As the Holiday Lights Festival shines brightly throughout Omaha, it does so not only by bringing light to the city but by illuminating the needs of the community. It is a reminder that tourism, at its heart, is not just about exploring new places but also about contributing to the world around us—one small act of kindness at a time.