Your Official Downtown Lincoln Holiday Event Guide

 

Everything going on this December in downtown Lincoln, all in one place. 

 

FUN FOR THE KIDS

CandyHouse Funshop

December 1-2, 8-9, 13, 15-16, 20 | Lincoln Children's Museum

Bring your family, your coworkers, or your friends and make some classic holiday memories by booking a session of Candyhouse Funshop at the Lincoln Children's Museum! The museum provides all the materials, including a cardboard candyhouse, three colors of frosting and endless kinds of candy and decorations. You create your masterpiece to take home, and best of all, leave all the mess! Sign up now for a 45-minute session in December, or get a take-home kit and do it when the relatives visit. 

Register here.

Pricing:
Member: $30 per house
Non-Member: $40 per house
Take Home Kit: $25

 

Railyard Ice Rink Skating

December 1 - February 28  | The Railyard Lincoln

The Railyard Ice Rink is a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink that has become a special wintertime tradition. Come with your family and friends to skate and enjoy a hot beverage or a bite to eat from any of the Public Market or Railyard businesses. The Railyard Ice Rink is open seven days a week, with private party rentals, group rates and gift certificates available to purchase. Admission is free for all ages. Every skater must check in at the ice rink skate hut to sign a waiver of liability and receive a wristband before entering the rink. Parents/legal guardians must sign for children under 18. Visit their website to download and sign the waiver.

Admission is free for all ages. Every skater must check in at the ice rink skate hut to sign a waiver of liability and receive a wristband before entering the rink. Parents/legal guardians must sign for children under 18. Visit their website to download and sign the waiver.

Skate Rentals:
Children: $6
Adults 12 and up: $9

 

Grinch Fest 2018

December 2 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Marcus Lincoln Grand Cinema

Annual Christmas fundraiser to benefit the Foodbank of Lincoln. Doors open at 10:00am, with movies beginning at 11:00am. This year’s movies are “The Star” and the classic “A Christmas Story.” Entry is free with a goodwill donation of 5 (or more) non-perishable food items per person. Santa and the GRINCH will be in attendance, along with many other Christmas characters! 

The event will have a photographer that will be able to take individual or group pictures with Santa (free of charge). All pictures will be posted to the Facebook page after the event. 

Pricing: FREE with donation of 5 (or more) non-perishable food items per person
 

Holidays in the Haymarket

November 30, December 7 & 14 | 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Historic Haymarket

Free horse and sleigh rides, sponsored by Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation from 6-9 p.m (pick up point is in front of the Creamery building 7th & P street.) Santa will be strolling the area, as well as entertainment on 7th & P Street in front of the Creamery Building. Come join the holiday fun! Donations happily accepted for horse & sleigh rides.

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra Presents: Deck the Halls

December 1 | 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. | Lied Center for Performing Arts

Kick off the season with LSO’s annual holiday pops concerts, performing favorites from The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Returning due to popular demand, dancers from Chase Dance, Tap This!, Bring Out Your Swag, and Dancing Beyond Limits will again take the stage, as well as a special appearance by UNL’s own Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Lincoln’s premiere handbell choir Bell-issimo, Lincoln Suzuki students and the winner of LSO’s annual Young Artist Competition will also join the orchestra for this holiday celebration. Join LSO for an afternoon or evening performance!

Buy tickets here.

Pricing:
Adult tickets: $15 / $35
Youth 17 and under: $5

 

2018 Holiday Extravaganza with Pianist Lorie Line

December 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Rococo Theater

Pianist Lorie Line once again will bring the true meaning of Christmas to town with her 2018 HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA. This year’s theme, Lord Of Lords, is a sequel to last year’s “best ever” show. Not to miss, Ms. Line will bring her Pop Chamber Orchestra and a guest vocalist along with her concert grand piano that will take center stage. 

Buy tickets here.

Pricing:
All seats: $57
Groups of 10 or more: $52

 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Symphonic Band Performance

December 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Kimball Recital Hall

Join the Symphonic Band for its program Eat, Drink and Be Merry on Thursday, December 6. Professor of Trombone Dr. Scott Anderson joins the ensemble as soloist for Johann de Meij’s T-Bone Concerto. Works by Warren Benson, Zachary Friedland, Serge Prokofiev, Julie Giroux and John Mackey will also be featured. The Symphonic Band is conducted by Prof. Tony Falcone with a guest appearance by Graduate Assistant Conductor Christopher Brandt.

Pricing:
General Admission: $5
Students and Seniors: $3

 

Toy Drive for Pine Ridge Benefit Concert

December 6 | 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. | The Zoo Bar

Benefit for the Toy Drive for Pine Ridge featuring:
Gerardo Meza and the Dead of Night
The Levi William Band
Lash LaRue & the Hired Guns

All toys and proceeds go to Toy Drive for Pine Ridge.

Pricing:
General Admission: $10 OR a new, unwrapped toy

 

SPUMMA: St. Paul United Methodist Music & Art

December 7 | 12 p.m. | St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St. 

Enjoy a free concert in the Sanctuary: an Elizabethan Christmas featuring the Nebraska Wesleyan Chamber Singers, Comedia players, trumpet consort and early music ensemble. 

An art exhibit in Paine Parlor will also feature the work of Julia Noyes. Her work is influenced by her considerable travels abroad. Her abstract expressionistic style focuses on energy, color, texture and composition. She encourages the viewer to interpret their own visual experience. The exhibit will remain in place for the month of December. 

The McKinley Bells, played by Nancy L. Schoen, will be heard from the church tower and also broadcast into the Sanctuary prior to the concert. 

Lunch ($5) will be available in the dining room from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The annual Holiday Cookie Walk will also be held in the dining room beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Pricing: FREE

 

Hannah Huston: Believe in Christmas CD Release Show

December 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Rococo Theater

Soul-inspired vocalist Hannah Huston was a preschool teacher in Lincoln, Nebraska when she auditioned for season ten (2016) of the U.S. singing competition The Voice. A native of Grand Island, Huston performed Allen Stone's "Unaware" for the show's coaches. Three of the four -- Pharrell Williams, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton -- wanted her for their teams. Huston selected Williams, and with his support, she reached the season's final four.

VIP/Dance Floor Tickets includes (1) CD of the new release Believe in Christmas. Youth Ticket is for children 12 and under and only available on the 3rd Floor Balcony. All minors must be accompanied by and adult 21+.

Buy tickets here.

Pricing:
Adult: $30-$50
Child: $15 (12 and under, balcony only)

 

The Holiday Cabaret: Nebraska Repertory Theatre

December 13 - 16 | Lied Center Studio Theater

Join the Rep for a naughty and nice musical revue featuring holiday standards, a live band, comedy and a cash bar.

Produced by the Nebraska Repertory Theater.

Showtimes:

Thursday, December 13, 2018, 7:30 PM

Friday, December 14, 2018, 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 15, 2018, 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 16, 2018, 2:00 PM

Pricing:
Regular: $30
Student or Youth: $15 

 

Winter Heat (A Bass Music Experience)

December 14 | 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. | The Bourbon

The return of WINTER HEAT! 

Featuring: The EZB stage design, including upgraded lighting and visuals.

Your Bass Conductors:
Zarkilor, NBD, RVGER, Odinson, Hyddin, djblac, EZB

Doors 7 p.m. | Music 8 p.m.

Buy presale tickets here

Pricing:
Presale: $5
DOS: $10

 

Winter Reflections: Lincoln Boys Choir

December 16 | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Saint Paul United Methodist Church

The annual December Lincoln Boys Choir concert.

The Lincoln Boys Choir consists of organized choral groups which promote healthy, lifetime singing skills through musical performance and strive to: instill a sense of self-confidence and achievement through a commitment to excellence; promote fellowship among boys from different schools and backgrounds; and provide educational and enrichment opportunities through domestic and international travel and performance.

Buy tickets here.

Pricing:
Adult: $15
Youth (18 and under): $12

 

Harry Connick, Jr. - A New Orleans Tricentennial Celebration...Holiday Edition

December 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Lied Center for Performing Arts

Join Harry and his amazing band as they celebrate New Orleans’ three hundredth birthday and the influences that shaped his career.  Enjoy the evening as Harry toasts this beloved city and also performs a selection of holiday favorites.  

Harry Connick, Jr. has exemplified excellence in every aspect of the entertainment world. He has received recognition with multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards as well as Tony nominations for his live and recorded musical performances, his achievements on screens large and small and his appearances on Broadway as both an actor and a composer. The foundation of Connick’s art is the music of his native New Orleans, where he began performing as a pianist and vocalist at the age of five.

Buy tickets here.

Pricing:
Pit/Orchestra: Sold Out
Balcony: $50 - $120

 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

December 20 | 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Lied Center for Performing Arts

GRAMMY® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show featuring Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from Davis’ groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller, an American favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years.

Showtimes:

Thursday, December 20, 2018, 3:00 PM

Thursday, December 20, 2018, 7:30 PM

Pricing:
Pit/Orchestra: $34.50 - $99
Balcony: $34.50 - $89

 

A Darryl White Christmas - Jazz at Boiler Grand Hall

December 21 | 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. | Boiler Grand Hall, 129 N. 10th St. 

Join Boiler Brewing Co. Friday, December 21 for The Darryl White Trio Jazz Christmas Concert! Darryl will be joined by Hans Sturm on bass and Kevin Lloyd on keyboard. Boiler Grand Hall hosted the same trio last year for a Christmas show that sold out- make sure to get your tickets early.

Boiler Grand Hall is located on the third floor of the Grand Manse building at 129 North 10th Street in downtown Lincoln, NE. Brought to you by Boiler Brewing Company, Jazz in June, Downtown Lincoln, and The Eagle Group. Boiler Brewing Company beers will be on tap. Doors open at 7:30 PM. Show starts at 8 PM.

Jazz has a new home in Lincoln.

RSVP to the Facebook event

Buy tickets

Pricing:
General Admission: $10

 

Jack Hotel Presents: A Very Holiday Barrelhouse

December 27 | 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Zoo Bar

A special holiday edition of Thursday Afternoon Barrelhouse featuring music by the bar, food, tons of special guests, and maybe even a freakin' holiday song or two!

RSVP to the Facebook event

Pricing: NO COVER

 

 

 

 

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THEATRE

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 7 & 8 |  Lied Center for Performing Arts

There's no place like the ballet, especially at Christmastime. Join the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company Friday, December 7 at 7:00 and Saturday, December 8 at 11:00 and 4:00, as they present the beloved holiday favorite, the Nutcracker, to the Lincoln community.

Nearly 200 dance students from southeastern Nebraska star in this annual performance that also features a live orchestra and nationally-known guest artists. The classic story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the finest choreography, costumes, and scenery, making this production a treasured community tradition.

Showtimes:

Friday, December 7, 2018, 7:00PM

Saturday, December 8, 2018, 11:00AM

Saturday, December 8, 2018, 4:00PM

Pricing:
Pit/Orchestra: $19 - $49
Balcony: $19 - $49

 

Elf, Jr. - The Musical

December 13 - 16 |  Haymarket Theatre

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his stepbrother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This modern day holiday classic is sure to make every young performer embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Performances: 12/13-12/15 at 7 p.m. and 12/15 & 12/16 at 2 p.m.

Buy tickets here.

Pricing:
General Admission: $12
Student & Senior: $10

 

Amahl and the Night Visitors (Gian Carlo Menotti)

December 8 | 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. | Temple Building Studio Theatre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The tradition continues. Three mysterious Kings arrive at the home of a poor mother and her son. This heartwarming story of kindness, generosity, and miracles will be the perfect start to the holiday season for the entire family.

Performances at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Pricing: FREE

 

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EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY

The Christmas Parody Show

December 1 | 8:45 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. | DAS HAUS

Mr. And Miss Freedom of Nebraska Present "The Christmas Parody Show." Comedy and Christmas Songs, what could go wrong?

Drinks at 9 p.m.

Show at 10 p.m.

Pricing:
21+: $5 cover
19-20: $10 cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paws & Draws: Holiday Edition

December 2 | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. | 1867 Bar

Santa will be joining Paws & Draws again this year at 1867! He will be set up in the 1867 venue with Always and Furever taking photos with your pups! $10 for one dog and $15 for two dogs. All the money will be donated to Revolution Rescue.

Every first Sunday is Paws and Draws. A fun way to raise money for those pups in need. Every draw that your purchase 1867 Bar will donate $1 to Revolution Rescue. 

Formed in 2015, Revolution Rescue is a local all volunteer, foster based dog (and cat) rescue that concentrates on working with shelters and humane societies to save the lives of at-risk animals. We offer the alternative to euthanasia, which is fostering, rehabilitating, and re-homing adoptable pets. We are dedicated to making a positive difference for any and all animals that come into Revolution Rescue, so that their transition to their forever homes will go as smoothly as possible. We encourage everyone to save the life of a shelter pet by adopting...we promise, you won't be sorry! Rescue IS the best breed. 

Beer Paws joins us every month selling their doggy beer, shirts and sweatshirts for you and your pup, and their very popular dog treats made out of the spent grains from local breweries.

Pricing: NO COVER

 

Harry Potter Party

December 14 & 15 | 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Alchemy 

Harry Potter Party Friday Dec. 14 and Saturday Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.

There will be a $20 cover at the door. The cover will go towards Harry Potter themed Hor d'oeuvres and treats.

Alchemy encourages everyone to dress the part.

You must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door. This is a first come, first serve party so you may want to get there a bit early to secure a spot. The doors open promptly at 6 p.m. Please drink responsibly.

Cover: $20

Night at the North Pole Beer Dinner with Zipline Brewing Co.

December 18 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | HopCat Lincoln

Join HopCat for a night of holiday food & beer magic, featuring an exclusive 4-course dining experience paired with some of the finest beers from Zipline Brewing Co.

Welcoming Beer: Copper Alt / Altbier / 5.2%

First Course: Smoked Salmon Cakes
- Paired w/ Alpha Modern / Session IPA / 5%

Second Course: Walnut & Berry Salad
- Paired w/ Zipline IPA / American IPA / 6.5%

Third Course: Prime Rib w/ Beer & Bacon Brussel Sprouts & Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Paired w/ 2018 BA Barleywine / Port BA American Barleywine / 12.3%

Dessert: Heath Brownie w/ Cinnamon Whiskey Ice Cream
- Paired w/ Mocha Stout / American Stout w/ Coffee & Chocolate / 6.7%

RSVP to the Facebook event here.

Get tickets here.

Tickets: $45

 

Nightmare Before Christmas Trivia

December 21 | 7 p.m. | 1867 Bar

Nightmare Before Christmas TRIVIA

8 Rounds of 8 Questions that’ll last 2 hours. 

Starting at 7pm. 

You can have a Team of 6, so bring a variety of friends to increase your chance of dominance. 
We do what we do.

Oh, and did we mention it's FREE. 
NO COVER, ALL PRIZES.

Best case scenario : 
YOU walk away with prizes & bragging rights.
5 "bonus" beer giveaways always

Worst case scenario : 
You learn something, I always hate when that happens. 

Great cocktails, Local Brews, Pets allowed, and some great people.

Pricing: FREE

 

A Totally 80s X-MAS

December 21 | 8 p.m. | The Bourbon

with DJ Relic!

Doors: 8 p.m. || Music: 9 p.m. || 18 & Over

Join the Bourbon for an 80's themed X-Mas dance party! Costumes & X-Mas paraphernalia are encouraged!

Pricing:
$5 cover
$2 Minor Fee at the Door