Holiday Happenings: Nov. 13

Through Friday – Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W. Mission, Bellevue, Neb., will present “It’s a Wonderful Life—a Live Radio Play” through Friday. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the theater at (402) 291-1554 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $9 for students.
Friday through Dec. 23 – “A Christmas Carol,” Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, on the Hawks Mainstage Theatre. Special shadow-interpreted performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audience will be held Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information, see ticketomaha.com/box-office or call (402) 345-0606 or toll-free (866) 434-8587.

Saturday through Dec. 31 – Gingerbread on Parade, daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Historical Kanesville Tabernacle, 222 E. Broadway. More than 100 gingerbread creations on display from area families. Live music Dec. 15 and 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sunday – The Historic General Dodge House presents “A Christmas Carol” performed by Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of author Charles Dickens, at 2 and 7 p.m. at Iowa Western Community College, Looft Hall, 2700 College Road. Tickets for 2 p.m. show are $55 for families, $20 for members, $20 for adults, $10 for children (8-16); tickets for 7 p.m. show are $35 for member or child (8-16), $40 for adult. Call (712) 322-2406 for tickets.
Nov. 20-Dec. 30 – Christmas at the Dodge House, 605 Third St. See the Victorian mansion decked out for the holidays, with more than 20 Christmas trees decorated with unique ornaments by local organizations. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Family nights Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 6-8 p.m. Admission on Family Nights $10 per family (limit two adults and dependent children or grandchildren). See Santa free Dec. 6 in Beresheim House. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days and throughout the month of January. For more information, see dodgehouse.org or call (712) 322-2406.
Nov. 22-Jan. 6 – Holiday Lights Festival starts with the CenturyLink Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony Nov. 22, 6-7 p.m. in the Gene Leahy Mall at 14th and Farnam streets, Omaha. Lighting display will be turned on each evening from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. through Jan. 6, 2013. Making Spirits Bright Holiday Concert is Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas streets. Free and features vocalist Susie Thorne accompanied by the Nebraska Wind Symphony. Pacific Life Sounds of the Season will run Saturdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 29, 7-8 p.m., featuring live musical performances in the Gene Leahy Mall and the Old Market. Wells Fargo Family Festival is Dec. 2, noon-5 p.m. Downtown arts and cultural institutions will provide free admission and hands-on activities for the entire family. Free trolley service to all participating locations. ConAgra Foods Ice Rink is open Dec. 14-Jan. 6 at 10th and Harney streets from 1 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 1 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; and 1 to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The rink will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. $5 admission includes skate rental, though patrons may bring their own skates. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular is Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Official viewing site is the Gene Leahy Mall; tune radio to Star 104.5 to enjoy the musical accompaniment.
Nov. 23-Dec. 16 – The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St., Omaha, presents “Madeline’s Christmas” on the main stage. Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. An additional performance will be Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Musical is best for ages 4 and older. Run time is 75 minutes with intermission. Tickets are $25-$20 reserved seats. Call (402) 345-4849 or purchase online at rosetheater.org. Discount ticket vouchers and a Roberts Dairy special purchase offer are available at Hy-Vee.
Nov. 23 – Christmas at Union Station, 4-7 p.m., The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha. Lighting of the tree, Santa, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, jazz singer Michael Walker. Concert series Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16. Ethnic holiday trees, Nov. 23-Jan. 6. Ethnic Holiday Festival Nov. 30, 5-9 p.m.
Nov. 23 – 6 p.m., Lighted Christmas Parade, Clarinda. Santa’s House open following in southwest corner of square, and again Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 23-24 – Christmas Antique Walk, Walnut. Merchants in Christmas finery will offer holiday treats and hot, spiced cider and coffee.
Nov. 23-Jan. 6 – Holiday Poinsettia Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens, First and Bancroft, Omaha. Thousands of poinsettias bursting with rich, vibrant color fill the floral display hall in a glowing tribute to the holidays. Admission is included with paid garden admission of $6 for adults and $3 for children age 6 to 12. Garden members and children under the age of 6 are admitted free of charge. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. For National Poinsettia Day, Dec. 12, the first 100 families will receive a free poinsettia (limit one per family) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 24 – “A Brulé Holiday” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha. Tickets priced $36, $39 and $41 are available at (402) 345-0606, online at TicketOmaha.com or at the Ticket Omaha box office at 13th and Douglas streets.
Nov. 24 – 1-3 p.m., Atlantic City Park, Atlantic. Santa’s Cabin and carriage rides.
Nov. 24 – Night the Lights Come On, Shenandoah. See 1,000 lights on 60-foot Christmas tree by city hall and lighted deer on corners. Stores open late.
Nov. 25, Dec. 1, 2, 9, 15, 16 and 23 – Holiday Harmony, Lauritzen Gardens. Live musical performances. Dec. 1, Southeast Nebraska Community Band, 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 2, A Ring of Flutes, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Neal Davis, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Dec. 9, Omaha Suzuki String Teacher Assoc., 11:30 a.m.; MasterSingers, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, Tangier Shrine Chanters, 1-2 p.m.; Dec. 16, A Ring of Flutes, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Lincoln Southeast Ars Nova, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 23, The Voice of Gael, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Salem Baptist Choir, 3-4 p.m. Included with regular garden admission. $6 for adults and $3 for children age 6 to 12. Garden members and children under the age of 6 are admitted to the garden free of charge. Holiday Happening is Dec. 1 and 2, noon to 4 p.m.; take pictures with Santa, hear stories of the season, enjoy holiday treats, walk through the poinsettia show and do a children’s craft activity. A $3 program fee for all participating children is charged, along with paid garden admission
Nov. 30 – Ballet Nebraska presents “The Nutcracker,” 8-10 p.m., Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road. For ticket information, see artscenter.iwcc.edu/tickets.asp or call (712) 388-7140 or (800) 432-5852, Ext. 7140.
Dec. 1 – Holiday Concert Collaboration, 3 p.m., Arts Center at IWCC. Holiday concert by Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and prepared reading of “The Nutcracker.” Free.
Dec. 1 - The 20th anniversary of the Festival of Trees in Malvern will have activities starting at 8 a.m. with Santa arriving on a vintage fire truck to the lower level of the Community Building; breakfast is served during his visit, and there will be crafts. Trees are on display on the upper level; visitors are asked to vote for their favorite trees in three categories. A Holiday Vendors’ Mall will be open. A soup luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. in the lower level while on the stage upstairs, the Something to Tap About dance performers will entertain beginning at noon. The Holiday Tour of Homes is open to public from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale prior to that day at the bank or may be purchased at the Community Building on Dec. 1. A pasta dinner with all the trimmings will be served that evening, $10 per ticket. Advanced tickets will be available at the bank or through any MABA member. At 7 p.m., the play “A Cricket County Wedding” will be presented (it will also be staged Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.) A freewill offering after the play will benefit local charities. Also that day, local artist Zack Jones will feature an art show with 10 area artists; wine and beer tasting plus live music.
Mulholland Grocery will feature a holiday open house with samples. Other local stores will have specials.
Dec. 1-31 – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will have a visit from Santa Claus Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15, who will swim among sharks, stingrays and sea turtles at the aquarium. Free with membership or paid admission. Supper With Santa will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium during Supper With Santa is held Dec. 20-23 from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring supper, crafts, pictures with Santa and more. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $15 per person for Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium members, $20 for non-members and children 2 and younger are free. Pre-registration is required. Penguins and Pancakes will be held Dec. 27-29 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., with pancakes from The Pancake Man, crafts and animal visits from the African penguins. Cost is $12 for members, $15 for non-members, children 2 and younger are free. Price includes a pancake breakfast, plush penguin toy and admission to the zoo. Tickets are non-refundable. Event is rain or shine. All children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Pre-registration is required and will be available December 2012. Noon Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with activities, entertainment and an early countdown to 2013 complete with a beach ball drop at noon. Free to members or with paid admission.
Dec. 2 – Preserve Council Bluffs presents the Historic Homes for the Holidays Tour from 2 to 5 p.m. Participating homes are located at 517 S. Fourth St., 215 S. Main St., 526 S. Third St., 286 High School Ave., 1703 Jane St., dresses occasions new hope 211 Park Ave. and 206 Park Ave. (boutique). Tickets are $15 and may be purchased the day of the event at any of the homes. Event benefits the restoration of the Bregant House.
Dec. 2-3 – Omaha’s Holiday Market is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Aksarben Village, 67th and Center streets, Omaha. Santa will visit with children Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Free.
Dec. 5 – The 19th annual Carson Christmas Celebration stars at 4 p.m. There will be a soup supper served by Carson Park Board, kids activities, CPW bake sale, craft and vendor show, decorated Christmas wreath contest and business open houses. Santa arrives at 7 p.m. “The Red Green Show” will be presented at the Dreamland Theatre at 6 and 7:30 p.m.; it includes musical selections from area talent, skits and each performance concluding with a Duct Tape Fashion Show. Streets will be lit with luminaries and a free shuttle will be provided. Proceeds benefit the Carson Park Board and Main Street Improvements. Activities and fun for all ages.
Dec. 6-9 – Wilson Performing Arts Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Red Oak, presents “The Carol,” a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ work,. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Call (712) 623-3135.
Dec. 7 – Bright Lights, Little City, 4:30-8:30 p.m., Main Street Christmas, Woodbine. Lighted Parade, chili cook-off, Santa and Mrs. Santa, $1,000 Woodbine Dollars giveaway.
Dec. 7-9 – “The Nutcracker,” Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Orpheum Theater Slosburg Hall, 409 S. 16th St. Omaha, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m. For ticket information, see omahaperformingarts.org/tickets.
Dec. 9 – Heartland Youth Ballet & Robin Welch Dance Arts present “Winter Wonderland” at 2 p.m. at The Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 202 S. 20th St., Omaha. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at shop.robinwelchdance.info.
Dec. 13-16 – Christmas with the Symphony Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m., Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas, Omaha. For tickets, see omahasymphony.org or call (402) 342-3560.
Dec. 15 – Branson’s 2011 Female Entertainer of the Year, Dalena Ditto, presents “Branson Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. at Wilson Performing Arts Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Red Oak. Tickets are $25. Call (712) 623-3135.
Dec. 31 – First Night 2013 will be celebrate at various venues around downtown Council Bluffs. Participating venues are First Congregational Church, First Baptist Church, Masonic Temple, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Refuge Bible Church, Bloomer Elementary School, Public Library, City Hall, Pottawattamie County Courthouse, Community Hall, YMCA, Bayliss Park, Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Squirrel Cage Jail. Festivities start at 4:30 p.m.; event ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. at Bayliss Park. Cost is $10 and those 12 and younger are admitted free. The buttons needed to enter venues where the acts will be perform can be purchased at any Hy-Vee Food Store, No-Frills Food Store, the treasurer’s office in City Hall or on the First Night website.

From:http://www.southwestiowanews.com/