Good morning, Omaha.

Ooh De Lally plans to transform a 113-year-old building in North Omaha into a bakery and coffee shop where ex-inmates will live, work, and learn+ the project will provide housing, training, and job opportunities for locals.

On November 28, 1927, the Urban League of Nebraska was formed in Omaha to boost job opportunities for minorities — the group later expanded its work to support teacher hiring, home building, scholarships, and job skills programs.

Omaha’s 26th annual Holiday Lights Festival and food drive begins this weekend at Gene Leahy Mall downtown with music starting at 5 p.m. and a lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.—proceeds will help the Food Bank of the Heartland as lights displays extend through the Old Market, North Omaha and South Omaha until Jan. 1 with New Year’s Eve fireworks at 7 p.m.

Wabtec Corporation, a Pennsylvania rail and freight equipment company, will lease 8,500 sq. ft. of office space on the second floor at 1100 Capitol Avenue in downtown Omaha—according to a filed building permit.

The new office in the Capitol District will bring additional business activity to the area.

Joyful Noise returns for its 12th year at Steelhouse Omaha and will feature holiday classics and new music from the Grammy Award nominated Salem Church Choir, local favorites and guest artists.

Preshow activities such as free photos with Santa and cookie decorating will boost the event as tickets (starting at $27) are available with several free giveaways by Salem Baptist Church and Omaha Performing Arts (December 6 and 7).

On November 28th, thousands of Black Friday shoppers filled Omaha stores in search of deals and time with family—upholding a long-established holiday tradition.

Local retailers noted a strong turnout as the event boosted community shopping spirit.

A winter storm is coming to Omaha with warnings in effect this afternoon through Saturday night—forecasters expect 3 to 6 inches of snow in the metro and heavier snow in nearby areas that will make travel hard.

Drivers are urged to leave early as rain may mix with snow before changing to all snow later.

Heavy snow is expected to begin early Saturday morning in Omaha—making travel difficult at sunrise before the storm tapers off by afternoon.

Local meteorologists also warned that dry air later will reduce the snowfall while strong winds keep temperatures low.

The City of Omaha filed a building permit for a 600-stall parking garage at Millwork Commons after demolishing vacant buildings on the site northwest of 11th and Nicholas Street — the five-story structure will have over 240,000 square feet of space including ground-floor commercial space and join other new projects in the mixed-use district north of Charles Schwab Field.

Mike Ekeler, Nebraska’s special teams coach, was nominated for the Broyles Award as his leadership helped the Huskers rank in the top 20 nationally for blocked kicks, kickoff returns, punt returns and kickoff return defense.

His energetic sideline style—marked by constant fist bumps and celebrations—has boosted team morale as they prepare for upcoming games.

Local sports analysts predicted Nebraska would win Friday’s Heroes Game at Memorial Stadium to secure its first win over Iowa in Lincoln since 2011 and to reach an eight-win season.

The experts offered varied low-scoring forecasts — some emphasizing a strong special teams play in a close game.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson is having a breakout season as he leads the Big Ten in average yards and is the first to record 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in one game — his success comes from hard work and the support of two families who helped shape his journey. He said he will talk with Coach Rhule before deciding whether to return to college or enter the NFL draft.

Chevy Chase Live Conversation & Screening

7:30-9 p.m. — Holland Center — VIP tickets available — Enjoy holiday cheer and laughs with Chevy Chase as he shares behind-the-scenes stories from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks vs. Northern Colorado Bears Game

1-4 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness college basketball action as the Mavericks take on the Bears in a thrilling matchup.

Hannah Berner Stand-Up Comedy

7-8:30 p.m. — Holland Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with stand-up comedian and bestselling author Hannah Berner.

Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza

7-8:30 p.m. — Ticket Omaha — Ticket info available — Experience a dazzling holiday concert blending classic carols with rock anthems in a candlelit setting.

2025 Jingle Bell Run - Nebraska

8-11 a.m. — Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center — Entry fee required — Wear your festive gear and jingle all the way in this charity race for the Arthritis Foundation.

Joyful Noise Concert

4-5:30 p.m. — Steelhouse Omaha — Tickets from $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance at Steelhouse Omaha from Joyful Noise.

Doane Tigers vs Omaha Mavericks Basketball Game

1-4 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Tickets available — Watch the Doane Tigers clash with the Omaha Mavericks in an exciting basketball matchup.

50th Anniversary of A Christmas Carol

7-10 p.m. — Omaha Community Playhouse — Ticketed event — Experience the heartwarming journey of Ebenezer Scrooge in a beloved holiday tradition.

Michael Charles Live Performance

5:15-8:15 p.m. — The B. Bar — Ticket prices TBA — Experience the legendary Michael Charles as he continues his musical journey with lively blues performances.

Holiday Cheers with Résonance

5-6:30 p.m. — Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge — Ticket price varies — Celebrate the holidays with food, drink, and music by your Omaha Symphony.