Good morning, Omaha.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has opened its ice skating rink for the winter season from Dec.

12 through Feb. 22, offering a fun activity on campus (visitors of all ages welcome).

Abide has transformed its gym into a Christmas Store with over 3,000 free gifts for children; volunteers donated toys so every child receives at least two presents, with the store opening today and again Monday.

Omaha will host nine holiday events under $15, from free ice skating at Heartwood Preserve until Feb.

1 to BookFest Omaha 2025 today, Dec. 13, and screenings and light festivals at Midtown Crossing and elsewhere. Local residents can enjoy festive fun + affordable outings throughout the holiday season.

Takin' it to the Streets expanded its services to offer more meals & support for people experiencing homelessness in Omaha.

The organization will provide further details on meal times and locations soon.

The new North Omaha Visitor Center (located near 24th and Lake) has opened today to connect visitors and locals with the area's rich history, culture, and small businesses (expected to boost tourism and local spending).

Senior Market Sales, known for its prominent signage at 8420 West Dodge Road, will move its headquarters to 8801 Indian Hills Drive — on the Lincoln Financial Group campus.

Clio, the popular Mediterranean restaurant from the Old Market, will open a second location in west Omaha at 2835 South 170th Plaza in late spring 2026, replacing Blatt Beer and Table which will close December 31.

Both brands are part of Flagship Restaurant Group.

After nearly a decade of work and donations, organizers have found a permanent home for the iconic Broom Man statue — the new installation will be on display in a prominent public space.

Campus Recreation and Wellness at UNO will have adjusted holiday hours until Dec.

23 — then close Dec. 24 to Jan. 1. It reopens Jan. 2 with new hours and hosts a Winter Wellness Challenge for faculty and staff Jan. 2—16.

Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill to unlock up to $1 billion in federal Medicaid funding for rural hospitals facing rising costs.

Hospitals began receiving payments after a year of delay in federal approval, though future funding changes remain uncertain.

Nebraska Volleyball swept Kansas in Lincoln on Friday night to advance to the Elite Eight for the third straight season; the Huskers will play Texas A&M on Sunday (2:00 p.m.) on KETV as they chase a sixth national title.

Creighton volleyball advanced to the Elite Eight with a four-set win over Arizona State in Lexington on Thursday.

Big East Player of the Year Ava Martin had match-high 23 kills—setting a program record—and the team will face Kentucky today at 4 p.m. CT in a Final Four qualifier on ESPN2.

Parenting During the Holidays: Omaha Edition

2:30-4:00 p.m. — Jewish Community Center of Omaha — Inquire for costs — Gain practical tips for joyful parenting during the holiday season.

Rain - A Beatles Christmas Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — $83 — Experience the festive magic of The Beatles with a holiday twist at this unique tribute performance.

PWP Wrestling's Candy Cane Chaos

8 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Tickets start at $10 — Enjoy an exciting night of independent professional wrestling at PWP's festive event.

A Magical Cirque Christmas

7-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting blend of circus performances and Christmas nostalgia.

Mocktails and Mixes Workshop

5-8 p.m. — No More Empty Pots Food Hub — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of relaxation with mocktails, music, and fun games in a community setting.

Christmas at Zen West

9 AM – 12 PM — Zen Coffee Company West — Exclusive drinks and cookies available — Meet Santa while enjoying festive cocoa and cookie flights.

Omaha Street Dog Coalition Clinic

10-11 a.m. — Timberlake Outreach Center — Free service — Monthly veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness.

Dark Holiday 2025 with Moon Pigeons

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an electrifying evening with Moon Pigeons during the Dark Holiday 2025 concert.

Cards Of Destiny

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Backline Comedy Theatre — Voluntary audience participation — Enjoy a fast-paced improv competition featuring local comedians and chances for audience involvement.

Josh Hoyer’s Colossal 4 + Gleam Concert

8 p.m. — The B. Bar — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of authentic music from Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal.