Omaha Christmas Around the World
Travel around the world - in Omaha, Nebraska, that is! Kick off the holiday season with a festive tour packed with holiday decor, spirited shows, yummy treats, and more. All the meals are included in this Christmas package.
Day 1: Leaving Kansas, we embark on our 4-day holiday tour to Omaha. After lunch in Lincoln NE, we will check into our Omaha hotel for the next 3 nights. This evening join Big Mama’s family and pull up a chair to Omaha’s finest Christmas Dinner. Tis the season for family, fellowship, and a good old-fashioned southern meal. (L, D)
Day 2: This morning our step-on guide joins us for a city tour of Omaha. Learn more about the insights and history of this thriving metropolis located on the Missouri River. Later we travel the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway to experience a Christmas American High Tea. Lovely ladies and dapper gents alike are welcome to dine with us as we eat sweet and savory Christmas delicacies, lovingly prepared by the Master’s Hand kitchen. Next, we experience Christmas in India for a Hindu Temple Tour. The temple consists of beautiful hand-carved elephants and religious figures inside and out. Tonight we celebrate Christmas in Germany. Enjoy a holiday program of dancing, singing, and food. Listen to holiday favorites by the men’s choir, shop for German crafts, and sing along with “Silent Night.” Then enjoy the classic Christmas Carol by Dickens at the playhouse. Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with lovely costumes, exquisite music, beautifully crafted sets, and special effects second to none. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Today it’s Christmas Ukrainian Style. Enjoy an entertaining presentation about Ukrainian linens and their connection to history, customs, and traditions. Then, experience an Irish Christmas at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. While ministering to the homeless on the streets of Omaha, Father Edward Joseph Flanagan developed a lifelong interest in young people. During our visit, we get an unforgettable glimpse into the history of an organization that has given new hope to so many at-risk children over the past 100 years. Next, visit St John’s Greek Orthodox Church for Greek Holiday entertainment and lunch. Tour the beautiful Byzantine-style building with gold décor and traditional icons. This afternoon we visit the beautiful Lauritzen Gardens. Be amazed by the spectacular floral display featuring a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, model trains, and other nostalgic decorations. This evening be transported to Scotland with a visit to the historic 1903 Joslyn Castle. This 30-room limestone mansion resembles a traditional Scottish castle. We dine surrounded by the amazing craftsmanship of the elaborate wood interior of the castle, which comes from all parts of the world. (B, L, D)
Day 4: This morning, sample tasty treats at the Lithuanian Bakery Café. This bakery features bread and tortes and offers an eclectic menu based on "Old Country" recipes. Later we visit the impressive Union Train Station of Omaha, The Durham Museum, with a huge holiday tree in the main Hall! Ethnic communities decorate small holiday trees to represent their unique heritage. Travel back to the 1930s train depot of Omaha, Nebraska. Explore Omaha’s past throughout the museum. It’s easy to imagine the crowds of people and the sound of steam engines as you look over the many rail cars on the Track level. For lunch, we visit a Polish Home for an authentic meal and a special dance presentation. After lunch, we head back home to experience our own Kansas Christmas traditions. (B, L)