Nebraska Holiday Passport Program Returns for 2026

The statewide holiday tourism initiative features 24 unique stops across eight regions this season.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Gambling

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage travel compass on a snowy wooden ledge, evoking Nebraska holiday tourism. — Visit Nebraska has launched the 2026 holiday passport program, encouraging travelers to support local businesses across eight regions through January. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you participate in a local passport program to visit and support businesses in your area?

Visit Nebraska has announced the return of the Nebraska Holiday Passport program, inviting participants to visit 24 locations across the state to collect stamps. The program encourages regional tourism during the holiday season through January.

Why it matters

The holiday version of the passport was established to build upon the momentum of the annual Nebraska Passport, promoting small businesses and community exploration during the winter months.

The 2026 program features 24 total stops organized into eight distinct regions throughout Nebraska. Participants must complete all 24 stops to earn a holiday mug, with smaller rewards available for regional completion.

The players

Visit Nebraska

This is the state tourism agency responsible for promoting travel and economic development within Nebraska through initiatives like the passport program.

The details

To participate, residents collect stamps at each of the 24 designated locations during the program window. Those who visit all three stops in a specific region receive regional postcards and a lottery coupon as an incentive for exploring local businesses.

The Nebraska Holiday Passport program was established in 2022.
The 2026 visitation period begins on November 13.
The visitation period concludes on January 10, 2027.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a broader trend of utilizing gamified tourism to sustain interest in local small businesses during off-peak travel months. It expands the traditional summer-only tourism model into a year-round economic strategy for the state.

Residents can utilize the program to guide their holiday shopping and travel plans while visiting local businesses such as BrewBakers Coffee House or Elegant Hart's Bakery. Collecting stamps allows participants to earn tangible rewards, including holiday-themed merchandise and lottery coupons.

The takeaway

The holiday passport serves as a structured way for residents to support regional commerce during the winter season. Participants should map out their regional visits in advance to maximize their chances of collecting all necessary stamps before the January deadline.