Nebraska Christmas Lights Show Will Move
The annual holiday event will transition to the Sandhills Global Event Center starting this November.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Family
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Would you prefer attending a walk-through holiday lights display over a drive-through experience?
The Nebraska Christmas Lights Show will move to the Sandhills Global Event Center for the 2026 season. Organizers have transformed the event into a walk-through experience that begins on Nov. 19, 2026.
Why it matters
The relocation accommodates growing attendance that previously exceeded the capacity at Star City Shores. The shift to a walk-through format allows guests to explore a newly established Christmas Village.
The event features a Christmas Village with 10 themed rooms. Tickets are priced at $15 per person, with free admission for children ages 2 and younger.
The players
Sandhills Global Event Center
This facility is a large-scale venue in Lincoln that will host the Nebraska Christmas Lights Show.
Star City Shores
This location served as the previous home for the event before organizers determined it was too small to host future iterations.
The details
Guests will park their vehicles and traverse a walking trail to experience the holiday displays. The move away from the former drive-through format is intended to better manage the large number of visitors.
Timeline
The event begins on Nov. 19, 2026.
The event concludes on Dec. 27, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This move reflects a broader trend of local seasonal attractions migrating to purpose-built event centers to accommodate rising visitor numbers. By transitioning from drive-through models to dedicated walking trails, event organizers are prioritizing crowd management and experiential depth.
Visitors will now need to park their vehicles and walk through the trail instead of driving through the display. Tickets for the experience are $15, though children aged 2 and younger can attend for free.
The takeaway
The move to the Sandhills Global Event Center marks a significant change in how the community experiences this holiday tradition. Families should prepare for a walking experience rather than staying in their cars, and plan their visit anytime between late November and late December.
Further reading
Find more local activities in the Lincoln Family section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1011now.
Live Poll
Would you prefer attending a walk-through holiday lights display over a drive-through experience?
