Your Guide to Holiday Shopping, Sips & Fun Around Omaha
It's almost that time of year! The holiday shopping, the Christmas music, the packed calendars, and convincing ourselves we're definitely going to get our shopping done early this year. (Sure, Jan.)
One of my favorite things about the holidays is all the fun happening right here in Omaha. We've got some seriously talented local makers, amazing small businesses, and festive events that make getting out and shopping local way more fun than scrolling Amazon in your pajamas.
So grab your girlfriends, your kiddos, or whoever is always up for a little holiday fun. Here are a couple of events you'll want on your calendar this November!
Holiday Modern Market by A Local Collective
Friday, November 20 | 3–8 PM – Ladies' Night
Saturday, November 21 | 9 AM–5 PM
The Relevant Center | 21220 Elkhorn Drive, Elkhorn, NE
Okay, I might be a little biased about this one, but Holiday Modern Market is one of my favorite weekends of the year!
We're bringing together 50+ amazing small businesses from across Nebraska for two days of shopping, sipping, snacking, and all things holiday.
And this isn't your average craft fair. We're talking some of the cutest boutiques, jewelry, candles, home décor, gifts, and locally made goodies, all in one place.
Ladies' Night – Grab Your Girls!
Friday, November 20 | 3–8 PM
Ladies, this one's for you!
Grab your girlfriends and come hang out with us. Shop your favorite local boutiques, enjoy some adult beverages, get a fun photo with Smile Stand Co., and enjoy giveaways throughout the night.
It's basically a girls' night with shopping. What more do we need?
Saturday Is for the Whole Crew!
Saturday, November 21 | 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday is all about family fun!
Santa will be hanging out with us ALL DAY from 9 AM–5 PM, and Shane Thibault Photography will be taking complimentary Santa photos. No overpriced photo packages here! We'll post the photos on A Local Collective's Facebook page so you can grab yours, download, and share.
We've also got our Little Locals area with ornament decorating by Doodle Art Studio and holiday movies for the kiddos.
And something I'm especially excited about? Our Little Locals Market!
We're giving young entrepreneurs the chance to set up shop and sell their own products on Saturday. I absolutely LOVE seeing kids get excited about starting a business, and this is such a fun way to support them.
Have a kiddo who wants to participate? Apply here!
Let's Talk Food (Because Shopping Makes You Hungry)
We'll have Dante Omaha serving up pizza and salads, a hot cocoa bar from Wander + Wonder, Retro Roast Coffee Camper, snacks, and some adult beverages, too.
Come hungry. Stay awhile. Shop all the things.
So Many Amazing Local Shops!
One of my favorite parts of Holiday Modern Market is seeing all these incredible Nebraska businesses come together under one roof.
You'll find everything from trendy boutiques and permanent jewelry to candles, skincare, home décor, and unique gifts you won't find at the big-box stores.
A few of the fabulous businesses joining us include Smile it's Game Day, Z Harvest Gems, Shiloh Noa & Co., The Salty Spur, m'bellish, ELEVEN//Three, Flower Bird Boutique, Real Honest Tallow, Kristina Cole Designs, MODE modern aromas, Romantic Rendezvous, Your aDOORable Home, 168 candles studio, Amanda Robinson Creations, Ash and Ash Co, Fresh + Frugal, Lighthouse Boutique, K Posh Boutique, Beyond The Basics Fashion Boutique, Magically Sparked, Honey's Boutique, Rockin' Vaquerita Western Wear, The Boutique at Seven, Frankie Dee, Rosie Ruth Jewelry, 8 Ave Boutique, Fifty-One Ten Boutique, Wicks & Works Collective, Emini Creations, dearBODY, Good Luck Charmed Co., shop obi, MacNabb Jewelers, Black Dirt Boutique, Thistle & Bloom, Big Bay Little Bay, Wendy Crafts, The Only Facial, Permanent Jewelry by Amber Carter, House of Paradox, and Trendlingzz.
Seriously, how are we supposed to leave empty-handed?
Shopping Small AND Doing Good ❤️
One more thing that makes this event extra special...
We're partnering with Angels Among Us, an incredible local nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families who have a child battling cancer.
A portion of our ticket sales will go directly to supporting their mission.
Shopping small AND doing some good? That's a win in my book.
And a big shoutout to our event partners who help make this all happen: Doodle Art Studio, Digital Express, Good. Co Banners, Shane Thibault Photography, Wander + Wonder, and Smile Stand Co.
Mark your calendars for November 20–21 and come see us at The Relevant Center in Elkhorn!
Midtown Merry Market
Sunday, November 15 | 11 AM–4 PM
Empire Room at Midtown Crossing | 200 S. 31st Avenue, Suite 4107, Omaha, NE
FREE Admission!
If you're looking for a fun Sunday outing, add Midtown Merry Market to your list!
This annual event brings together 30+ local makers and vendors inside the beautiful Empire Room at Midtown Crossing.
You'll find boutiques, candles, stationery, gifts, and plenty of things you didn't know you needed until you saw them. You know how that goes.
And the best part? It's FREE to attend!
A Little Shopping, Santa & Christmas Cheer!
There's plenty happening beyond the shopping, too!
Santa and Mrs. Claus Storytime | Noon–1 PM
Bring the kiddos for a little Christmas magic with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Such a fun way to kick off the holiday season!
Christmas Performance by Dowds Irish Dancing | 2pm
This is going to be fun! Dowds Irish Dancing will be bringing some extra Christmas cheer to Merry Market with a special holiday performance.
If you've never watched Irish dancing in person, it's seriously impressive. The music, the footwork, the energy. It's such a fun addition to the day, and I love seeing local talent be part of community events like this.
Holiday Sips
The Empire Room will have its fully stocked bar open with festive signature cocktails. Because shopping is always a little more fun with a holiday drink in hand!
Don't Forget the Holiday Photos!
And if you haven't seen Midtown Crossing during the holidays, you need to!
Turner Park's annual Season of Lights features dozens of trees covered in thousands of twinkling lights. It's so pretty once the sun goes down.
You'll also find some great holiday photo spots nearby, including the giant 26-foot Christmas tree in Farnam Court and the life-size Santa sleigh in Turner Park.
You could easily make a whole afternoon of it. Shop the market, grab a drink, catch the Irish dancers, get some holiday photos, and enjoy a little time in Midtown.
And since the market wraps up at 4 PM, you can always stick around the neighborhood for dinner and catch the lights at dusk.
Where: Empire Room at Midtown Crossing, 200 S. 31st Avenue, Suite 4107, Omaha, NE
Let's Make Shopping Local a Thing This Christmas ❤️
Here's my little holiday soapbox moment.
We have SO many amazing small businesses right here in Nebraska. People who are working their tails off building something they love. And when you shop with them, you're not just buying a candle, a sweater, or a Christmas gift.
You're supporting someone's dream.
And I know, I know. Amazon is easy. I'm not pretending I don't use it, too.
But if we can all make an effort to buy a few gifts from local businesses this year, imagine what that could do for our community.
Plus, shopping in person with your friends, grabbing a coffee, meeting the makers, and finding something unique is just a whole lot more fun.
These markets are also such a great reminder that we don't have to go far to find really cool things happening in our own backyard.
Get These Dates on Your Calendar!
Sunday, November 15 | Midtown Merry Market
11 AM–4 PM | Empire Room at Midtown Crossing
FREE Admission!
Friday, November 20 | Holiday Modern Market Ladies' Night
3–8 PM | The Relevant Center, Elkhorn
Saturday, November 21 | Holiday Modern Market
9 AM–5 PM | The Relevant Center, Elkhorn
Santa, Little Locals, shopping, food, and more!
So text your shopping bestie, grab your calendar, and make some plans!
The holidays get busy, and before we know it, we're running around trying to finish our shopping and wondering where November went.
Let's actually enjoy some of it this year.
Shop small. Support local. Have some fun. And maybe grab a little something for yourself while you're at it. 😉
Hope to see you out and about! And if you see me at Holiday Modern Market, please come say hi!
— Jill
