by RC Miller, reporter
OMAHA – The Holiday lights festival in downtown Omaha prepares for its first light on November 20th with changes to normal programming due to pandemic.
The annual holiday lights festival is proceeding according to schedule, even after the challenges posed by the pandemic. Some changes that will occur include the proceedings of the KETV family festival where trolly rides will no longer be part of the event. Families will remain in their cars driving to different sponsors of the event where they will be given and interact with many exciting holiday classics, said Kylie Vonnahme the senior project manager of the Holiday Lights Festival.
“They can pick up craft kits, there will be holiday entertainment as they are driving through there. There will also be some holiday characters there, including Santa so a lot of fun from the safety and warmth of their vehicles,” said Vonnahme.
As an extra precaution, the Capital District ice skating rink will not be part of this year’s activities.
The festival aims to bring attention to food insecurity, and receive enough donations to provide 1.5 million meals to families in need.
This is the 21st year of the festival and residents like Caitlin Jones are excited to see the lights going up.
“It’s always nice to see the community do stuff like this, especially down here at this time. We actually moved down here last year around this time, and it was the Christmas lights that made me fall in love with the area. Walking up and down the streets through them is very romantic,” said Jones.
Until construction can be completed at the Gene Leahy Mall the lights will continue to be at the Old Market. There is also a display in North Omaha at 24th and Lake and in South Omaha at 24th street between L and Q street.
