For a lot of families, driving around to see all of the lavish Christmas lights and decorations is a cherished tradition. While we all have our favorites, the huge display in downtown Omaha is one of the most stunning sights you’ll see this holiday season.

On Thanksgiving this year, the switch was flipped to start the magnificent Holiday Lights Festival in downtown Omaha.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

The festival has lit up the city for 19 years with thousands of strands of twinkling lights. There are nearly a million individual lights stretching out over an area of 40 blocks.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Whether you decide to drive through or walk through the dazzling display…

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

…Whether at dusk or long after dark, you can’t help but smile in childlike glee at this impressive display.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

The Holiday Lights Festival kicked off with a lighting ceremony and Christmas concert.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival Although many of the special events have already passed, there is one more musical performance on Saturday, December 22.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

After you walk or drive around to see the beautiful holiday lights, don’t miss the fun outdoor Capitol District ice skating rink at 10th & Capitol Streets.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

The lights will stay on through January 6, with the grand finale - a huge fireworks show - taking place on New Year’s Eve.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

If you love the Holiday Lights Festival, be sure to get out to see it in 2018. After this year, the festival will be on hiatus until 2022 due to planned construction on the Gene Leahy Mall.

Facebook/Holiday Lights Festival

Although many of the special events have already passed, there is one more musical performance on Saturday, December 22.

For more information on the festival, including a calendar of events and a list of sponsors, check out its website or Facebook page.

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