Christmastime is magical all across the state of Nebraska. We go all out with lights and decorations to celebrate the season both outside of our homes and in the streets of our towns and cities. There’s one city that celebrates this time of year like no other: a place that bills itself as “Nebraska’s Christmas City.”
Welcome to Minden, Nebraska! The little Kearney County city has been putting on a bright, twinkling light show every Christmas season since 1915.
flickr/Tim O’Brien That year, the city acquired a large number of light strings to string from the railroad station. They were meant to welcome the G.A.R. convention coming through, but due to poor weather, they couldn’t be hung. Instead, they were used later that year to decorate the courthouse square.
The lights have shone every year since then, and the celebration has continued to grow. Now, the city puts on a number of events to light up the holiday season.
Facebook/City of Minden, Nebraska Go ice skating under the colorful lights of the city square, come out for the lighted parade, shop and play downtown, and have fun at the children’s carnival, among other events. The most highly anticipated event of the season is the Light of the World Pageant, a show put on by Minden residents in the town square. There are three performances each year and admission is free.
The city isn’t alone in their decorating efforts, though. Residents get in on the magic by setting up their own impressive light displays. No one in the area beats the Zoerb family’s massive drive-through show. It features five acres of elaborate, colorful displays, including a six-room, nearly full-size Victorian dollhouse. Check out the family’s videos below for a small glimpse into what it’s like to visit in person.
flickr/Tim O’Brien
That year, the city acquired a large number of light strings to string from the railroad station. They were meant to welcome the G.A.R. convention coming through, but due to poor weather, they couldn’t be hung. Instead, they were used later that year to decorate the courthouse square.
Facebook/City of Minden, Nebraska
Go ice skating under the colorful lights of the city square, come out for the lighted parade, shop and play downtown, and have fun at the children’s carnival, among other events. The most highly anticipated event of the season is the Light of the World Pageant, a show put on by Minden residents in the town square. There are three performances each year and admission is free.
Minden offers a unique, festive holiday experience, and you can really feel the Christmas spirit running all through the town. See a full list of this year’s activities on the City of Minden’s website or the Facebook page.
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Address: Minden, NE, USAAddress: 2051 36 Rd, Minden, NE 68959, USA
