Departing: December 10, 2026
NOTE: For a full refund, you must cancel 45 days prior to this tour’s departing date.
Itinerary
Christmas in Omaha is truly the most magical time of the year! Immerse yourself in the rich holiday traditions of diverse ethnic cultures from around the world. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by hundreds of vibrant poinsettias in the display hall at the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. Highlights include a towering 20-foot Poinsettia tree, miniature trains that whistle and whirl across more than 300 feet of track, and intricate displays showcasing famous Omaha landmarks. Next, we’ll settle into the Omaha Marriott for a three-night stay, giving you time to rest and refresh before our first evening event: “Christmas in Germany.” Enjoy traditional German cuisine accompanied by performances from German singers and dancers. (D)
This morning, we’ll journey across the Missouri River into Council Bluffs, Iowa, to visit the historic 14-room Victorian mansion built in 1869. Grenville Dodge, a Union General, politician, and pivotal figure in the expansion of railroads across the American West, once called this home. The mansion is beautifully adorned with themed Christmas trees and Victorian ornaments throughout the mansion. By midday, we’ll enjoy an included noon luncheon at Big Mama’s Kitchen followed by a guided driving tour celebrating an Irish Christmas at Father Flanagan’s Boy’s Town, founded in 1917. During our visit, we’ll learn about the compassionate care Boys Town provides for children, families and the community. After our tour, there will be time to freshen up before we gather for a relaxing dinner at our hotel, accompanied by the captivating music of David Marsh. No Christmas would be complete without a Christmas Carol! Tonight, we’ll experience Omaha’s beloved tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with stunning costumes, exquisite music, meticulously crafted stage sets, and incredible special effects. (B) (L) (D)
Today, we’ll journey back to the 1800’s to explore the westward migration of the latter-day Saints at the Mormon Trail Center. The displays and exhibits tell the story of their migration to Salt Lake Valley in Utah by wagon, handcart, sailing ship and train. Although the Omaha area settlement was temporary during the winter of 1846-47, many Saints lived and built as if they would stay for decades. By mid-morning, you’ll discover how the world celebrates this joyful season at the impressive Art Deco Style Architecture of the Union Train Station. Be sure to pause and capture a photo of the magnificent Christmas tree in the lobby-the region’s largest! The Ethnic Holiday Trees Exhibit is one of the most endearing holiday fixtures, showcasing cultures from around the world and highlighting unique traditions and shared bonds. We’ll enjoy lunch at the Brazen Head Restaurant, established to emulate the rich traditions that have made the authentic Irish pubs across Ireland famous. You’ll enjoy a unique Irish entrée! This afternoon, we’ll enjoy an “Introduction to the City” tour led by a local guide, uncovering Omaha’s past, present and future. Highlights include the historic Old Market & Entertainment District with its cobblestone streets and unique boutiques, Lewis & Clark Landing, the historic spot where the exploring duo landed, the Gold Coast District, a Scottish Castle and Fertile Ground Mural, one of the largest murals in the country. You’ll also have the chance to experience Pioneer Courage Park, featuring more than 100 larger-than-life-sized bronze sculptures that tell the story of the pioneers’ westward journey. You can walk among the wagons, oxen, horses and pioneers in this unique public art display that stretches six city blocks. You’ll be amazed by multiple sculptures depicting geese flying and bison stampeding through the downtown district of Omaha. Afterward, you’ll have an opportunity to rest and freshen up before we take in an evening dinner and night at the Omaha Symphony. Dinner is located in Omaha’s historic downtown district at the Old Market Spaghetti Works. Prepare to be amazed as we celebrate the magic, romance and joy of the lavish sounds of the Omaha Symphony - Omaha’s top holiday event and the perfect grand finale to our Christmas in Omaha tour. (B) (L) (D)
Before we depart this morning, you’ll enjoy a special presentation titled “Christmas in Ukraine: Linens and Traditions.” Olesia, a native of Ukraine, will share the rich culture and customs, including holiday festivities, foods, and gifts. Olesia will share her experiences as a child slave laborer for the German Army during WWII. This is a presentation you won’t want to miss! We’ll make our regular stops along the way home with an included lunch at the Pizza Ranch in Brandon, South Dakota. Over the past three days, Omaha has gifted us dazzling holiday memories that will last a lifetime. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to add some traditions you’ve discovered during this tour to your own Christmas celebrations! (B) (L)
Includes
Meals
- All Breakfasts
- 3 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
FAQ
Make travel plans early! If you know you want to go, sign up early and pay your deposit to secure your spot. If a tour needs to be canceled, Rustad Tours will notify you approximately 30 days prior to departure and return your payment. If the tour is full, don’t hesitate to place your name on the waiting list. This does not obligate you if your plans change. We do call people upon cancellations.
On motorcoach tours, a deposit of $200.00 per person is due at the time of sign-up and final payments are due 30 days prior to departure unless otherwise stated. If cancellations occur 30 days or less, you will receive the money portion that is refundable to Rustad Tours, Inc. For motorcoach/airline tours, a deposit of $400.00 per person is due at the time of sign-up and final payments are due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise stated. If cancellations occur 60 days or less, you will receive the money portion that is refundable to Rustad Tours, Inc. A full refund will be made for cancellations due to sickness or family emergencies up to 30 days prior to departure for motorcoach tours and 60 days for motorcoach/airline tours unless stated otherwise.
Travel insurance information is available. See page 72 for further information.
If a trip is discounted, we cannot accept credit card payments for final payments. Discounts are only offered on our motorcoach tours. It does not include tours on which we join another tour company.
Travel document packets which include your luggage tags, final itinerary and motel list with their phone number are mailed out 2-3 weeks prior. For tours involving ferries, trains and sometimes other admissions within the United States – we need your date of birth, and your legal given name. For tours traveling to Canada or Mexico – we need to have your legal given name, date of birth, passport number and passport expiration date ahead of time in our office and you need to carry your passport with you.
REAL ID: Every traveller 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID by May 25, 2025, to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.
Air Travel – All passengers arriving by air transportation from outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
For U.S. Passports and U.S. Passport Cards go to your local courthouse for the paperwork or go to http:/travel.state.gov/ passport for information. The cost for a U.S. Passport is approximately $165.00 and is valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors. It is valid for travel by air, sea or land to any foreign country. The size is 5” x 3 ½ “and takes approximately 3 – 6 weeks to receive. The cost for a U.S. Passport Card is approximately $65.00 and is valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors. It is valid for travel by land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean only. It is wallet size and takes approximately 3 weeks to receive.
We offer a hotel room the night before the tour departs in Willmar or Benson for a reduced rate payable to Rustad Tours on availability. Call for current rate. You must call Rustad Tours early prior to the tour to reserve a room. If you wish to stay the night of return, regular motel rates apply. Prices are subject to change.
Your car will be stored in our locked bus garage while you are on tour. We are happy to pick up or drop off customers along our tour route
