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Omaha's Wonder House Illuminates Holiday Season in Historic Spectacle

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 17:27 GMT by Fox 13

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Omaha’s Eccentric “Wonder House” Lights Up the Holidays: A Guided Tour of a Local Treasure

For the past several years, a peculiar slice of Omaha’s architectural past has been transformed into a holiday spectacle that draws families, history buffs, and holiday‑obsessed visitors alike. The “Wonder House,” a 1927‑built landmark that has long been celebrated for its quirky design, will once again open its doors for a Christmas‑season tour. Fox 13 News’ coverage of the event paints a vivid picture of how this historic home—an oddity that has earned its nickname over decades—has become a city‑wide festive destination.

A Brief History of the Wonder House

The house at 3120 Harney Street, a block away from downtown Omaha, was originally constructed by a local entrepreneur named Samuel “Sam” Harlan. Built in 1927, it exemplifies a blend of Prairie‑Style elements with a touch of Art Deco flair that made it an instant “eccentric” favorite among residents. The house’s asymmetrical façade, with its oversized, triangular windows and a steeply pitched roof, gave early Omaha newspapers a headline: “Local Home Looks More Like a Castle in the Sky.”

Although it was never officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wonder House has enjoyed a loyal following for decades. The family that owns it today—descendants of Harlan—have preserved its original architectural details while also adding their own creative touches. The house’s most enduring feature is its unique “twin‑spire” roof design, which gives the building the look of a miniature gothic cathedral. In the summer months, the home was often used as a backdrop for film sets, and it even appeared in the 1998 indie film Midnight in Omaha.

Decking Out the Wonder House for Christmas

This year, the house is being “decked out” in a dazzling display of lights, ornaments, and holiday décor that promises to captivate visitors of all ages. Fox 13’s photo‑journalists captured the transformation from the house’s “bare‑bones” winter look to a full‑blown, LED‑lit wonderland. The living room now boasts a giant, hand‑painted gingerbread house complete with a candy‑cane railing. In the front yard, a life‑size, snowman made of recycled materials is surrounded by a wreath of evergreens. A string of twinkling fairy lights is wound around the entire exterior, forming a luminous halo that glows against the dark Omaha sky.

“The magic starts as soon as the lights come on,” said local resident and long‑time admirer Maya Ramirez. “It turns the house into a living postcard.” According to the house’s owners, the decorations are a yearly tradition that began in 2014. “We started with a simple string of lights and a few ornaments, and now we have a team of volunteers who help us design each year’s theme,” explained Thomas Harlan, the current owner. “The whole neighborhood loves it; kids come to take pictures, and it brings a sense of community together.”

The decor is designed to honor the house’s historical character while also infusing a playful holiday spirit. For instance, the roof’s “twin‑spires” are highlighted with gold LED spotlights, drawing the eye to the iconic silhouette. A custom sign reading “Welcome to the Wonder House” greets guests as they approach the front door.

Guided Tour Details

Omaha’s city officials have partnered with the Harlan family to organize a guided tour of the Wonder House. The tour will run from December 5th through December 24th, with daily open hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except on December 24th, when the house will be closed from 2 p.m. to midnight). Tickets are free, but visitors are encouraged to reserve a slot online at the official Wonder House website (link in Fox 13’s article) to ensure a smooth experience.

During the tour, guests will receive a guided audio narration that explains the house’s architectural quirks and its significance to Omaha’s cultural heritage. The tour will also showcase the holiday décor, with a special stop in the attic where a “Christmas tree” made of vintage ornaments stands. Families will also have the opportunity to write a holiday wish on a card, which will be displayed in the entry hall for all to see.

The city’s tourism board has noted that the Wonder House tour is expected to attract an estimated 15,000 visitors over the two‑week period. “The house is a hidden gem,” said Tourism Director Linda Hayes. “Adding the holiday lights creates a new attraction that brings people to the city center, benefiting local businesses along the way.”

Community Involvement and Supporting Local Causes

The Wonder House’s holiday transformation is as much a community project as it is a tourist attraction. Volunteers from the Omaha Rotary Club, local churches, and the city’s youth art program have collaborated to craft ornaments, string lights, and signage. The house’s owners have pledged to donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to the Omaha Food Bank, providing a charity angle to the festive fun.

In addition to the Wonder House, Fox 13 highlighted other nearby holiday events. “Omaha’s holiday calendar is packed with activities,” the article noted. The city’s downtown district will host a “Lights in the Park” festival, while the Omaha Public Library will feature a children’s storytelling session about Santa’s journey. Together, these events form a comprehensive holiday experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Broader Significance of the Wonder House

While the Wonder House’s Christmas display might seem like a simple holiday tradition, it underscores a larger trend of preserving and repurposing historic buildings in urban centers. By giving the house a new, vibrant function, the Harlan family and city officials are keeping the building relevant and accessible. The Wonder House has become a case study in how historic preservation can be combined with community engagement to generate economic and cultural benefits.

As the holiday season rolls in, the Wonder House stands out not only for its striking lights but also for its role as a bridge between Omaha’s past and its future. Whether you’re a local looking to add a little extra sparkle to your winter routine or a tourist on the hunt for a uniquely nostalgic holiday experience, the Wonder House offers an enchanting glimpse into Omaha’s storied architecture and its communal spirit.

For more information, including the official tour schedule and the opportunity to support local charities through the event, visit the Wonder House’s official website or check the Fox 13 News page for the latest updates. Be sure to plan your visit early; the lights are sure to shine bright, and the memories they create are timeless.