Plattsmouth Launches First Annual “Night of 1000 Santas”
A New Holiday Tradition of Unity, Joy, and Giving—All Are Welcome
Plattsmouth is a quiet bedroom community just south of Offutt Air Force Base, home to a proud population of service members, veterans, and families who show up for each other year-round. From the longest-running harvest festival in Nebraska to summer concerts on the plaza, car and motorcycle shows, and countless civic gatherings, Plattsmouth is known for its vibrant calendar of community events. It’s a town that celebrates together—often and loudly. That’s why it’s time to expand the holiday season beyond a single evening. Night of 1000 Santas marks the beginning of a new tradition: a full weekend of Christmas.
On December 5, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m., Plattsmouth will debut this bold new tradition—a festive, family-friendly celebration of community spirit, generosity, and an overall joyful Christmas event.
The event runs from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, culminating in a Santa march and toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots and Airman’s Attic.
The event was organized by Frontline Outdoors, who has hosted Smokey Bear and the Toys for Tots Marine Corps campaign at his storefront for the past 5 years. This year, the historic downtown Plattsmouth Association (HDPA) made the decision to relocate Smokey Bear away from Al’s storefront, move his firetruck to the far end of Main Street, and inform him that Toys for Tots and the Marines were no longer welcome at the event. In response, Night of 1000 Santas was created—not in protest, but in purpose—to preserve the spirit of giving and ensure that families, volunteers, and service members who count on this tradition are not left behind.
This is not a protest. It’s a party—with purpose. Here’s what attendees can expect:
Costume Contest: Come Dressed, Come Loud, Come Festive All Christmas themed costumes will be celebrated with Christmas cheer, whether that be as a snowman or a , the Night of 1000 Santas Costume Contest invites everyone to dress up and show out. Bring a toy donation to Frontline Outdoors—that’s your ticket to compete in the costume contest, or just show up to enjoy a slightly chaotic wholesome Christmas party.
And don’t forget to bring a bell—at 8:30 PM, during the March of the Santas, we’ll be ringing in the season together, making as much noise as possible while we march from the flagpole at the east end of Main Street all the way to the VFW.
Categories for the costume contest include:
- Best Santa – Judged on spirit, style, and sleigh-worthy swagger
- Best Claus Couple – Dynamic duos that sleigh together
- Most Creative Santa – Think outside the sleigh
- Best Elf – Whimsy, sparkle, and pointy shoes encouraged
- Best Dressed Pet – Because holiday cheer is for all species
Main Street Cruise: The community encourages responsible drivers to decorate their vehicles and join a festive cruise down Main Street. Light it up, deck it out, and bring the holiday spirit on wheels.
Toys for Tots: All toy donations must be dropped off at Frontline Outdoors. The first 1000 people to donate a toy will receive a surprise gift of appreciation.
Fill the Boot: Monetary donations will be collected at both Frontline Outdoors and the VFW to help stock the food pantry at Offutt Air Force Base, supporting military families during the holiday season.
First Responder Stickers: Each of the 7 fire departments will have firetrucks parked along Main Street, along with several other first responder vehicles, all of which the public is invited to visit. And many will hand out commemorative stickers to the first 500 visitors at each vehicle.
Community Cheer: Hot beverages will be handed out free of charge by several local churches, and several local restaurants will be open for business, even some that would ordinarily be closed. Mom’s Café is even hosting a special menu. The log cabin, caboose, many Main Street businesses and even the Cass County Museum will be open, inviting and beckoning attendees to trek the whole length of Main Street.
March of the Santas: All attendees are invited to ring bells, fill the street and march to the VFW at 8:30 PM.
Karaoke After Party: Winners of the Costume Contest will be announced during the After Party at the VFW, where karaoke and ugly sweaters collide to roll the Christmas season over to Saturday.
The goal of the Night of 1000 Santas is to unify the community through shared joy, charitable giving, and a whole lot of holiday mayhem. All proceeds and donations will support local fire departments with much needed training aids .
Any businesses, churches, and civic groups that would like to participate should coordinate with Frontline Outdoors with a couple guidelines in mind. This is a charitable and no-cost event to promote the holiday spirit—no selling on the street, no flyers, pamphlets or handouts that will litter the street, just presence and goodwill.
The Night of a 1000 Santas is not a replacement for any event—it’s an addition.
we hope to make this a tradition for years to come.
For media inquiries, interviews, or to get involved, please contact Amanda L. Palmer at mailto:
QW1hbmRhIHwgQXR0b3JuZXlQYWxtZXItVGhlTWVkaWF0b3IgISBjb21vcg== 531-777-3654.
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Plattsmouth.
