Omaha Home on North 34th Street Becomes Holiday Highlight with 10,000 LED Lights

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  House and Home on Thu, Dec 18th, 2025 by KETV Omaha
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Omaha House Becomes a Holiday Highlight as It’s Covered in a Kaleidoscope of Lights

In a display that has become a season‑long talking point for Omaha residents, a single home on North 34th Street has been transformed into a shimmering winter wonderland. The KETV article “Omaha House Covered in Holiday Lights” details how the property, owned by long‑time educator and volunteer Marina Jensen, was decorated with more than 10,000 LED lights, turning the street into a bustling festive hub and sparking a wave of community involvement.

The Genesis of a Neighborhood Tradition

The article traces the idea back to a local community event called “Lights of the City”, a neighborhood initiative that encourages residents to light up their homes and celebrate the holiday season together. Jensen, who has been a member of the program for three consecutive years, found inspiration during a Christmas gathering hosted by the Omaha Community Center. “We wanted to do something that would lift the spirits of everyone in the area, especially those who have less to celebrate,” Jensen told reporters.

Her decision to create a grand display was reinforced by a partnership with Local Hardware Supply, a neighborhood retailer that offered a generous donation of LED strings and festive ornaments. Jensen said the supplies were “more than enough to cover the roof, gutters, and even the front lawn.” With the help of her husband, Tom Jensen, and a volunteer crew that included high school students from Omaha Public Schools, the house was brought to life over a three‑week period in late November.

Design, Safety, and Sustainability

The KETV piece highlights how the lights were installed not only for their beauty but also for safety and energy efficiency. The LED lights were wired to a timer system that cycled the lights on for five minutes and off for five minutes, creating a gentle sparkle effect while keeping power consumption low. The installation team was careful to use waterproof fixtures and to route all wiring under the eaves, thereby preventing tripping hazards or exposure to the elements.

The article cites the city’s Holiday Lighting Ordinance, a recent regulation that requires permits for displays exceeding 5,000 lights. “The city is very supportive of community displays, but we need to keep safety in mind,” a city official noted. Jensen secured the required permit before the first lights were installed, and she worked with the police department to set up a temporary signage system on the sidewalk to guide pedestrians safely past the glowing house.

Community Response and Charity Tie‑In

One of the article’s key themes is the sense of community that has sprung from Jensen’s light display. The home has become a “pop‑up gathering spot,” with neighbors and visitors stopping by to snap photos, take selfies, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Local barista Maria Ortiz, who lives two doors down, says the lights are “an instant reminder that even a small act of kindness can ripple through an entire block.”

In addition to the visual spectacle, Jensen leveraged the display to support a local charity. As part of the “Light Up the Night” initiative—an Omaha‑wide program that partners homes and businesses to raise funds for food banks—the house hosts a donation drop‑box. In the past year, Jensen’s house has collected over $1,500 in contributions, according to the charity’s online dashboard linked in the article.

Link‑Buddies: Related Stories and Context

The article includes several hyperlinks that deepen readers’ understanding of the broader holiday culture in Omaha. The first link directs to the Omaha Community Center’s Holiday Fest, which features a series of free events ranging from carol‑singing to cookie‑baking competitions. Readers learn how the community center has become a hub for residents to share traditions and resources.

Another link leads to an archived KETV story titled “Omaha City Council Approves New Holiday Lighting Ordinance.” That piece outlines the city’s effort to balance tradition with safety, emphasizing the need for permits, safe wiring, and traffic management around high‑lighting homes. The ordinance, highlighted in the primary article, has become a framework for many homeowners seeking to brighten the city’s streets.

Finally, the article provides a direct link to Light Up the Night’s fundraising page, where readers can donate online or view a calendar of upcoming charity events. By clicking, viewers can see that the initiative has raised over $50,000 for Omaha’s food banks this holiday season.

Looking Forward

As the new year approaches, Jensen expresses hope that her home will continue to serve as a beacon of holiday cheer. “I’m already thinking about ways to make the next display even brighter and more eco‑friendly,” she says. She plans to incorporate solar‑powered lights and to collaborate with local artists to add hand‑painted ornaments that showcase the city’s cultural diversity.

The KETV article ends on an upbeat note, reminding viewers that the true magic of the holiday season lies in shared joy, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a local resident or simply passing through, the lights on North 34th Street stand as a testament to what can happen when neighbors come together to create something beautiful for all to enjoy.