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The Quirkiest Store In The Old Market: Hollywood Candy

If there’s one store I tell families to visit in Omaha’s Old Market, it’s Hollywood Candy. Easily one of the quirkiest stores in the entire city, the large shop is part-candy store, part-collectors’ dream shop, and part old-school pinball arcade.

Update: This post was published in 2014 and has been updated in November 2019.

More than a candy store, Hollywood Candy is an

Where is Hollywood Candy?

Hollywood Candy is on the southern edge of the Old Market, Omaha’s charming neighborhood of shops and restaurants in the downtown area. They opened in 2007.

Outside Hollywood Candy in the Old Market of Omaha

The store is housed in a large, red brick building called the Fairmont Mercantile. Before rushing into the store, be sure you check out the fun decorations in front of it, especially along 12th Street.

What can you buy at Hollywood Candy?

The better question is what can’t you buy at Hollywood Candy. You’ll find a rainbow of candies, from oddities to nostalgic treats to everything in between. Even Nebraska’s own Bakers Candies are there.

The candy counter at Hollywood Candy in Omaha, Nebraska

And while we all call it “Hollywood Candy,” the store consists of more than just the candy shop. A lot more.

Fremont Antiques & Mercantile is also part of Hollywood Candy. It’s a collection of various vendors selling all sorts of memorabilia from records and vintage signs to troll dolls.

There is also the Hollywood Pinball & Arcade Museum. I usually just refer to it as the vintage pinball area. You can play the machines (that are working) for a quarter.

Antique pinball machines at Hollywood Pinball & Arcade Museum in Omaha, Nebraska

There’s also all sorts of random memorabilia to find (like a piano once played by Lady Gaga) and mystery items to intrigue kids (like a rotating door that goes to…?).

If you’re hungry, there’s an old-fashioned soda fountain inside called the Fairmont Diner.

Fairmont Diner inside Hollywood Candy

Wander around long enough and you’ll find the movie theater inside the store. They play free movies from time to time there.

Related post: What’s at Omaha Market?

Is parking free at Hollywood Candy?

Like most places in the Old Market, there is only metered parking in front of Hollywood Candy. Meters in Omaha run until 9 p.m., so be sure to plug it before you go in to shop.

You don’ have to pay the meters on Sundays, holidays or after 9 p.m.

Is it kid-friendly?

Of course!

It’s funny that I took so long to bring my kids to Hollywood Candy. I have my reasons. Mainly: Sugar and my kids don’t get along.

Candy aisles at Hollywood Candy

But, for a special day out, we brought them to explore Hollywood Candy. They got a contact sugar high just on entry.

They loved the place. There’s just an overwhelming amount of stuff. Yes stuff. I can’t describe the amount of stuff there is.

The old movie theater was too dark for them want to go in. But I thought it looked neat.

John Wayne statue at Hollywood Candy

What else can you do by Hollywood Candy?

I wouldn’t tell you all to make a special trip to the Old Market just to poke around this one store – even though it’s a pretty neat one to browse.

While you’re downtown, pair your visit to Hollywood Candy with some other activity. It’s not far from Omaha Children’s Museum or Omaha’s zoo. There are also 10+ free things to do in the Old Market with kids.

Looking for a restaurant near Hollywood Candy? My favorite ice cream shop is just across the street – Ted and Wally’s. For more ideas, check out this post on great family-friendly restaurants in downtown Omaha.

Hollywood Candy - The quirkiest store in Omaha Nebraska! Read about this unique shop that has a soda fountain, antique pinball arcade and free movie theater. #Omaha #Nebraska #USA

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jessica remington

Monday 10th of February 2014

When I took my 3 boys last spring, it took them forever to spend their limit...next time I will go in with a "one piece" rule...I think it will speed things up a little bit. :D

Alissa Apel

Thursday 6th of February 2014

Oh I know...that place is so fun! One of my students did a campaign for them a few years ago. I don't think he ever pitched his ideas to them. It certainly was fun though.

Kim

Friday 7th of February 2014

That's interesting! What class do you teach where students need to write campaigns?

Jen

Wednesday 5th of February 2014

This is one of my favorite places in Omaha. . .for my stomach and my collector's spirit!

Kim

Friday 7th of February 2014

Now I'm curious what collectibles you'd be looking for in there. Elvis? Pez?

Trianna

Tuesday 4th of February 2014

My son also gets that contact sugar high! I limit his refined sugars because he doesn't need any help being wired. This looks like a great time and I can imagine the hours of perusing the different aisles of candy. At least, that's what would have happened if it were my son and I.

Kim

Friday 7th of February 2014

The places just energizes kids.

Tessa Genners

Monday 3rd of February 2014

Why haven't I been to this candy store yet? I have lived in Omaha for three years now and I love when you share places like this to me.

Kim

Tuesday 4th of February 2014

Yay! I love to hear that.

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