November/December 2019 Calendar of Events
Nov 15, 2019 10:00AM ● By Bryan Vomacka
Exhibitions Stage Performances Concerts Family & More
Exhibitions
Fall Chrysanthemum Show Through Nov. 17 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This annual event will celebrate and highlight Lauritzen’s Conservation Program throughout the past 10 years. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002. —lauritzengardens.org
RACE: Are We So Different? Through Jan. 5 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit offers a first-of-its-kind look at race in the United States from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 3. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
Paul Anthony Smith Through Jan. 19 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Smith takes photographs in New York City and Jamaica and alters them with wooden tools. His work explores the concept of identity, particularly in people who have migrated to new countries and cultures. Admission: free. 402.342.3300. —joslyn.org
Word and Image: The Saint John’s Bible Through Jan. 19 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. This ticketed exhibit features 76 pages from the first handwritten illuminated bible commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey in over 600 years. Admission: $10 adults, $5 college students with ID, free for members and youth under 18. 402.342.3300. —joslyn.org
Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics Through Feb. 2 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. From civil rights to feminism to war and peace, rock music has influenced how we think about cultural and social issues. This interactive exhibit explores the effects of rock music from Eisenhower to Trump, and includes exclusive video interviews with Bono and Jimmy Carter. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 3. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
Everyday People: The Art of James E. Ransome Through Feb. 9 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. A celebration of the simple, joyful moments in life. Admission: free. 402.342.3300. —joslyn.org
Diggin’ Dinos Through April 11 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Dinosaurs meet construction equipment in this new, larger-than-life exhibit that features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, kid-sized construction equipment, and a digging and building area. Admission: $13 adults and children ages 2+, $12 seniors (60+) and free to members and children under 2. 402.342.6164. —ocm.org
Nicki Byram, Inna Kulagina, and Charlene Potter
Nov. 5-24 at Omaha Artists’ Cooperative, 405 S. 11th St. Byram creates colorful abstract works, Kulagina works with fiber art, and Potter, rightfully, is a ceramics artist. Admission: free. 402.342.9617.
—artistscoopomaha.com
Frida Kahlo’s Garden Opening Nov. 9 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. The garden at Kahlo’s lifelong home in Coyoacán, Mexico City, was filled with native plants, and housed Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera’s collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts and folk art displayed on a four-tiered pyramid inspired by the Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan. Admission: $5 adults, $4 college students (with ID), $3.50 senior citizens and children ages 5+, and free to active military (with ID) and children under 5. 402.731.1137. —elmuseolatino.org
Funtastic Fibers at the Garden Opening Nov. 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Funtastic Fibers is a textile art group based in Omaha. Some come from traditional quilting backgrounds, others have worked in textile arts from the beginning. This exhibit showcases their work. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002. —lauritzengardens.org
Richard Ibghy and Marilou Lemmens Project Opening Nov. 20 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. This exhibit will explore the communication of birds and the possibility of communication between different species of animals. Admission: free. 402.341.7130. —bemiscenter.org
Holiday Poinsettia Show Opening Nov. 23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This annual exhibition displays thousands of plants, model trains, and miniature Omaha-area landmarks. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002. —lauritzengardens.org
Holiday Cultural Trees Display Opening Nov. 29 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. The display showcases how cultures from around the world celebrate the holiday season. Each tree is decorated by a local Omaha ethnic society and is accompanied by interpretative text explaining the meaning behind the various decorations and unique traditions of each culture. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children under 3. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
OPS High School Art Show December at Hot Shops, 1301 Nicholas St. Omaha Public Schools art departments are showcasing their students’ talents with a group show of the best teenage artists in Omaha. Admission: free. 402.342.6452. —hotshopsartcenter.com
All Member Show Dec. 3-29 at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. The 30+ artists who belong to the co-op will show their latest work at this annual exhibit. Visitors can see everything from drawings to paintings to pottery to fiber arts and more. Admission: free. 402.342.9617. —artistscoopomaha.com
Stage Performances
Ella Enchanted Through Nov. 10 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Ella Enchanted is a reinvention of the classic tale of Cinderella. Times vary. Tickets: $25. 402.345.4849. —rosetheater.org
The Rocky Horror Show Through Nov. 10 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The cult classic show encourages audience participation and is a one-of-a-kind experience. Times vary. Tickets: $42. 402.345.0606. —omahaplayhouse.com
Madama Butterfly Nov. 1 and 3 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Jun Kaneko’s production of the famous opera returns to Omaha. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. 3. Tickets: $19-$99. 402.345.0606. —operaomaha.org
Kyle Kinane Nov. 6 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Kinane is an internationally touring comedian who has appeared on Drunk History, @Midnight, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Workaholics, This Is Not Happening, Not Safe with Nikki Glaser, and Comedy Bang! Bang! 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Our Town Nov. 8-24 at Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 E. Mission Ave. The fictional town of Grover’s Corners is the backdrop to this play about everyday life in America from 1901 to 1913. Times vary. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors, $10 students. 402.291.1554. —theatreartsguild.com
Joey Diaz Nov. 8-9 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Suite 201. Diaz’s love of storytelling is reflected in each role he takes. Whether it is on film or onstage, his passion for entertaining and delighting audiences shines through every performance. Times vary. Tickets: $30. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
Jeff Allen Nov. 10 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Suite 201. Allen’s rapid-fire humor centers on marriage and family. He has appeared on Showtime, Comedy Central, VH1, and more. At times gut-wrenching and hilarious, Allen’s one-man show, The America I Grew Up In, offers a unique view into his crazy world. Tickets: $20-$35. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
Ailey II Nov. 15 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. An energetic dance show featuring performances of original works and classics. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$38. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
A Christmas Carol Nov. 15 through Dec. 23 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge in a classic Christmas story. Times vary. Tickets: $40-$55 adults, $26-$30 for students with valid ID. 402.345.0606. —omahaplayhouse.com
Neil Hilborn Nov. 16 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Hilborn is an American slam poet who writes and performs poetry. His poems often detail personal experiences and battles with mental illness. 9 p.m. $18 advanced, $20 day of show, $50 VIP. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Yesterday and Today Nov. 22-Dec. 31 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Billy McGuigan and his brothers are back at Omaha Community Playhouse. This all-request Beatles tribute show will have guests dancing in the aisles and singing along to every song. Times vary. Tickets: $40-$55 general admission. 402.345.0606. —omahaplayhouse.com
DRUMline Live Holiday Spectacular Nov. 22 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Classic holiday songs performed by a marching band. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$45. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Cirque Musica presents Holiday Wishes Nov. 29 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. This is a holiday story brought to life. The theatrical event features acrobats, aerialists, and more, performing to the music of a full orchestra. 7 p.m. Tickets: $22-$145. 402.554.6200. — omavs.com
Elf: The Musical Nov. 29-Dec. 22 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. The story of a human who is raised by Santa and his elves has become a modern holiday classic. Times vary. Tickets: $27-$32. 402.345.4849. —rosetheater.org
A Very Die Hard Christmas Nov. 29-Dec. 22 at Blue Barn Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St. A comedic take on the popular action/Christmas movie Die Hard. Times vary. Tickets: $35 general admission. 402.345.1576. —bluebarn.org
The Nutcracker Dec. 7 and 8 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The classic ballet comes to Omaha, featuring 130 dancers and over 250 costumes. 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets: $27-$87. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Family Comedy Show with Greg Warren Dec. 14 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Suite 201. Greg Warren has been seen on Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show on CBS, and Last Comic Standing, and has built a strong fan base with an act inspired by his Midwestern upbringing. This show is geared toward ages 10 and up. 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
Jesus Christ Superstar Dec. 10-15, at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera about the final seven days in the life of Christ is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new production. Times vary. Tickets: TBA. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
New Year’s Eve, an Evening of Laughter Dec. 31 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Suite 201. Ring in 2020 with laughter, provided by comedian John Paul Morgan. The 7:30 p.m. event includes an optional dinner package (drinks sold separately) while the 10 p.m. event includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets: $25-$50. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
CONCERTS
Twin Peaks Nov. 1 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Chicago’s Twin Peaks have gleefully embraced change since their 2010 formation to become one of the city’s essential rock bands. With their fourth album, Lookout Low, the sonic and creative leap the five-piece takes feels like a total revolution of their youthful sound. 9 p.m. $18 advance, $20 day of show. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
The Four Italian Tenors: Viva Italia! Nov. 2 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A group of Italian musicians perform classic works. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$55. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
The Scottie Miller Band Nov. 2 at The Jewell, 1030 Capitol Ave. Minnesota jazz staple Scottie Miller has been inducted into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame, and toured with blues icon Bo Diddley and three-time Grammy-nominated singer Ruthie Foster. 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Admission: $20. 917.748.4337. —jewellomaha.com
Tenth Mountain Division Nov. 2 at Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N. 62nd St. This band takes an exploratory trip through Americana from their diverse influences of classic southern rock, progressive bluegrass, sixties psychedelic blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. Admission: TBD. 402.408.0028. —barleystreet.com
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal Nov. 3 at The Jewell, 1030 Capitol Ave. This band has been performing since 2012, and night after night they bring blues and funk music to local crowds. 6 p.m., 8 p.m. Admission: $10. 917.748.4337. —jewellomaha.com
Dream Theater Nov. 4 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Dream Theater, pioneers of progressive metal music, secluded themselves in upstate New York in the creation of their newest album, Distance Over Time. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.50-$254. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage Nov. 4 at Brothers Lounge, 3812 Farnam St. New Yorker Jeffrey Lewis’ band has a multifaceted existence, exploring a stylistic swath from contemplative folk narratives to distortion-fueled garage rock to soundscape abstractions and more. 8 p.m. Tickets: $8 advance, $10 day of show. 402.558.4096. —brothersloungeomaha.com
That 1 Guy Nov. 5 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Artist Mike Silverman performs a unique show with homemade instruments. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com
Remo Drive Nov. 7 at at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The band’s latest album is Natural, Everyday Degradation. 8 p.m. Tickets: $16 advance, $18 day of show. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com
For King & Country Nov. 10 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. This Grammy-award winning duo For King & Country is known for hits such as “Joy” and “Priceless.” 7 p.m. Tickets: $20-$200. 402.554.6200. —omavs.com
JOHN 5 with Jared James Nichols, Reverend Jack Nov. 8 at Sokol Underground, 2234 S. 13th St. John 5 has worked with musicians such as Mötley Crüe, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Alice Cooper. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402.346.9802. —sokolauditorium.com
Arson City’s Sixth Annual Citizens Ball Nov. 8 and 9 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This year’s event will feature two back-to-back performances by Arson City and more. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 for one day, $20 for both, $35 VIP. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Keith Harkin Nov. 9 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The Irish singer/songwriter has toured around the world over the last 15 years. 8:15 p.m. Tickets $35 advance, $40 day of show. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com
Caamp Nov. 12 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Caamp formed when Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall met and bonded over a shared love of music and a shared love of home, specifically the inspiration they culled from the Midwest lives they grew up in. Their self-titled 2016 debut album took flight, quickly gaining over 52 million streams. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $23 day of show, $59 VIP. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
X Ambassadors Nov. 12 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. The band’s third album, Orion, was released in June. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $28. 402.346.9802. —sokolauditorium.com
Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2019 Nov. 13 at Mid-America Center, One Arena Way, Council Bluffs. This multiplatinum American band fuses multimedia with a rock concert. Their Christmas music has been a favorite of people young and old. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39-$70. 712.323.0536. —ticketmaster.com
Big Wild Nov. 15 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Producer Jackson Stell has adopted influences from California’s natural glory and open spaces to create the atmospheric and wide-spanning Big Wild sound, which traverses electronic, indie, pop, and beyond. 8:30 p.m. $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.346.9802. —sokolauditorium.com
The Piano Guys Nov. 16 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The Piano Guys perform their unique take on classical music, modern pop, movie scores, and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $51-$126. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Slayer Nov. 18 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. One of the most popular heavy metal bands is stopping in Omaha on their final world tour. 6 p.m. Tickets: $26-$250. 402.341.1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
Mayday Parade: Forever Emo Nov. 19 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This Tallahassee-based rock band got inspiration for their latest album from an abandoned hospital where the band members used to sneak in to explore as teenagers. Their music evokes the memories of overgrown vines, rusted hospital beds, and IV stands. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Yelawolf: “Ghetto Cowboy Tour” Nov. 20 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. The rapper comes to Omaha for the “Ghetto Cowboy Tour.” 7 p.m. Tickets: $30. 402.346.9802. —sokolauditorium.com
Wilco Nov. 20 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Wilco’s unique sound is a combination of rock, country, folk, pop, and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45-$55. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Katastro Nov. 20 at the The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Emerging from diverse musical backgrounds, the members of Katastro gather to create a unique sound, blending hip-hop, blues, jazz, and rock. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $17 day of show. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Third Eye Blind Nov. 26 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The popular rock band released their sixth album, Screamer, in October. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35-$1,000. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
The HU Nov. 26 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The HU is a band from Mongolia that blends hard rock and traditional Mongolian throat singing. Their first two videos (“Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem”) have garnered over 30 million views. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Chastity Nov. 26 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Chastity (Brandon Williams) hails from Whitby, Ontario, a suburb well removed—physically and emblematically—from Toronto. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A screening of the third film in the popular series will be accompanied by a live performance of the film’s music by the Omaha Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and 2 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets: $19-$79. 403.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Holiday Concert Series Nov. 30-Dec. 22 Tuesday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Talented local entertainers, school musicians, and choirs will perform as part of The Durham Museum’s Holiday Concert Series. Concerts are free, but museum admission ($11 adults, $8 seniors ages 62+, $7 children ages 3-12, and free for members and children under 3) applies. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party Dec. 3 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. This show sees the group bring their own unique take to a variety of classic holiday songs. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25-$45. 403.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Jonas Brothers Dec. 4 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. The brothers are back and as popular as ever. In June, they released their first album in 10 years. Attendees can expect to hear their new hit “Sucker” as well as fan favorites like “Burnin’ Up.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $46-$588. 402.341.1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
The Motet Dec. 5 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This Denver septet harnesses pure energy. They encode a message in their energetic mélange of funk, soul, and pop. 8 p.m. $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Morbid Angel Dec. 6 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. These legendary death metal titans are promising a show of pure evil and uncompromised dark art. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $30 day of show. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas featuring Salem Baptist Church Dec. 7-8 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Omaha’s nationally recognized Salem Baptist Church choir brings back its popular concert, featuring holiday classics and new music. Tickets and times vary. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Old 97’s Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 9 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Old 97 emerged from Dallas more than 20 years ago at the forefront of a musical movement blending rootsy, country-influenced songwriting with punk rock energy and delivery. In 2019, they are still going strong. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Blackalicious Dec. 10 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This California-bred duo has a hard-won reputation as one of hip-hop’s most progressive, forward-thinking creative forces. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
Five Finger Death Punch Dec. 14 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. Five Finger Death Punch, known for “Wrong Side of Heaven” and “Gone Away,” performs. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.50-$79.50. 402.341.1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
Home Free Dec. 19 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The acapella country band has sold more than 350,000 albums worldwide. 8 p.m. Tickets: $19.50-$118.50. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Mariachi Herencia de México Dec. 20 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The youth ensemble from Chicago brought new life to mariachi music with their debut album in 2017. In this show, they celebrate the holiday season with a performance of Mexican and American holiday music. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10-$25. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Dec. 21 and 22 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The most famous Christmas music group of all time, which was started in Omaha, celebrates their 35th anniversary with their annual tour. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets: $38.25-$58.25. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
Family & More
Anime NebrasKon 2019 Nov. 1-3 at The Ramada Convention Center, 3321 S. 72nd St. Anime NebrasKon is a Japanese animation and pop culture convention held in Omaha. The event includes something for everyone—family-friendly panels, video and board games, and dances. Admission: $50-$55. —animenebraskon.com
Union Pacific Museum November Family Night Nov. 1 at Union Pacific Museum, 200 Pearl St. On the first Friday of every month, Union Pacific Museum hosts a family night. November’s theme is Bison Night. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission: free. 712.329.8307. —uprrmuseum.org
A Night at the Forbidden Forest Nov. 1 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Those age 21+ can journey into the forbidden forest to hunt for Horcruxes, or take O.W.L. exams via a Pub Quiz designed to challenge even the most knowledgeable witch or wizard. Students of Hogwarts will receive a drink ticket with admission to the event, and there will be owls to meet, wands to be chosen, and more. A costume contest will be held. 6-9 p.m. Admission: $25 members/$35 non-members. 402.731.3140. —fontenelleforest.org
A Holiday at Hogwarts Nov. 2 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Children of all ages can walk through the forbidden forest, visit the Sorting Hat, practice “swish and flick” wand moves and have a drink of Butterbeer (nonalcoholic, of course). Witch and wizard attire is encouraged and will be celebrated with a costume parade. 1-4 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 402.731.3140. —fontenelleforest.org
Autumn Festival: Arts and Crafts Affair Nov. 7-10 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Art from hundreds of the best crafters and artists in the country, plus food and drinks, makes for an excellent family event. Times vary. Tickets: $9 adults, $8 seniors (62+), free for children under 10. 402.934.9966. —ralstonarena.com
Veterans Shine On Nov. 7 at Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave. The lighting of the World War II Colonnade. Speakers, special guests, hot cocoa, and music will contribute to this night for honoring veterans. 6-7 p.m. Admission: free. 402.444.5900. —parks.cityofomaha.edu
Holiday Lights Festival Nov. 18-Jan. 5 in the Old Market, 10th to 13th streets and Harney to Jackson streets. Omaha’s popular holiday season festival is back. This year, lights will illuminate the Old Market and surrounding streets as part of Holidays in the Old Market. The display will blanket the Old Market and surrounding streets with white lights and garland. The lighting display will be accented with LED snowflakes, window décor, and illuminated leaping reindeer. 402.345.5401. —holidaylightsfestival.org
Council Bluffs Kennel Club Nov. 23-24 at Mid-America Center, One Arena Way. Dog-lovers will be able to see favorite breeds such as labradors, Lhasa apsos, beagles, and more at this annual all-breed show. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, and free for children 12 and under. 712.323.0536. —caesars.com/mid-america-center
Lights of Aksarben Nov. 29, and Dec. 6, 13, and 20 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St. This annual event starts with the tree lighting Nov. 23 and includes community activities (in a heated tent), free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and horse-drawn carriage rides. 6-8 p.m. Admission: free. 402.496.1616. —aksarbenvillage.com
Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 29 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. The Christmas at Union Station festivities begin with the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event includes live music, cookie decorating, and holiday crafts, plus a visit from Santa Claus. Everything leads to the signature tradition of the night: the community countdown to lighting the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree. 4-8 p.m. Museum admission applies ($11 adults, $8 seniors ages 62+, $7 children ages 3-12, and free for members and children under 2). 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
Winter Wonderland Nov. 30 in Downtown Papillion, 122 E. Third St. This small-town festival includes festive lights, carriage rides, hot chocolate and s’mores, visits with Santa and his reindeer, and holiday shopping. 5-9 p.m. Admission: free. 402.331.3917. —papillionfoundation.org
KETV Family Festival Dec. 1 at various locations. The Family Festival offers an opportunity to experience many of Omaha’s leading downtown attractions. Ollie the Trolley will provide free, heated trolley rides between locations, which include The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, the W. Dale Clark Library, and the YMCA downtown. Noon-5 p.m. Admission: free. 402.345.5401. —holidaylightsfestival.org
The Madrigal Christmasse Feaste Dec. 4-7 at Regency Marriott Ballroom, 10220 Regency Circle. Ibsen Costume Gallery takes guests back in time to the Renaissance years for a dinner experience complete with food and costumes. 6 p.m. Tickets: $62 per person, $55 groups of 10 or more. 402.556.1400. —ibsencostumes.com
Milk & Cookies With Santa Dec. 6 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Omaha Children’s Museum will stay open late so children can play with a cast of holiday characters. Special events include decorating cookies, attending shows of Santa’s Magic, and participating in open play throughout the museum. Included in admission, which is: $13 adults and children ages 2+, $12 seniors ages (60+), and free to members and children under 24 months. 402.342.6164. —ocm.org
Holiday Cultural Festival Dec. 6 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Visitors can learn how the world celebrates this joyful time of year from more than 20 local cultural organizations. Crafts and traditional dress will be displayed while musicians and dancers perform throughout the evening. Ethnic foods and gifts will be available for purchase. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children under 3. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
Union Pacific Museum December Family Night Dec. 6 at Union Pacific Museum, 200 Pearl St. The theme for December’s family night is “Trainapalooza!” 5:30-8 p.m. Admission: free. 712.329.8307. —uprrmuseum.org
Hot Shops Winter Open House Dec. 7-8 at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. This biannual event includes the studios being open for visitors, organized art displays, artist demonstrations, and gallery shows. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. —hotshopsartcenter.com
National Poinsettia Day Dec. 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The holiday poinsettia show offers all the opportunity to celebrate National Poinsettia Day. The first 100 families to visit the garden will receive a poinsettia (limit one per family) to celebrate. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children age 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002. —lauritzengardens.org
Winter Moon Walk and Campfire Dec. 13 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. This family-friendly program will incorporate a short moonlight hike through the forest followed by a campfire under a full moon. 6:30 p.m. Admission: $21 adults, $20 senior (62+), $13 children 2-17, $5 for members and children under 2. 402.731.3140. —fontenelleforest.org
Supper with Santa Dec. 13-14, 20-21 at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St. Attendees can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, have story time, decorate cookies, and eat dinner. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission: TBA. 402.773.8401. —omahazoo.com
Fifth Annual 100 Block Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl Dec. 23 at 100 Block (102-164 W. Broadway) in Council Bluffs. Participants are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater for this fun event where several bars on the 100 Block are offering samples of beer. Registration is at Barley’s Bar (114 W. Broadway) from 6-9 p.m. Admission: $5. —cb100block.com
Penguins and Pancakes Dec. 26-30 at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St. Guests can munch on pancakes while creating crafts and viewing visits from the African penguins inside the zoo’s Aquarium Conference Center. 9-10:30 a.m. Tickets: $15-$25. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 402.773.8401. —omahazoo.com
Nick Jr. Live! Dec. 28 and 29 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and more Nick Jr. characters take the stage for a live stage performance. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 28 and 29. Tickets: $23.25-$109.25. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular Dec. 31 at CHI Health Center, MECA Lot B, 455 N. 10th St. This incredible show fills the sky with bursts of color, choreographed to explode on cue to a unique musical score of iconic ’60s hits. 7 p.m. Admission: free. 402.345.5401. —holidaylightsfestival.org
New Year’s Eve Bash Dec. 31 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Guests will ring in the New Year with a countdown and evening activities at the museum. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $13 children and adults; $12 seniors (age 60+); free for members and children under 2. Museum admission included. 402.342.6164. —ocm.org
Noon Year’s Eve Dec. 31 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Music from Dino O’Dell and the T-Rex All-Stars and special crafts and activities are on the lineup, along with the celebratory Bubble Wrap stomp and balloon drop at noon in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children under 3. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org
This calendar was printed in the November/December 2019 edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
