Best Things to Do in November in Omaha

Enjoy the best family-friendly things to do this November in Omaha!

Bookmark this page as many more events, including exciting Thanksgiving and Holiday activities, will be added as they are announced!

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Be sure to check back throughout November as MANY Holiday events will be added soon!

PLEASE NOTE: Many events require pre-registration, have limited capacity, or offer timed slots. As things continue to change during this time, it is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancelations, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

Find 40+ Holiday Events in Omaha for many family-friendly fun this Holiday Season!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER IN OMAHA

Veterans Shine On – Nov. 3 (6 – 7 p.m.), FREE

• The event will include several speakers, a laying-of-the-wreath ceremony for our war representatives, music, and the grand lighting of the WWII Colonnade. Speakers include Mayor Jean Stothert, Councilmember Pete Festersen, and special guest Jeanette Harper, USAF Veteran and Bellevue University Professor. Hot cocoa and desserts will be served.
• Location: Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave., Omaha, NE.

Try Hockey for FREE Day – Nov. 5, FREE [REGISTER]

• Participating locations encourage kids, ages 4 to 9, to try youth hockey.
• Local Participating Rink: Sidner Ice Arena, 1558 E. Military Ave., Fremont, NE. Click here for times of event and to register.

Storybook Land – Nov. 6 (1 – 4 p.m.), FREE

• Meet and greet your favorite storybook characters – Splat the Cat, The Grinch, Mirabel, Pete the Cat, and others – at Westroads Mall! All kids receive a free book, while supplies last.
• Location: Westroads Mall, 10000 California St., Omaha, NE.

Nebraska’s Official Veteran’s Parade – Nov. 12  (10 a.m.), FREE

• Nebraska’s Official Veteran’s Parade with a special fly-over by the US Air Force.
• Location: Downtown Bellevue, Bellevue, NE.

See more Veterans Day Events and Discounts in Omaha here!

• In honor of Veterans Day, enjoy local events, restaurant discounts, and free admission to some area attractions for veterans and active military personnel. Thank you for your service!

May the Force Be With You Family Fun Weekend – Nov. 11 – 13 (Fri: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat/Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Included with regular admission

• Activities include making your own pool noodle lightsabers and battle droids, and a Star Wars-inspired science show. Star Wars costumes are encouraged.
• Location: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops –Nov 5- Dec 24th [Free Advanced Registration Required]

• Santa’s Wonderland offers Contactless Claus visits, free Photo with Santa, and free take-home holiday craft activity kits.
• Advance reservations are required in all locations for Free Santa photo and can go quickly. Reserving is easy and free.
• Location: Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy., La Vista, NE and Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Dr., Council Bluffs, IA.

Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – Nov 13- Feb 14, Daily at Dusk

• Stroll through tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street. Plus, visit the beautifully decorated tree in Farnam Court.
• Location: Turner Park (31st Ave. and Farnam St.), Omaha, NE.

Tangier Shrine Feztival of Trees – Nov. 19 – 26 (closed on Thanksgiving), $2/person ages 13 and up (free for kids 12 & under)

• See the trees — and win the trees! Buy raffle tickets for $1 each and deposit your raffle ticket in the bucket for the tree — or trees — you want to win! One winner will be drawn for each tree, so there will be 60 winners! You win the tree, the decorations, and all the prizes that go along with it (each tree valued at a minimum of $500!). 
• Location: Tangier Shrine Center, 2823 S. 84 St., Omaha, NE.

See 10+ Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha here!

Merry & Bright: Holiday Poinsettia Show – Nov. 19 – Dec. 31, 2022; (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)), Included with regular admission

• Thousands of poinsettias bursting with rich, vibrant color fill the floral display hall in a glowing tribute to the holidays during the spectacular holiday poinsettia show, Merry & Bright.
• Bright Nights – Experience a multitude of festive delights as flowers and foliage combine with light to make the season Merry & Bright!
• Holiday Harmony – During the holiday poinsettia show, local musicians share their talents and perform holiday classics that are sure to delight guests of all ages.
• Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE. 

Holiday Lights Festival – Nov. 22 – Jan 3

• Nov. 24 (6 p.m.): Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony – Come celebrate the beginning of the holidays with us and kick off the 2022 Holiday Lights Festival season with the annual Thanksgiving lighting ceremony! 
• Nov. 24 (7 p.m.): Making Spirits Bright Concert – This FREE concert at the Holland Center features a special guest vocalist accompanied by the Nebraska Wind Symphony.
• Location: RETURNING THIS YEAR TO: Gene Leahy Mall, 1001 Douglas St., Omaha, NE.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade  – Nov. 23 (6 – 7 p.m.), FREE

• Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of Shadow Lake Towne Center’s NEW 35-foot LED-lit tree covered in more than 30,000 lights – the biggest and best tree in all of Nebraska! Santa and his friends will be here.
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

Christmas at Union Station: Tree Lighting Ceremony – Nov. 24 – January 8th, FREE

• Watch the museum’s 40-foot-tall Christmas Tree come aglow for the holiday season. 
• Location: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

Lights of Aksarben Tree Lighting Ceremony – Every Friday starting from Nov 25th from 6-8pm 

• Enjoy a horse and carriage ride and more. 
• Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.

Visit Santa at Rockbrook Village – Saturday Nov 26th 11 am-3pm 

• Visit Santa, take a horse and carriage ride, enjoy a holiday hunt around the village, write a letter to Santa, and more.
• Location: 2800 S. 110th Ct., Omaha, NE.

Downtown Papillion’s Winter Wonderland – Nov 26th

‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas in LaVista – November 27th – December 30th

• Santa’s Sleigh Ride Nov 27th (3 – 7 p.m.) 
• Tree Lighting Celebration & Soup Supper Nov 28th  (5:45- 7:30) 
• Letters to Santa Nov 28th – Dec 13 –

  • Santa’s Workshop outdoor mailbox (8305 Park View Blvd.) and La Vista Public Library (9110 Giles Rd.)

• Walkin’ in a La Vista Wonderland– Nov 28th – Dec 31 
• Visit Santa & His Reindeer – Nov 28th – Dec 17th
  • Nov 28th 6-7:30,  Dec 2nd 4:30-6:30, Dec 9th  4:30-6:30,
  • Dec 13th  4:30-6:30, Dec 17th 9-11 am (no reindeer)

Ralston’s Holiday Magic – Nov 27th 1-7 pm

• Enjoy holiday activities including a Tree Lighting Ceremony at this fun, family outdoor event.
• Location: Independence Square, 77th St. & Main St., Ralston, NE.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Nov. 25 – Dec. 28 (times vary), $27-#32 [REGISTER]

• With sparkling sets, cozy costumes, and snowy special effects, this princess tale will prove to be the perfect present for everyone on your nice list this holiday season.
• Dec. 10: ASL show
• Dec. 17: Sensory-friendly show
• Location: The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St., Omaha, NE.

Discover the Best Donut

• Visit a variety of local donut shops this season!

Go on a Family Getaway

• Choose from a variety of locations that are not too far from Omaha. Explore a new destination, go on an adventure, and create new memories! 
• Day Trips, Road Trips, Cabins to Rent, and more!

Check out a Public Library Pass

Members of certain libraries can check out a pass to visit one of the following locations:

• Durham Museum – Members of all 12 Omaha Public Library branches, Bellevue Public Library, Bennington Public Library, Council Bluffs Public Library, and Fremont Public Library.
• Fontenelle Forest – Members of the Omaha Public Library, Bellevue Public Library, or Council Bluffs Public Library.
• Lauritzen Gardens – Members of the Omaha Public Library, Bellevue Public Library, or Council Bluffs Public Library.

Explore a Favorite Hiking or Walking Trail

• Venture on a hiking or walking trail in the Omaha area with kids!
• Some of our favorites include the Waterfall Trail at Platte River State Park and the scenic trails at Hitchcock Nature Center. 

FIND MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES:

We do our best to share current information in Family Fun in Omaha, but event details may change. It is always a good idea to verify the information before visiting.

Have a wonderful fun-filled November!

We Look Forward to These Events Returning: (Events TBA)

We are looking forward to the return of these fun events. These events will be updated as information becomes available.

Do Space Anniversary Open House – TBA for 2022

• Celebrate with an evening full of family-friendly tech activities, the return of Virtual Reality, and a chance to win AirPods & a Nintendo Switch Lite.
• Location: 7205 Dodge St., Omaha, NE.

Reindeer Games at Fat Brain Toys – TBA for 2022

• Meet real reindeer from Santa’s Woods outside the store! Plus, experience even more holiday cheer with some Christmas cookies and a festive craft.
• Location: Fat Brain Toys, 16909 Burke St., Omaha, NE.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – TBA for 2022 [Free Advanced Registration Required]

• Santa’s Wonderland offers Contactless Claus visits, free Photo with Santa, and free take-home holiday craft activity kits.
• Advance reservations are required in all locations for Free Santa photo and can go quickly. Reserving is easy and free.
• Location: Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy., La Vista, NE and Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Dr., Council Bluffs, IA.

Free Admission to The Durham Museum – TBA for 2022

• The Durham Museum will open its doors to the public for free as they rekindle the community spirit that welcomed Union Station into service in 1931 (90 years ago).
• Location: 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – TBA for 2022

• Stroll through tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street. Plus, visit the beautifully decorated tree in Farnam Court.
• Location: Turner Park (31st Ave. and Farnam St.), Omaha, NE.

Winterfest: Bayliss Park Holiday Lighting – TBA for 2022

• Bayliss Park transforms into a wonderland! Winterfest activities include a Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and his reindeer, festive photo ops, face painting, balloons, hot cocoa, carolers, an outdoor movie, and more!
• Location: Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.