November in Omaha: Cozy Nights & Holiday Lights

by Jennifer Weikel

November in Omaha is that magical in-between — where fall’s cozy charm meets the sparkle of the holiday season. The air feels a little crisper, the lights begin to twinkle, and it’s the perfect time to slow down, savor local flavors, and make memories with friends and family before the full holiday rush begins.

Whether you’re cozying up for a long-table dinner on the riverfront, cheering on the Huskers with a crowd, exploring local art, or kicking off your holiday shopping at a craft market, there’s something happening every week to make this season feel extra special.

This month’s lineup includes some of Omaha’s best traditions — live music, wine dinners, holiday previews, and family favorites that bring our community together. From relaxing nights out to festive weekend adventures, here are a few of my favorite ways to celebrate November across the metro.

Late October Events Rolling into November 🎢

Brickway Brewery & Distillery Tour 🍺πŸ₯ƒ
Recurring weekly on Saturdays | Brickway Brewery & Distillery | Starting 1:30 PM | $25
Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Omaha’s favorite breweries. Enjoy a complimentary pint, guided tastings, a take-home vodka or whisky, and 10% off select items. RSVP by 1 PM the day before your tour.

High Tea at The Cottonwood Hotel πŸ°β˜•
Recurring daily | Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel | 12–4 PM (Mon–Fri) | 2–4 PM (Sat–Sun) | $50 per person
Savor a refined afternoon tea in The Fontenelle Room. Enjoy handcrafted sweets, savory bites, and local teas served with elegance and tradition. Reservations encouraged.

La Calavera Catrina πŸ’€πŸŒΊ
Through November 8, 2025 | Lauritzen Gardens | 9 AM – 5 PM | $15 general admission
Step into a colorful celebration of life with eight larger-than-life sculptures by Ricardo Soltero. This vibrant Día de los Muertos display honors Mexican culture through art and history.

Night Light at Kiewit Luminarium πŸŒƒπŸ”¬
Recurring weekly on Thursdays | 7 PM – 10 PM | $24.95
Reignite your curiosity during this adults-only evening at the Luminarium. Enjoy drinks, hands-on exhibits, and creative exploration — a fun night out for grown-ups who love to learn.

Sibelius’ First Symphony 🎻🎢
October 31 – November 1, 2025 | Holland Performing Arts Center | From $26
Conductor José Luis Gómez leads the Omaha Symphony in a breathtaking program featuring Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Paul Huang and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1.

Early November Highlights πŸ·

Riverfront Supper Club 🍷🍽️
November 1, 2025 | Recurring monthly on the 1st | Fig. | $75
Join the beloved long-table dinner on the Omaha Riverfront. Enjoy a three-course, family-style meal, good company, and live jazz in an intimate setting.

GO BIG RED Tailgate – Nebraska vs. USC 🏈🍻
November 1, 2025 | The Granary Green | Free
Catch the Huskers on a 27-foot LED screen with stadium sound, food, drinks, and pre-game fun. Yard games, DJ hype, and red-clad energy make this tailgate a fan favorite.

Duckhorn Wine Dinner 🍷πŸ₯©
November 6, 2025 | Sullivan’s Steakhouse | $115 per person
Savor a five-course tasting menu paired with world-class Duckhorn Vineyards wines — a culinary experience from crisp whites to bold reds.

Autumn Festival: An Arts & Crafts Affair 🎨🍁
November 6–9, 2025 | Liberty First Credit Union Arena | $10 Adults | $9 Seniors | Free under 10
Shop hundreds of artisan booths in one of the nation’s top-rated craft shows. Enjoy food, drinks, hourly giveaways, and handmade holiday décor.

Nights at the Joslyn 🎨🍷
November 6, 2025 | Joslyn Art Museum | 5 PM – 8 PM | Free
Explore art after hours with curator talks, hands-on creativity, live demos, food, and drinks. Each night has a fresh theme for families and art lovers alike.

Mid-November Fun & Family Favorites πŸŽ

Holiday Boutique Preview Party πŸ›οΈπŸ₯‚
November 7, 2025 | Joslyn Castle | 5 PM – 8 PM | $50
Get early access to Joslyn Castle’s Holiday Boutique. Shop three floors of festive vendors while sipping something sparkling and sampling hors d’oeuvres.

Kids’ Movie Night at NHS πŸΎπŸ•
November 7, 2025 | Nebraska Humane Society | 5:30 PM – 9 PM | $45 per child
Drop off your kids (ages 5–13) for an evening of pizza, popcorn, and furry friends while you enjoy a night out.

Blackstone Chili Cook-Off 🌢️πŸ”₯
November 8, 2025 | Crescent Moon | $10
Sample spicy, savory chili from more than 15 local businesses and vote for your favorite at this annual Blackstone District showdown.

GO BIG RED Tailgate – Nebraska @ UCLA 🏈🍺
November 8, 2025 | The Granary Green | Free
Catch the Huskers live on the big screen again — complete with tailgate games, drinks, and DJ hype.

The Blackstone District 2nd Saturday 🎢🍻
November 8, 2025 | Recurring monthly on the 2nd Saturday | The Blackstone District
A monthly neighborhood celebration featuring live music, local makers, food, and themed fun throughout the district.

Stained Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop βœ¨πŸ–ŒοΈ
November 9 – December 14, 2025 | Hot Shops Art Center | 1 PM – 3:30 PM | $100
Create your own glass ornament or suncatcher in this hands-on holiday workshop. No experience needed — just creativity!

Veterans Day Free Admission at The Durham Museum πŸŽ–οΈπŸŽŸοΈ
November 11, 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free for veterans and immediate family
Enjoy free admission and a complimentary hot dog meal at the Soda Fountain in honor of Veterans Day.

Holiday Kickoff Events πŸŽ„

Trans-Siberian Orchestra πŸŽΈπŸŽ…
November 13, 2025 | Mid-America Center | 7 PM | Tickets TBD
The iconic rock orchestra returns with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More — lights, music, and pure holiday magic.

Family Night at The Union for Contemporary Art πŸŽ¨πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§
November 14, 2025 | 5 PM – 7 PM | Free
Enjoy free hands-on art experiences with your family — from weaving and clay to beadwork and LEGO creations.

A Motown Christmas πŸŽ€πŸŽ„
November 15, 2025 | Orpheum Theater | 7 PM | From $63.50
An all-star cast from legendary Motown groups performs classic hits and holiday favorites for a soulful seasonal concert.

Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour 🎢🎁
November 15, 2025 | CHI Health Center Omaha | 7 PM | From $40
Experience the powerhouse vocals of the three-time Grammy-winning group as they bring their holiday tour to Omaha.

Midtown Merry Market πŸŽ„πŸ›οΈ
November 16, 2025 | Empire Room | Free
Sip mimosas, shop from 30+ local makers, and enjoy Midtown Crossing’s “Season of Lights” with crafts, candles, and Santa storytime.

Late November & Holiday Season πŸŒŸ

Zoolightful Holiday Event 🐘✨
November 19 – December 30, 2025 | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium | $26 adults, $16 kids (3–11)
Wander through radiant archways, glowing animal lanterns, and festive trails in this family-favorite light experience.

A Christmas Carol: 50th Anniversary Year 🎩🎭
November 21 – December 21, 2025 | Omaha Community Playhouse | From $62
Celebrate 50 years of Omaha’s holiday tradition — a dazzling production filled with festive music and Victorian charm.

Turkey Trails – Omaha πŸ¦ƒπŸƒ‍♀️
November 22, 2025 | Seymour Skate Park | $25.98
Start your Thanksgiving celebrations early with this 5K/10K race featuring swag, treats, and festive fun for the whole family.

Merry & Bright: Holiday Poinsettia Show πŸŒΊπŸŽ„
November 22 – December 31, 2025 | Lauritzen Gardens | 9 AM – 5 PM | $15 adults; $9 kids (3–12)
Hundreds of vibrant poinsettias, festive foliage, and a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree fill Lauritzen Gardens with holiday cheer.

The Nutcracker πŸ©°β„οΈ
November 22, 2025 | American Midwest Ballet | From $29
A timeless holiday classic featuring beautiful choreography, glittering costumes, and a live orchestra — a must-see family tradition.

Christmas at Union Station πŸŽ„πŸš‚
November 28, 2025 – January 9, 2026 | The Durham Museum | $15 adults; $8 kids (3–12); Free for 2 & under
Step inside The Durham’s grand hall to see Omaha’s largest Christmas tree, explore holiday traditions from around the world, and meet Santa himself.

Christmas at Union Station Tree Lighting Ceremony πŸŽ…πŸŽΆ
November 28, 2025 | 4 PM – 8 PM | The Durham Museum | $15 adults; $8 kids (3–12)
Kick off the season with carols, Santa visits, and the countdown to light Omaha’s official Christmas tree.

Farnam Winter Pop-Up Opening Weekend πŸŽβ˜•
November 29–30, 2025 | Midtown Crossing | Free
Shop 15 locally owned pop-up boutiques, sip seasonal drinks, and find the perfect handmade gifts.

Winter Wonderland – Downtown Papillion πŸ΄πŸŽ†
November 29, 2025 | Downtown Papillion | Free
Enjoy carriage rides, hot cocoa, firepits, live music, and Santa visits under 800,000 holiday lights.

Holiday Lights Festival: The RiverFront πŸŒŸπŸŽ‡
November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Gene Leahy Mall & Heartland of America Park | Free
An immersive display of holiday lights spanning the full 72 acres of The RiverFront — a stunning stroll through downtown’s most magical spots.

Midwest Fest Holiday Market πŸ›οΈπŸŽ„
November 29 – December 7, 2025 | Heartland of America Park | Free
Discover 40 Midwest makers, festive drinks, skating, and reindeer visits at this artisan showcase on the RiverFront.

Monster Jam 🚚πŸ”₯
November 29–30, 2025 | CHI Health Center Omaha | From $21
See world-famous monster trucks soar, spin, and race in two days of family-friendly adrenaline.

Omaha Flea Holiday Market πŸ›οΈβ˜•
November 30, 2025 | Café Postale | 10 AM – 3 PM | Free
Shop handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, candles, prints, and more while supporting Omaha’s local makers.


✨ That wraps up November in Omaha!
From cozy wine dinners and tailgate parties to glowing gardens and festive markets, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

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Jennifer Weikel

Jennifer Weikel

Real Estate Agent | License ID: 20210120

+1(402) 616-4556

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