KVNO

Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens
2024-12-11 16:30 - 21:00, 2024-12-12 16:30 - 21:00, 2024-12-13 16:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Enjoy festive food and drinks, including s’mores, from Abraham Catering and J’s Coffee (additional fees apply).
Late arrivals are not guaranteed entry.
Parking is free.
Tickets are non-refundable and are non-transferable.
In the event that Lauritzen Gardens must cancel the event, the ticket holder will be notified (via the email or phone number used at the time of purchase) and tickets will be rescheduled for another evening.

Special Engagements
Family Fun Nights:

All aboard for an evening of festive fun for families! Watch model trains, hear a seasonal story, complete a craft, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities and entertainment that fit the theme of each family fun night.
Activities run from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and are included with a ticket to Bright Nights

November 27 and December 27: Merry Music & Art
December 1 and 8: Holiday Express
December 11 and 12: Wild about Animals
December 17 and 18: Magic of the Season
December 30 and 31: Winter Carnival

Santa Stops Here:

Share wishes and spread cheer with Santa on December 1, 6-8, and 11-23
Activities run from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and are included with a ticket to Bright Nights

Lights and Libations:

Bars will be open, serving up an array of cocktails, beers, and wines, on December 6, 7, 13, 14, and 20 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
All ages may attend these evenings, but guests must be 21 with a valid ID to enter the bar area.
Great for date night or for a cheerful night with friends and family.
A Bright Nights ticket is required for entry. Drink prices vary.

Public Tour
2024-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Join a Gallery Volunteer for a lively conversation that will engage the senses and build visual literary skills. At the conclusion of the one-hour experience, participants will receive resources for ways to keep looking and learning at The Joslyn. Free, drop-in program; no registration required.

A Christmas Carol
2024-12-11 19:00, 2024-12-12 19:30 | Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, NE, 68132
It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol! Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The must-see holiday event for the entire family is filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and magical scenery.
*Special Event – Not part of the regular season series.
OCP will offer a special performance of A Christmas Carol featuring multiple ASL interpreters dressed in light costumes who shadow performers on stage. This season’s Shadow-Interpreted Performance of A Christmas Carol is Sunday, Dec. 8, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Please call the OCP Box Office at (402) 553-0800 for more information.

Girls Like Us: A Little Naughty, Mostly Nice!
2024-12-11 19:00, 2024-12-12 19:30 | Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass Street, Omaha, NE, 68132
It’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Join Chicago cabaret favorites Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie and Marianne Murphy-Orland as they sing favorite holiday tunes and spread cheer! Laugh at the stresses of the season and bask in the joy of holiday traditions with favorites such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “O Holy Night” and “Merry Christmas, Darling.”
*Special Event – Not part of the regular season series. This show will also perform on Wednesdays in the Howard Drew Theatre.

North Omaha Music and Arts Weekly Music Sessions
2024-12-11 19:00 - 22:00 | North Omaha Music Academy, 2510 N 24th St, Omaha, NE, 68110, United States
North Omaha Music and Arts hosts free weekly gatherings with live band performances, followed by open sessions where all musicians, MCs, and vocalists are invited to participate or sit in.
At our sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other local artists who share your passion for music. Our live shows kick off the evening, setting the tone for a night of creativity and collaboration. After the show, we open up the floor for jam sessions, where you can showcase your skills and improvise with other talented musicians.

Mondays are devoted to jazz, and whether you’re a seasoned jazz player or just starting to explore the genre, our sessions are the perfect place to hone your skills and connect with other jazz enthusiasts.

On Wednesdays, we shift our focus to contemporary, cutting-edge music, providing a space for musicians and vocalists to explore and experiment with new sounds and styles.

Blooms, Birds, Bees, and Butterflies, the Nature of Nebraska by Deb Kubik
2024-12-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
November 15 through January 2
Hours vary due to the garden’s holiday show, Bright Nights
On the gallery walls in the visitor and education center
Included with paid admission or garden membership. $15 + tax, $9 + tax for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and under.
The exhibit will combine Deb Kubik’s love of nature and the beauty of Nebraska’s blooms, birds, and bugs in fused glass. Through fused glass the artist can develop a range of unusual qualities because of the way the medium captures the light and shadows. The layering of custom blends of colored glass frit, in multiple sizes and hues, results in the development of new colors and the creation of depth. The finished pieces will be both realistic and contemporary in nature and are both artistic and functional.

2024 Regional Photo Biennial
2024-12-12 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-13 11:00 - 17:00 | Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE, 68102
There is something for everyone in the Regional Photo Biennial! Nine categories are represented, showcasing some of the best photography from the region of Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming. This year’s exhibition features 91 photographers selected from nearly 400 entries!
All artwork is available for sale and 100% of the sale price goes directly to the artist! Gallery 1516 is a non-profit organization and does not charge commission fees for artists.

Spotlight Talk: Elisabetta Sirani’s Portrait of Ortensia Leoni Cordini as St. Dorothy
2024-12-12 12:30 - 13:00 | Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Join us for a mid-day gallery talk that delves into research and scholarship of works on view by members of The Joslyn’s curatorial staff. At this program, Rebecca Manning, Rae and Bill Dyer curatorial assistant, will speak about a work that the museum acquired in 2023, Elisabetta Sirani’s Portrait of Ortensia Leoni Cordini as St. Dorothy, 1661. The talk will take place in Gallery J2, Joslyn Building.
This 30-minute program is a new series, occurring every two months in different spaces throughout the museum.

Family Fun Night: WILD About Animals
2024-12-12 16:30 - 21:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
All aboard for 10 evenings of festive fun for families! Stroll through dazzling holiday lights, enjoy festive entertainment, watch model trains, get your face painted, and warm up by the fire with S’mores. With themed nights featuring crafts, games, and holiday surprises, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to make special holiday memories in our magical gardens.
Tonight’s theme: Make your holiday season paws-itively jolly with an evening of festival animal-themed fun for families! Visit with Santa Claus, meet a menagerie of animals and insects, enjoy a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that celebrate wild and festive creatures!
Activities run from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and are included with a ticket to Bright Nights on December 12.

Story Weaver | Festive Folktales
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA, 51542, United States
“Story Weaver” is for people who want to tell and/or listen to stories told in and about the natural world in the oral tradition. It is also for musicians, poets, and thinkers. Participants are welcome to tell or read stories, share a poem, or perform a song related to the natural world. Attendance is welcome whether you wish to partake or just listen.
Stories or songs may be true, fictional, or mythic. They may be inspired by history, fairytale/legend/folklore, personal experience, observation, or even family. They may be sad, dramatic, funny, wise, or exciting. We ask that your contribution is in some way related to nature, the wild, or ecology, such as plants, animals, rivers, stones, etc.
For December’s event, we also ask that stories are related to this powerful time of year as winter takes hold, different holiday celebrations take place, and we all reflect on the new year ahead. Some examples include (but are not limited to!) the winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Krampus, the pagan holiday of Yule, or a vivid winter experience in the outdoors.

A Very Special Holiday Special
2024-12-12 19:00, 2024-12-13 19:00 | Shelterbelt Theatre, 4383 Nicholas St STE 204, Omaha, NE, 68131, United States
A Very Special Holiday Special is an evening of 8 short plays by Shelterbelt Alum Mark Harvey Levine. Full of humor and heart, it’s like Christmas and Hanukkah got together to tell stories and have a laugh.
Directed by D. Scott Glasser and Steve Krambeck; Featuring Connie Lee, Moira, Nick LeMay, Moira Mangiamelli, Roz Parr, Christopher Scott, and D. Kevin Williams
Show Dates / Times:
Thursdays and Fridays – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7pm
Saturdays – December 7, 14, 21 at 2pm
Sundays – December 8, 15, 22 at 6pm

Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
2024-12-12 19:30, 2024-12-13 19:30 | Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Omaha’s biggest holiday performance returns! Maestro Ernest Richardson, the Omaha Symphony, and a stellar cast of singers and dancers send your spirits soaring with festive favorites and Christmas classics. Enjoy performances by dazzling community partners on and off stage. The Holland Center shines with festive decorations that make the entire experience perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

CHANTICLEER COMMUNITY THEATER White Christmas
2024-12-12 19:30 | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA, United States
DEC 12-15 & 19-22 >> Thu-Sat 7:30PM & Sun 2PM
Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season with Chanticleer Theater’s White Christmas the Musical at the Hoff Center! This heartwarming production will take the stage from December 12-15 & 19-22, showtimes are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2PM.
Based on the beloved film, this musical brings to life the timeless story of love, laughter, and holiday cheer. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.

A Remarkable Series of Ordinary Events at Holiday Tower
2024-12-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Brigit St Brigit and Benson Theatre continue their delightful tradition of mixing holiday folklore, classic stories, cultural celebrations, and original ideas with an all new script, new players, and more!
You know Ol’ St. Nick and possibly Krampus, but ever heard of Mari Lywd, the horse skull who wants your beer? How about the glowing-eyed Yule Cat who devours those without new clothes on Christmas Eve? A demonic Yule Log, anyone? BSB and Benson are back at it for the holidays with a brand-new bag!
Mischief, Merriment, Mirth, Mayhem, and Mitzvahs! The individuality and creativity of 7 writers from vastly different backgrounds and traditions comes together in one wide-ranging, full length play. A Remarkable Series of Ordinary Events at Holiday Tower is equal parts comedy, drama, whimsy, and wonder– a tale for the holidays about a community of friends and family (found and otherwise), told by a collective of like-minded artists.
THE STORY: ​​​​ Holiday Tower is a staple of the neighborhood. It’s been standing as long as anyone can remember. It not only boasts a diverse community, but houses tenants possibly ripped straight from the pages of folklore and myth. Or folks who just really like role playing. As the divergent and eclectic residents attempt to share their common room and celebrate a multitude of holidays on one night (Christmas Eve, of course!), we peer into individual apartments at various points throughout the year. A collection of snapshots revealing individual lives delineated by the holidays that define a year.
THE STORIES, CHARACTERS, AND INSPIRATIONS
Working as a group this summer, the creative team behind A Remarkable Series of Ordinary Events at Holiday Tower collectively penned a full-length, fully formed play celebrating collaboration and communication. The diverse minds, people and cultures depicted in the play are reflections of the individual writers that made up the collective. The story is equal parts funny, sentimental, spooky, heart-warming, and thoughtful– everything you’ve come to expect from BSB and Benson Theatre’s Holiday Lights tradition.
Theatre is greater than the sum of its parts. It is unavoidably a looking glass into its makers, and if done well, something in which every audience member can see a bit of themselves, as well. The same holds true for healthy, thriving communities. This universality is something that has been baked into every BSB production since its inception over thirty years ago. It has become our tradition at the end of every year to present a show celebrating, with laughter and love, a cocktail of tradition with something new. Join us in December to revel in all the crazy, wonderful, unbelievable, touching, and yes, joyful things that make us different… and very much the same ?
Show Dates: December 12-22, 2024 (Thursdays-Sundays)
Tickets: General Admission $35, Seniors/Students/Military $30

The Nutcracker
2024-12-13 14:30 - 19:30 | Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Visual splendor, a charming story, and brilliant classical dancing – it’s no wonder The Nutcracker is the world’s favorite holiday ballet! Always thoroughly entertaining, this dazzling spectacle highlights the versatility of American Midwest Ballet’s cast of professional artists, backed by a polished ensemble of student dancers from across the metro area. The Nutcracker features lavish sets and more than 250 beautiful costumes. Due to popular demand, we’ve added extra performances this season!

Lights and Libations
2024-12-13 16:30 - 21:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Join us on select nights during Bright Nights as we treat guests to evenings full of lights and libations! On December 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20, bars will serve up an array of cocktails, beers, and wines. Stroll through the indoor gardens, drink in hand, while enjoying the illuminated displays. Great for date night or for a cheerful night with friends and family.
All ages may attend these evenings, but guests must be 21 with a valid ID to enter the bar area. Advance timed tickets for Bright Nights are required for entry (prices vary by date).
Festive drink menu:
Adult Hot Chocolate $6
Decadent hot chocolate spiked with RumChata. Boozy and creamy!
Cranberry Aperol Spritz $5
A festive combination of cranberry, Prosecco, and Aperol. Fancy and flavorful!
Spiked Apple Cider $5
Hot apple cider spiked with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. A classic winter warmer!
Merry Mixed Drinks $5
Have the bartender mix up your own merriment.
Featured Festive Beers $4
Kinkaider’s Snow Beast Winter Ale – Creamy ale with strong vanilla flavor and aroma
Kros Strain Inflatable Snowman – Lager with cranberry and cinnamon
Other Beer Selections $4
Wine $4
Soda $1
Happens on the following Dates:
Dec 6, 2024, 4:30pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 7, 2024, 4:30pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 13, 2024, 4:30pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 14, 2024, 4:30pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 20, 2024, 4:30pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST

Illuminate Inclusion
2024-12-13 17:00 - 21:00 | Zorinsky Lake Park, 3808 S 156th St, Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
Grab your hot chocolate, load the family into the car, and drive thru the Illuminate Inclusion holiday light display at Lake Zorinsky! Illuminate Inclusion is a family-friendly, socially distant fundraiser to build the first accessible and inclusive playground west of 84th Street, at Lake Zorinsky.
You can catch the light display on December 13 & 14, 2024 from 5-9 pm each night at the waterpark entrance off of 156th Street at Lake Zorinsky. We will be accepting donations to help make the accessible and inclusive playground at Lake Zorinsky a reality!
2024 Illuminate Inclusion Sponsorship information is located below. Please contact us at imagineinclusioninc@gmail.com with any questions.

Full Moon Hikes
2024-12-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd, North Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Have you ever hiked under a full moon? Or wondered what comes out after dark in the Forest? Find out on our guided Full Moon Hikes!
Hikes will begin no later than 30 minutes after the event start time, so be sure to arrive on time. All hikes will include an educational discussion of the nocturnal animals around the Forest and a brief talk into the lore of full moons. The event will include a bonfire and s’mores.
DATE AND TIME: Dates listed below. Event Time varies per event based on sunset.
LOCATION: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
MINIMUM CAPACITY: 5
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 35
PROGRAM FEE: $15 for members; $25 for non-members.
MEMBERS MUST SIGN IN TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.

Lights of Aksarben
2024-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Aksarben Village, Omaha, Nebraska
Don’t miss out on the fun this holiday season in Aksarben Village! Lights of Aksarben has transformed Stinson Park into a Whoville celebration created by Limitless Landscape. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday with Omaha’s most giant illuminated tree, cookies and cocoa, a visit from Santa, face painting, live music by Cindy Lou and the Who Who Done Its, and an appearance from Mr. Grinch! December 13 is the final night of our holiday festivities this year- we’d love to celebrate with you. Aksarben Village…where there is always something fun going on!
Cookies and cocoa sponsored by First State Bank

A Christmas Story: The Musical
2024-12-13 19:00 | The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.
Book by Joseph Robinette.
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story.
PRODUCED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS
Join Ralphie Parker on his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts – a Red Ryder air rifle. This musical adaptation of the beloved movie brings all the classic laughs of Flick getting his tongue stuck to a flagpole, Dad getting his special award, a disastrous visit to Santa and many more to life onstage. Bring your family together this winter to experience the universal triumphs of childhood as seen through the eyes of a very special nine-year old.

The Laugh Crafters - Family Friendly Improv
2024-12-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Blackstone Theater, 3624 Farnam St, Omaha, NE, 68131, United States
A hilarious group of Big Canvas improvisers brings short-form improv for the whole family to the Blackstone district every 2nd Friday. Each show is a new adventure you don’t want to miss!
Cast: Dwayne Brown, Bill Swanson, Missy Nissen, Melanie Smith, Dean Brame, Warren Whitted, Stephanie Olson
Note: Cast members are subject to change based on availability

Location
Blackstone Theater, 68131

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
2024-12-13 19:30 | Slowdown, 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is a unique concert experience that puts YOU in control. Performed by brothers Billy, Matthew and Ryan McGuigan and their band, the show relies on you to choose the entire setlist. Before the show starts, you are asked to fill out a request card with your name, favorite Beatles song, and the reason why you chose that song. Minutes before the show starts, these cards are collected and a custom setlist is created based on these requests. Throughout the night, the band weaves your personal stories, and the McGuigans’ own heartfelt memories attached to the Beatles’ music, into the performance, creating a one-of-a-kind narrative that makes every show different. Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is an engaging, interactive celebration where your memories, the McGuigan brothers’ passion, and the timeless songs of the Beatles come together in an unforgettable way.
THE VENUE:
The Slowdown, 729 N 14th Street, Omaha, NE
Slowdown is an ALL AGES venue. This is a seated show.
SHOW DATES:
Friday November 29
Saturday November 30
Friday December 6
Saturday December 7
Sunday December 8
Friday December 13
Saturday December 14
Friday December 27
Saturday December 28
Sunday December 29
All shows are at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.
SEATING OPTIONS:
Pit & Pitside – Reserve your row or pitside. Seats within your reserved row or pitside are first come first pick the night of the show. You are guaranteed seats in your reserved row or pitside.
General Admission/Balcony – Located at the back of the venue and in the balcony. Seating is limited. Seats are not guaranteed.
TICKET PRICES:
$25 General Admission/Balcony
$40 Reserved Pit
$60 Reserved Pitside
12 ticket maximum per order. Click here to see the venue seating map. Have a group of 13 or more? Reach out to kate@billymcguigan.com for group reservations.
