Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha Botanical Center

Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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	Events and Exhibits

		2025 Call for Submissions- Art Gallery

		All-European Show and Shine

		Deck the Holidays

		Easter Brunch

		Easter Extravaganza

		Ghoulish Garden Adventure

		Glee Handbell Choir of Japan

		Holiday Poinsettia Show

		Japanese Ambience Festival

		Leashes at Lauritzen

		Mothers Day Brunch

		Orchid Show and Sale

		Sandhill Crane Migration Trip

		StoryWalk®

		Summer Solstice Lecture

		Tempo of Twilight

		The Garden's Gambit

		TREEmendous Arbor Day Celebration

		Valentine's Day Dinner

		Walking Club

		Holiday Chess Blitz

		Open Omaha 2024

	Group Tours

	Café and Coffee Shop

	Gift Shop

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Events and Exhibits

What's In Bloom?

Current highlights include: roses, goldenrod, hydrangeas, wildflowers, and Japanese anemone.

October 5 through November 3, 2024

Wicked Plants Display

While there are far more heroes than villains in the botanical world, some plants are REALLY wicked. This display will showcase plants from our collection that poison, paralyze, puncture, intoxicate, eat flesh, and otherwise offend, some of which we commonly grow in our homes and gardens.

October 4 through November 12, 2024

In the Gallery: Wicked Plants by Carmen McCullough

Inspired by Lauritzen Gardens' exhibit Wicked Plants, this collection of mixed media works reflects the dark obsession of a curious botanist logging sketches, photos, handwritten notes, and various ephemera in their research journal. From nightshade to hemlock, you'll see species that are beautiful and sometimes helpful, but can also cause discomfort, pain, and even death.

October 18 through November 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dia de los Muertos Community Ofrenda

The annual Mexican celebration, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is a time when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. As we approach this vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration, we invite everyone to honor their ancestors and those we have lost with our community ofrenda. Our ofrenda is open to ALL to contribute unframed photos of their loved ones to carry on the traditions of previous generations or simply pay respects to this rich cultural tradition. Anyone, from any background, culture, or religion, may add to it and participate (Items may be dropped off at the front desk without an admission fee. Please do not bring add anything to the ofrenda that you wish to have back).

Sunday, October 27 from noon to 4 p.m.

Ghoulish Garden Adventure

Come join the fun! Discover the things in nature that make the fall so festive! Dress in costume and explore a variety of fun and educational activity stations throughout the garden.

Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m.

Loveland Garden Club Lecture with Camille T. Dungy

Join us for an evening with award-winning poet and celebrated author Camille T. Dungy. In Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden, Dungy recounts the 7-year odyssey to diversify her garden to reflect her heritage in a predominately white community. Don't miss this discussion that will examine history, the environment, social justice, culture, and family and expand how we all talk about the natural world. $15, $10 for garden members.

November 15, 2024 through January 2, 2025

In the Gallery: Blooms, Birds, Bees & Butterflies, the Nature of Nebraska by Deb Kubik

A collection of original works by Deb Kubik, focusing on a variety of natural subjects from colorful blooms to fluttering birds, bees, and butterflies.

November 15, 2024 through January 2, 2025

In the Gallery: Santas and Christmas Spirits by Greg MacDonald and Mell Smith

One-of-a-kind wood carved and hand-painted Santas and Christmas Spirits. Bark is gathered from fallen trees and all cracks, knots, etc. are incorporated into the design to give each piece its unique character.

November 22 through December 31, 2024, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Merry and Bright: Holiday Express

Whether it’s a visit to the iconic 20’ tall poinsettia tree, a tour through the lush conservatory to see the holiday express, or finding the perfect gift in the gift shop, there is a natural magic at Lauritzen Gardens that makes the season Merry & Bright. The garden closes at 3 p.m. with the last daytime entry at 2 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Daytime tickets DO NOT include admission to Bright Nights.

November 22 and 23 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

Wednesday, November 27 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Merry Music & Art

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season on this family fun night dedicated to art and music! Watch a glassblower, listen to performers from Opera Omaha, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that add beauty and joy to the holidays. Included with a Bright Nights ticket for November 27.

Wednesday, November 27 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

November 29 and 30 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

December 1, 6-8, 11-23 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Santa Stops Here!

We hope that you’ve been good this year, because Santa is on his way to Lauritzen Gardens! Bring the kids to visit with the jolly ol’ man in his bright red suit as he stops at the garden this holiday season. Share a wish with the North Pole’s greatest ambassador, and capture this year’s holiday family photo (bring your own camera to take pictures). Santa will spread cheer on December 1, 6-8, and 11-23. Included with a ticket to Bright Nights.

Sunday, December 1 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Holiday Express

All aboard for an evening of festive fun for families! Visit with Santa Claus, watch model trains, hear a seasonal story, complete a craft play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that will keep your holiday season on track! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 1.

Sunday, December 1 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

December 4-8 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

Sunday, December 8 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Holiday Express

All aboard for an evening of festive fun for families! Visit with Santa Claus, watch model trains, hear a seasonal story, complete a craft play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that will keep your holiday season on track! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 8.

Wednesday, December 11 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Wild About Animals

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, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that celebrate wild and festive creatures! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 11.

December 11-23 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

Thursday, December 12 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Wild About Animals

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, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that celebrate wild and festive creatures! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 12.

Tuesday, December 17 at 11:30 a.m.

Deck the Holidays: Guild Holiday Luncheon featuring David Beahm

Renowned designer David Beahm is coming to Omaha to share "how the sausage is made," with an in-depth journey behind the scenes of a luxury wedding that few have the opportunity to see. $125 per person. Proceeds benefit the garden's educational programs. Reservations open November 1.

Tuesday, December 17 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: The Magic of the Season

Enjoy an evening of festive fun for families! Visit with Santa Claus, be amazed by a magician, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that celebrate the magic of the season! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 17.

Wednesday, December 18 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: The Magic of the Season

Enjoy an evening of festive fun for families! Visit with Santa Claus, be amazed by a magician, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and more activities that celebrate the magic of the season! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 18.

December 26-31 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated indoor gardens. From a 20’ tall poinsettia tree to a tropical paradise, see festive installations that glow and shine, showcasing nature in a new light. Timed tickets are required for this event.

Friday, December 27 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Merry Music & Art

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season on this family fun night dedicated to art and music! Visit with Santa Claus, watch a glassblower, listen to performers from Opera Omaha, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that add beauty and joy to the holidays. Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 27.

Monday, December 30 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Winter Carnival

Some say the holiday season feels like a circus, and on our winter carnival family fun nights, it certainly will! Be entertained by a variety of performers from Omaha Circus Arts, create a carnival mask, hear a seasonal story, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that celebrate the joy and whimsy of the holidays! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 30.

Tuesday, December 31 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Family Fun Night: Winter Carnival

Some say the holiday season feels like a circus, and on our winter carnival family fun nights, it certainly will! Be entertained by a variety of performers from Omaha Circus Arts, create a carnival mask, hear a seasonal story, play games, get your face painted, and enjoy other activities that celebrate the joy and whimsy of the holidays! Included with a Bright Nights ticket for December 31.

Various dates and times

Holiday Harmony

Join us during the holiday season to listen to live music amid the festive garden surroundings. Visitors are invited to stroll through the poinsettia show or cozy up next to the fireplace and enjoy lunch or a snack.

Friday, February 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Valentine's Day Dinner

Join us for an intimate Valentine's Day dinner. Reservations will open January 3, 2025. For inquiries, contact us at s.buchholz@omahabotanicalgardens.org or (402) 346-4002, ext. 201

Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Sandhill Crane Migration Bus Tour

Journey along the Platte River Valley and experience hundreds of thousands of beautiful Sandhill cranes in their majestic migration. This is a must-see tour where you will enjoy one of nature’s treasures, and is also a great chance for unique birding and photography opportunities.

Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025

Greater Omaha Orchid Society Orchid Show and Sale

See the latest and greatest in orchids and purchase orchid specimens and growing supplies from the most knowledgeable orchid experts in the area.

2025 Dates TBA

Easter Extravaganza

This isn't your garden variety Easter egg hunt! The Easter bunny has an empty basket! See if you can find all 14 of his missing eggs by matching colors and patterns as you explore the spring garden.

Sunday, April 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Easter Brunch

Reservations open January 6, 2025. Celebrate Easter at Lauritzen Gardens! Stroll through the spring garden, enjoy the spring exhibit and join us for a delicious brunch buffet. Reservations are required.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Arbor Day TREE Giveaway

Celebrate Arbor Day by taking a walk through the arboretum or the woodland walk. The first 100 households will receive a FREE tree seedling.

2025 dates to be determined

Bonsai Exhibition

Members of the Nebraska Bonsai Society will share their passion for the art of styling trees and help you better understand both the art and the science of bonsai in Nebraska.

2025 dates to be determined

Ikebana Exhibition

This Ikebana exhibition features arrangements from both classical and contemporary schools of Ikebana. Members of Ikebana International Omaha #60 will be present during show hours to meet guests and answer questions about the art of Ikebana.

Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mother's Day Brunch

Reservations open January 6, 2025. Treat the special women in your life with a day of delicious food, botanical beauty and family togetherness. Reservations are required.

Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Omaha Rose Society's Rose Day and Show

Join the Omaha Rose Society for their annual Rose Day and Show, to promote the culture and appreciation of the rose. Gardeners from throughout the region will exhibit a variety of superb rose blooms grown in their home gardens. Guests can also explore the rose garden to see more than 200 cultivars of garden roses and visit with rosarians to learn about roses and their care.

Sunday, September 7, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

All-European Show and Shine

See fine European cars and motorcycles staged against a lush background.

September 25 through 28, 2025

Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show

The Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show brings renowned experts in antiques, gardening, design and art to Omaha for a one-of-a-kind collector’s experience not found elsewhere in the region. The 2025 show will feature more than 25 antiques exhibitor booths, offering an incredible selection of quality period furniture, fine art, home decor, estate jewelry, tableware, fashion accessories, and a bit of whimsy, representing a variety of design movements. Additionally, vibrant luncheons featuring designers, authors, and tastemakers will celebrate the art of all things and complimentary educational sessions will allow patrons to learn from experts in their field. For details, including a full show schedule, visit www.OmahaAntiqueShow.org.

October 5 and 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Japanese Ambience Festival

For an entire weekend, the garden grounds are alive with merriment as guests celebrate the joys of autumn and experience the Japanese culture first-hand.

Friday, October 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.

SPOOKY SPIRITS

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. The garden will transform into a captivating realm of after-hours fun, foliage and SPOOKY SPIRITS. Get ready to sip on themed cocktails amidst lush greenery and bewitching blooms. Delight in tantalizing treats from Abraham Catering, engage in playful garden games, and enjoy bone-chilling entertainment during this adults-only escapade.

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