Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha Botanical Center

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	Events and Exhibits

		2025 Call for Submissions- Art Gallery

		All-European Show and Shine

		Bright Nights

		Deck the Holidays

		Easter Brunch

		Easter Extravaganza

		Ghoulish Garden Adventure

		Holiday Harmony

		Holiday Poinsettia Show

		Japanese Ambience Festival

		Leashes at Lauritzen

		Mothers Day Brunch

		Orchid Show and Sale

		Sandhill Crane Migration Trip

		Summer Solstice Lecture

		Tempo of Twilight

		TREEmendous Arbor Day Celebration

		Valentine's Day Dinner

		Walking Club

	Group Tours

	Café and Coffee Shop

	Gift Shop

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Events and Exhibits

What's In Bloom?

Current highlights include: poinsettias, cyclamen, ornamental grasses, and evergreens.

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.

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.

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.

December 13 and 14 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Lights and Libations

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.

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

Deck the Holidays: Guild Holiday Luncheon featuring David Beahm

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. For reservation inquiries, contact Tim at (402) 346-4002, ext. 268. 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.

Friday, December 20 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Lights and Libations

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.

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.

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 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.

January 13 through February 23, 2025

In the Gallery: Earthly Impressions by Megan Lenherr

An impression can be a texture, a feeling, an imitation, or a profound effect. Nature is, in essence, a collection of impressions by design and by experience. This series is a compilation of impressions found and felt by artist Megan Lenherr.

January 18 through May 11, 2025

Wonders of the World

Throughout history, civilizations have built structures that have captivated the imagination of people across the globe. Wonders of the World will take you on a journey across continents, with bridge-chugging, tunnel-zooming G-scale train lines winding through replicas of ancient wonders and modern marvels. From the Taj Mahal in India to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, you'll encounter awe-inspiring buildings that are historically accurate, architecturally correct, and constructed of plant materials!

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.bucholz@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.

April 9 through May 18, 2025

In the Gallery: Lore From the Forest Floor by Nash Bellows

The digital collages in this exhibit contain flora and fauna sourced from the internet or from the artist’s own photography. Each piece offers a unique visual journal, intriguing visitors to experience nature through a lens of whimsical storytelling and rich, visual details. Look closely and you may notice recognizable elements, such as flowers and mushrooms, from Lauritzen Gardens.

April 9 through May 18, 2025

In the Gallery: If You Love a Flower by Gail Speckmann

Gail Speckmann says that if you love a flower, it will open up to you. In this exhibit, each painting aims to capture the beauty and spirit of flowers. Though their lifespan as living flowers is fleeting, the artist hopes the painted images extend our time to contemplate and savor each one, almost opening up to them to have a conversation of sorts.

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.

May 21 through June 29, 2025

In the Gallery: Garden Party by Ivan Micek

As an artist, lvan Micek uses photography as a medium with which he captures and displays what he sees in the world, in ways intended to spark curiosity in the viewer. Combining his views of nature and its landscapes, with his ability to see things from different perspectives, Ivan embraces and celebrates all that is botanic and all that is unique.

May 26 through September 1, 2025

Tremendous Topiaries

This summer, discover a collection of TREMENDOUS topiary displays in the garden. From a flock of flamingos to a big bison, these topiaries are lifelike interpretations of animals that use live plants to mimic the colors and textures of feathers, fur, scales, and skin. See what’s involved in the care of topiary plants and learn how our horticulturists maintain their artistic shape.

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.

July 2 through August 10, 2025

In the Gallery: Kaleidoscope by Audrey Moir

Audrey Moir is obsessed with capturing the natural beauty of local plants and transforming them into surreal realms of fantasy. This exhibit explores the metamorphosis of simple floral photos into vibrant, fractal digital art. The works reveal the hidden symmetries and new vivid dimensions of the familiar beauty of nature through a kaleidoscopic lens.

July 2 through August 10, 2025

In the Gallery: Heralds of Nature by David Patterson

Flowers play a central role in our lives. We admire them for their beauty and spend time cultivating and caring for them. They are a companion as we celebrate and recognize joyous events and likewise, they are with us as we mourn and remember those we have lost. They are fragile, often incredibly intricate, span the rainbow of colors and are a sign of hope and renewal wherever they are seen. Through the use of intense colors, bold brush strokes, and dramatic texture, these paintings by David Patterson pay homage to the power and potential of flowers as the Heralds of Nature.

August 17 through November 8, 2025

La Calavera Catrina

Discover the rich history and iconography of La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), through eight larger-than-life skeleton sculptures by Los Angeles artist Ricardo Soltero. An elegant female skeleton and an icon of Mexican heritage, La Catrina approaches death not through sadness, but as a colorful celebration of life. See these colorful and joyful works, with accompanying signage in both English and Spanish.

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.

2025 dates to be determined

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.

2025 dates to be determined

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).

2025 dates to be determined

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.

2025 date to be determined

SPOOKY SPIRITS

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.

2025 date to be determined

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.

November 19 through December 31, 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 19 through December 31, 2025

In the Gallery: Into the Chocolate Garden- A Sweet Reverie by Tina Tweedy

Tina Tweedy finds inspiration in the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. Throughout her career as a pastry chef and chocolatier in Nebraska, Tina’s edible creations have reflected the essence of nature with the use of native wildflowers, herbs and local honey. With chocolate as a medium, she crafts whimsical interpretations of flora and fauna. Each image in this exhibit represents a chocolate piece handcrafted by the artist.

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