November is a great time to enjoy Omaha. As the weather cools, the city warms up with cozy indoor attractions, artful evenings and the first sparkle of the holiday season. Here are 10 can’t-miss things to do in Omaha this month.
1. Experience an Adults-Only Evening at Kiewit Luminarium
Reignite your curiosity during Night Light at Kiewit Luminarium, a one-of-a-kind, adults-only evening where science meets play. Sip a cocktail and explore 100+ hands-on exhibits while connecting with other curious minds. Each event has a unique theme, from entomology to space exploration, making every visit a new adventure.
2. And ... Spend an Enchanting Evening at Joslyn Art Museum
The Joslyn Art Museum’s Nights at the Joslyn series returns Nov. 6 with a stylish twist — Fashion in Art. From 5-8pm, explore how clothing and design have expressed identity and culture across time through an evening of art, performance and creativity.
At 6pm, join Chief Curator Taylor J. Acosta, PhD, and Assistant Curator Elise Armani for a Curator Conversation on fashion’s influence in art and society. Enjoy live performances throughout the evening.
3. Explore the Great Indoors at the Zoo
When temperatures drop, go inside Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium — voted one of the best zoos in the world. Wander through the world’s largest indoor desert, explore the Lied Jungle and watch sharks swim overhead in the 70-foot shark tunnel. With 7 acres of indoor exhibits, you can spend an entire day exploring without bundling up.
4. Try a Fiery Drink
Turn up the heat this fall with a flaming cocktail at Laka Lono Rum Club, a tropical-themed hideaway in the Old Market. Their famous Zombie cocktail arrives dramatically ablaze, perfect for snapping a photo before your first sip.
5. Take a Selfie with a Giant Fork
Make your followers hungry with a selfie at “Stile de Famiglia” (“Family Style”), a towering 13-foot-tall fork sculpture in Little Italy. Located at 1115 S. 7th St., this playful piece of public art celebrates Omaha’s food culture — and makes the perfect stop on an Instagram-worthy photo tour.
6. Enjoy Autumn Eats at Local Favorites
Big Mama’s Kitchen is a television culinary staple famous for its fried chicken, pig ear sandwiches, and sweet potato pie offerings. The restaurant promises a little piece of pie in every spoonful of its Sweet Potato Pie Ice Cream. Sounds heavenly, right? If you’re wild for pumpkin spice, try out a pumpkin spice latte at a craft coffeehouse. And for a modern take on pie, Carter & Rye serves pies the size of your hand with sweet seasonal options like bourbon pecan, creamy pumpkin and apple.
7. Dig into a Bowl of Chili
There are many popular restaurants in The Blackstone District, but which one makes the best chili? On Nov. 8, come try a variety of chilis for the low price of $5 at The Blackstone District Chili Cook-Off. Vote for your favorite, and stick around for a coffee, beer or dessert from one of the area's many establishments.
8. Kick Off Holiday Shopping with the Omaha Holiday Boutique
Head to CHI Health Center Omaha for a three-day shopping extravaganza at Omaha Holiday Boutique. Hundreds of vendors will be onsite showcasing jewelry, holiday decor, children's items, gourmet foods and gifts for the holiday season. Shop artisan vendors, recharge in relaxation lounges, participate in hourly drawings and enjoy live entertainment.
9. Get in the Holiday Spirit
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, festivities at The Durham Museum mark the unofficial start of the holiday season in Omaha with the lighting of the region’s largest indoor tree followed by a host of festive events at the city’s former Union Station.
10. View a Classic on the Mainstage
The nation’s largest community theater brings “A Christmas Carol” to life on the mainstage as Ebenezer Scrooge takes the family on a life-changing journey filled with costumes, music, beautiful sets and special effects. One of Omaha’s most cherished traditions is a holiday delight.
Omaha offers something special every season. Find more trip inspiration, events and weekend adventure ideas.
