Story by Wendy Wiseman.
As autumn settles over Omaha and the holiday season approaches, what Lauritzen Gardens offers in the three months is art, music, cultural celebrations, family activities and opportunities to experience the changing beauty of the natural world.
From October’s brilliant foliage and fascinating “Wicked Plants” to November’s nature-inspired artwork and December’s festive design events, the botanical garden provides plenty of reasons to return throughout the season.
October is especially busy at Lauritzen Gardens, beginning with Cultivating Curiosity, a free drop-in program offered Thursday mornings throughout the month. Designed to encourage discovery and a closer connection with nature, the program gives families an easy way to add learning and exploration to their garden visit.
The month also takes a walk on nature’s darker side with Wicked Plants, happening thru October 31. The exhibit highlights plants with dangerous, deadly or simply devious characteristics. It is a fittingly mysterious attraction for Halloween season—and a reminder that not everything beautiful in the plant kingdom is harmless.
Enjoy music outdoors during October at the Quinn Family Oasis and Amphitheater. Andre Vander Velde performs October 7, followed by Heidi Henry on October 21. Both concerts run from 6 to 8 p.m., giving guests an opportunity to enjoy live music surrounded by the colors and atmosphere of the garden.
Lauritzen Gardens members can start Tuesday mornings with the Members Early Entry Self-Guided Walking Club on October 6, 13 and 20. Early entry begins at 8:30 a.m., offering a peaceful time to walk, exercise and experience the grounds before the garden opens to the general public.
October 10 brings a free Bat Appreciation Month Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon. The program draws attention to these frequently misunderstood animals and the important roles they play in healthy ecosystems.
Two new art exhibitions open October 10. Butterfly Habitat by Albert Rhea and Flora and Fauna—Nature’s Palette by Anna McCaslin invite visitors to consider nature through the eyes of artists. Both exhibitions remain on view through November 16, providing ample time to enjoy them during a fall visit.
Beginning October 12, the garden will host a Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda. The community altar offers a meaningful way to honor and remember loved ones while experiencing the symbolism and traditions associated with Día de los Muertos. The ofrenda continues through November 3.
Young visitors have another reason to explore on October 15, when Lauritzen Gardens welcomes the Omaha Public Library for a free Out and About Storytime. The 30-minute program begins at 10:30 a.m. and combines the joy of books with the beauty of a botanical setting.
November begins with several October attractions continuing into the new month. The Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda remains open through November 3, while Butterfly Habitat and Flora and Fauna—Nature’s Palette continue through November 16.
These exhibitions make November an excellent time for an introspective visit. As the outdoor gardens transition toward winter, the artwork offers another perspective on the plants, animals, colors and patterns that inspire people throughout the year.
On November 5, the Loveland Garden Club Lecture with Austin Eischeid brings another dimension to the season. Scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m., the lecture offers garden enthusiasts an opportunity to hear from an accomplished professional and gather ideas that may influence their own landscapes.
Beyond the scheduled events, November is an ideal month to notice the architecture of the garden. Without summer’s abundance competing for attention, seed heads, bark, branches, evergreens and ornamental grasses become part of the show. Indoor spaces such as the newly enhanced Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory offer warmth, greenery and an inspiring tour of plant life from around the globe.
Starting on November 27th and going until January 3rd, Lauritzen Gardens provides the ultimate holiday experience with a spectacular lineup of programming that turns every visit into a cherished family tradition. Step into Holiday Harmony, where talented musicians fill the floral display hall in the daytime with festive melodies. At night, the hall bedazzled with the Merry & Bright holiday experience, featuring more lights than ever before. This year, the Gardens has partnered with the renowned artists of HYBYCOZO to illuminate the conservatory like never before. Discover intricate layered train displays, pose by the iconic poinsettia tree (one of many new selfie and family portrait hotspots), and explore the newly redesigned Festival Lawn and Sophia’s Play Garden, both transformed into immersive, glowing wonderlands.
Even when the weather outside is wintry, Lauritzen Gardens remains a destination for families, friends and out-of-town guests. A walk through the conservatory, time in Sofia’s Play Garden and a visit to the model railroad garden can turn an ordinary December day into a memorable seasonal outing.
Lauritzen Gardens is open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sofia’s Play Garden closes at 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
- The model railroad garden is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
- The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the Quinn Family Oasis and Amphitheater are also open during hours of operation and are available to rent.
- Kenefick Park is free and open during the garden’s hours
of operation.
The benefits of membership
With so much is happening every day at Lauritzen Gardens, it’s easy to see the benefits of membership, including gift shop discounts, special event opportunities and more. Plus, free, plentiful parking is available every day for all guests. Learn more, buy memberships, RSVP for events at LauritzenGardens.org.
