Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in Nebraska
By Katie Griffing

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and there are plenty of ways to stuff your holiday weekend with fun events and celebrations. From lighting ceremonies to the best pie, here’s your guide to the quintessential Thanksgiving in Nebraska!

1. Annual Night Before Thanksgiving Blues Concert at the Waiting Room Lounge, Omaha, NE

Before you feast on turkey and pie for the rest of the weekend, head to the Waiting Room in Omaha for the annual Night Before Thanksgiving blues concert. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the lineup includes blues favorites the Hector Anchondo Band, Sebastian Lane Band, and Far & Wide.

2. Stauffer's Cafe & Pie Shoppe, Lincoln, NE

Looking for a unique and delicious pie to serve this Thanksgiving that would make your Grandmother proud? Then head to Stauffer’s Cafe & Pie Shoppe in Lincoln. This local staple has one of the most extensive pie menus in the state and everything is baked fresh to order.

Nebraska stereotypes keep on Comin....

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3. Just Good Meat, Omaha, NE

There’s no doubt about it - turkey is the star of the holiday season. At Just Good Meat in Omaha, you can order your Thanksgiving turkey in advance so it’s ready for the big day. You can even have them smoke it for you!

4. T-Mobile Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony, Omaha, NE

Enjoy a special Thanksgiving evening at the T-Mobile Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony at 14th & Farnam in Omaha. The event will kick off with a special performance by the Omaha Children’s Choir, followed by a countdown to the lighting and live music.

5. Nebraska Furniture Mart, Omaha, NE

As one of the largest home and electronic goods retailers in the state, Nebraska Furniture Mart is famous for its deep discounts on Black Friday. Get there early for exciting door crashers or pursue their ads in advance for bigger ticket items. Just make sure you dress warm in case the line heads out the door!

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6. University of Nebraska vs. Iowa Hawkeyes football

Every year, the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers wrap up the football season by facing their rivals next door, the Iowa Hawkeyes. Gathering around to watch this game is a tradition for Nebraskans and a game not to miss!

7. University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, NE

The first people who lived across the Great Plains had a number of cultural traditions. This Thanksgiving, take some time to learn all about the Native American culture of the past and present at the University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln.

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8. Omaha Turkey Trot 5K, Omaha, NE

Both runners and walkers can participate in the Omaha Turkey Trot 5K for Make-a-Wish Nebraska, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The event will take place rain or shine and participates can enjoy a tasty cinnamon roll when they reach the finish line.

9. Annual Canned In Benson Food Drive, Benson, NE

On the evening of Nov. 22, head to the Annual Canned In Benson Food Drive to listen to some of Omaha’s best musicians sing and perform on stage together. Food, as well as cash donations, will be accepted at the door and will go to the Food Bank For The Heartland.

10. Grand Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, NE

Don’t feel like cooking this year? Then make your way to the Grand Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. This annual feast features an exquisite line up of classic favorites, roasted turkey, and homemade gourmet desserts. Yum!

The beautiful Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. #nebraskacity #liedlodge #nebraskanice #visitnebraska #nebraska

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