Written by By Katie R.

It may be hard to believe, but the season of dashing through the snow, and having a holly jolly Christmas is upon us. While I know there are many people who are dreaming of warmer weather and summer fun, I for one, am thrilled to usher in Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen (and all of the other reindeer, of course)!

The holiday season has always been my favorite time of year. There’s just something about it that makes me giddy – it probably has something to do with twinkling lights, soft falling snow, and warm and fuzzy feelings. I’m looking forward to this time of year even more now that my husband and I have two daughters to enjoy all the joy and wonder of the season with!

If you love the holidays just as much as I do, you probably have a long list of activities and events that you want to enjoy before it’s all over and you have to wait another year for Santa Claus to come back to town. While it’s hard to narrow down, here is my personal Top 10 List of those “can’t-miss” holiday events in Fort Wayne, Indiana to enjoy with the whole family—in no particular order.

 

Can't-Miss Holiday Events in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne Holiday

 

Night of Lights | November 27

Okay, I know I JUST said these were in no particular order, but if I’m being honest, Downtown Fort Wayne’s Night of Lights  is my absolute FAVORITE holiday activity! The Night of Lights festivities serve as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season in Fort Wayne. Held the evening before Thanksgiving, the Night of Lights features some of the most iconic light displays in Northeast Indiana, including the main attraction: Santa and his Reindeer on the side of the PNC building. It also serves as the beginning of HolidayFest, as we embrace the spirit of the season through the end of the year!

My husband and I made this one of our first traditions when we first started dating, and over the years it has become something I look forward to more and more. It's even better having a little one in tow, as beyond the bright-colored light displays there are several activities geared toward children, including cookies with Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Workshop, and much more!

 

Fort Wayne Christmas On Broadway

Christmas on Broadway | November 22

Christmas on Broadway  brings the concept of the famed Rockefeller Center tree lighting right here to Fort Wayne, featuring the 40ft. Colorado Spruce covered with more than 40,000 lights. In its 20th year, having grown from a neighborhood gathering to now thousands of people enjoying the lighting of the tree, Christmas on Broadway has expanded to include free activities beyond the tree lighting. The celebration will include a parade on Broadway, where you can see Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard a fire engine, hear the Concordia Lutheran High School Marching Band, and more!

 

Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees  | November 27 – December 4

One of the many holiday activities during Holidayfest, the Embassy Theatre Festival of Trees, is an event unlike any other. Scores of local businesses and organizations create beautiful and creative trees that are on display throughout the Embassy Theatre and the attached Indiana Hotel lobby. Each day, there are several performances from local performers and activities for children to enjoy while you admire the trees. Be sure to vote for your favorite tree!

 

Fantasy of lights

Fantasy of Lights | November 18 – December 31

The Fantasy of Lights  is another holiday staple that I always look forward to. We always take at least one evening to take in the more than 165 larger-than-life light displays on the 3-mile driving route throughout Franke Park—although we have been known to go multiple times throughout the season. Make sure you tune your vehicle’s radio to event's designated channel, or at least switch to your favorite holiday playlist to make it all the more fun and festive for everyone!

Be sure to walk through Santa's Christmas Village in the park! The open-air village features food and craft vendors, holiday tunes, photo stations, and a chance to visit Santa. The Christmas Village is open November 29 – December 23.

As per our own tradition, we like to stop and get a warm beverage on our way to sip on as we take in all of the light displays, drive around town looking at other bright lights after, and swing by a local pizza place (usually Pint and Slice ) to grab a pizza on our way home.

 

Festival of Gingerbread

Festival of Gingerbread | November 29 – December 22

The Festival of Gingerbread  at the History Center is often one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season! Local gingerbread creatives submit their icing and gumdrop masterpieces to be judged in the Gingerbread contest, as well as to be seen by the public.

Each year, there are more than 100 gingerbread submissions, with prizes awarded in a number of competitive categories. Kids will love looking at the colorful and intricate gingerbread displays, that may inspire you to make your annual family gingerbread house a little more complex.

Fort Wayne Holiday

Santa & Reindeer Saturdays at the Botanical Conservatory | December 7, 14, 21

The Botanical Conservatory  invites all of the good little boys and girls (and those who may need a little nudging towards the “good list”) to Reindeer Saturdays  on December 7, 14, and 21, as Santa and the holiday-dressed reindeer stop by the beautiful gardens. From Noon–4 pm, Santa and the reindeer will be on hand to take photos, as well as take one final listen to everyone’s wish list before stopping by the North Pole to prep for their big night out. (NOTE: Santa takes a break from 2–2:30pm daily.)

The Conservatory is hosting a number of other family-friendly events throughout the holiday season including:

  • Gnome for the Holidays  – Holiday Garden Display – Nov. 23–Jan. 5
  • Night of Lights at the Conservatory – Nov. 27
  • Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 7
  • Purdue Fort Wayne Holiday Carolers – Dec. 13
  • Suzuki Strings Performance – Dec. 15
  • $1 Night Light Display – where you can explore the garden in lights every Thursday and Friday (Nov. 29–Dec. 20) from 5-8pm for $1! 

Additional music performances and much more!

FW Komets Holiday Game

Fort Wayne Komets Holiday Games  | November 28 and December 31

If you’ve read any of my past blog posts over the years, you may have caught on that I’m a fan of Komet hockey . The holidays are a great time to take in a game or two, as the Komets host big games on both Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Eve.

The traditional Thanksgiving night game is a great way to wrap up a day of food and family. Load the family up in the car after eating your big Thanksgiving meal, and start a new Thanksgiving tradition! My brothers and I have been going to this game with my grandpa for as long as I can remember, and as the years have gone on significant others have joined the fun.

Round out the holidays with the Komets' New Year's Eve game. This game almost always sells out (so get your tickets now!), and is a blast for the whole family. The Komets always pass out New Year's Eve garb for a festive and fun touch. The best part? The game is over early enough that kids can enjoy it and still be home before the clock strikes 12:00 for the new year.

FW Headwaters Park

Ice Skating at Headwaters Park  | Opening November 23

Not an event, per se, but definitely a must-do during the holiday season!

Make an afternoon or evening of it with the whole family. Enjoy skating outside  at Headwaters Park, and then take a walk around downtown Fort Wayne, enjoying the various light displays or holiday activities. Finish up with the legendary coneys at Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island, then pop next door for ice cream at Sweets on Main or walk over to Kilwins for a sweet treat!

FW Ballet Nutcracker

Fort Wayne Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker | December 6 – 8

A classic story, The Nutcracker, as presented by the Fort Wayne Ballet, has become a classic family tradition in Fort Wayne. Adults and kids alike will love the costumes, music, and dance, as the story of Clara and her Christmas Eve journey unfolds on stage.

Have a family member with sensory sensitivities? Attend a Sensory-Friendly Performance on December 10! This performance will include lower sound and lighting levels, reduced special effects, designated quiet areas and remote viewing in the lobby, and trained staff on hand to accommodate families. These performances are not open to the general public, so please call 260-422-4226 to arrange attendance.

Holly Shopping & Holly Village | November 30

Shop local on Shop Small Saturday, November 30! Discover boutiques in downtown Fort Wayne and the Broadway, Main Street, and Wells Street Corridors. This is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your list as you discover all that Fort Wayne has to offer. You can also support these businesses each Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Every Friday and Saturday, from November 30 – December 21, you can also visit the Holly Village , located at the Porch Off Calhoun (816 S. Calhoun St. downtown). Shop from rotating artisan vendors, set up in festive chalets, selling stained glass, jewelry, apparel, pottery, and more!

Looking for more Holiday shopping? Check out these Holiday Markets and Craft Bazaars!

BONUS: Parkview Field Holiday Lights | November 14 – January 4

NEW in 2024 — Visit the Parkview Field Holiday Lights  walk-thru experience! From November 14 – January 4, the TinCaps will host this brand new event, featuring more than 1 million lights and displays choreographed to holiday music. Don't forget to ride the train while you're there. They also offer special promo nights: 

  • Tuesdays — Family Feast: Discounts on select concession items
  • Wednesdays — Paws & Claws: Bring your furry friends to the ballpark
  • Thursdays — Thirsty Thursday: Draft beer and mixed drinks on sale

This is going to be a fantastic event in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Bring friends and family to enjoy a merry and bright experience at Parkview Field!