These are just a few of the great events happening in Fort Wayne in December. For a complete list of events, browse the Visit Fort Wayne Calendar of Events.
Wild Zoo Wonderland
Special days throughout December
Family friendly holiday event - say hello to animals on Red Panda Ridge, hear a holiday tale during Story Time, give a stingray a jolly treat, visit Santa Claus, and more!
Festival of Trees
November 27 - December 4 / Embassy Theatre
Holiday magic fills the Embassy Theatre during the Festival of Trees! This festival features dance performances, youth entertainment, and breathtaking tree displays decorated by local organizations.
Santa Sightings
Saving Santa / Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, December 1
Santa Sip n Shop / Ari Event Venue, December 7
Young's Holly Shop / The Holly Shop at Young's, December 7
Santa & Reindeer Saturdays / Botanical Conservatory, December 7 - 21
Santa's Work "SHOP" / The Bell Mansion, December 8
Santa's Reindeer / Jefferson Pointe, November 30 - December 21
Sensory Santa / Bierman Autism Center, December 12
Breakfast with Santa / Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, December 14
Christmas Magic Family Adventure / PSM Icehouse, December 20 - 21
Fort Wayne Ballet: The Nutcracker
December 6 - 8 / Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center
Join the Fort Wayne Ballet for The Nutcracker—a local holiday favorite. Go on a fantastic adventure with Clara and her Nutcracker in this beautiful performance.
City of Churches Tour
December 6 / Various Churches
Explore the “City of Churches” as select Fort Wayne churches open their doors for free tours. Discover the stunning, diverse architecture of these historic places of worship.
Fantasy of Lights
Through December 31 / Franke Park
Now bigger than ever, journey the 3-mile driving trail through the Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park and discover breathtaking, larger-than-life light displays! Back this year, catch the Christmas Village - a popular walk-through event at the end of the driving route with a variety of food and craft vendors.
Fort Wayne Great Santa Run
Saturday, December 7 / Promenade Park
Fort Wayne Great Santa Run 5k downtown begins and ends at Prominade Park. Fill downtown with holiday cheer as hundreds of Santas run through the city! Every participant will receive a race finishers shirt a Santa suit, a finisher medal/ornament, and holiday treats.
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops
December 19 - 21 / Auer Performance Hall at PFW Music Center
Join the Fort Wayne Philharmonic for their annual Holiday Pops performances! This beloved tradition features amazing dancing, Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-alongs, and the “Hallelujah” Chorus—and it’s sure to put the audience in the festive spirit.
Parkview Field Holiday Lights
Through January 4 / Parkview Field
Brand new this year, enjoy this walk-thru event experience featuring more than 1 million lights and displays choreographed to holiday music, plus a train ride, s'more roasting, and special theme nights.
Fort Wayne Komets
December 6, 7, 14, 15, 20, 28, 29, 31 / Memorial Coliseum
Join the jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets at home this month! Grab your tickets for the New Year’s Eve game and be part of a true Fort Wayne hockey tradition.
Lighting of the Lake and University of St. Francis Nativity
December 8 / St. Francis Chapel and Mirror Lake
Free and open to the public, experience the Nativity on the steps of the Oratory of St. Francis, portrayed by members of the Saint Francis community. Surrounding Mirror Lake will be luminaries honoring loved ones.
Miracle on Jefferson Holiday Bar Pop Up
Through December 31
Miracle on Jefferson is brought to you by Copper Spoon, and will feature a holiday oasis with over the top kitschy, festive décor, and a themed cocktail menu.
Festival of Gingerbread
Through December 22 / The History Center
Don’t miss your chance to discover over 100 incredible gingerbread creations! Head to The History Center for this annual festival, featuring giant displays created by locals of all ages and professions.
Gnome for the Holidays Exhibit
Through January 5 / Botanical Conservatory
This year, the Botanical Conservatory’s seasonal exhibit celebrates the festive culture of holiday homecoming with a whimsical twist. Imaginative displays will warm the hearts of visitors and offer themed opportunities to capture treasured family photos. Cozy accents will tie together a heartfelt display featuring a mythical poinsettia tree along with large fresh cut evergreens and playful touches.
Thursdays and Fridays through December 20, don't miss the $1 Night Light Displays! See the gardens in light with charming displays and stunning poinsettias.
Illuminating Leo
Through January 6 / Riverside Gardens Park
Walk through this lovely light display throughout the walking paths of Riverside Gardens Park in the inaugural year of this special holiday event.
Fort Wayne Ugly Sweater Run
Thursday, December 19 / JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House
Gather up your family and friends for what has become a Fort Wayne Holiday tradition - the Fleet Feet Ugly Sweater Run. A three mile fun run downtown while viewing all of the Holiday Festival Lights. After the run come to JK O'Donnell's Irish Pub for the Ugly Sweater Contest, drinks, and fun. Admission to the event is three non-perishable food items to be donated to The Community Harvest Food Bank. Last year, 1,000 pounds of food was able to be donated!
Holiday Markets
Find something unique for everyone on your list at these new and annual holiday markets:
- Holly Village & Holly Shopping / Porch off Calhoun, Fridays and Saturdays through December 21
- Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market / Allen County Fairgrounds, December 6 - 7
- Christmas Craft Fair / St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, December 7
- Craft Bazaar / Lifeway Wesleyan Church, December 7
- Young's Holly Shop / Young's Greenhouse and Flower Shop, December 7
- Santa's Work "SHOP" / The Bell Mansion, December 8
- Holidays at Artlink Winter Market / Artlink, through December 15
- Indiana Vintage Market / Grand Wayne Convention Center, December 21
Headwaters Park Ice Skating
Through February 23 / Headwaters Park
Grab your mittens and head downtown for ice skating at Headwaters Park! Celebrate the season at the outdoor rink with friends and family, as you zip and twirl around the ice. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the rink.
Countdown to Noon Celebration
December 31 / Science Central
Celebrate the New Year with Science Central’s annual balloon drop at noon! Kid-friendly activities include face painting, craft stations, and science demonstrations leading up to the balloon drop.
Theater & Shows
Grab your tickets to see one of these thrilling performances this month!
- A Christmas Carol / Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park, December 6 - 15
- Christmas My Way - A Rat Pack Holiday Bash/ Arena Dinner Theatre, December 6 - 22
- Chicago the Musical / Embassy Theatre, December 10 - 11
- Anastasia / First Presbyterian Theater, December 13 - 22
- Make the Yuletide Gay / Three Rivers Music Theatre, December 13 - 15
- An Evening with Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story / Embassy Theatre, December 19
Move to the Rhythm
Discover live music that suits your taste, plus many holiday specials you won't want to miss!
- Messiah Sing-Along / Queen of Angels Catholic Church, December 1
- Opera on Ice / 2Toms Brewing Company, December 5
- Sixteen Candles - Ugly Xmas Sweater Party / Clyde Theatre, December 6
- THE LIGHTFOOT BAND / Baker Street Centre, December 7
- A Symphony of Steel / Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, December 12
- Jon McLaughlin: 2024 Holiday Tour / Clyde Theatre, December 13
- Christmas at Baker Street Centre / Baker Street Centre. December 14
- Trampled by Turtles with Debutants / Clyde Theatre, December 14
- Christmas with CeCe Winans / Embassy Theatre, December 18
- Holiday Pops with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic / Auer Performance Hall at PFW Music Center, December 19 - 22
- Candlelight: a Tribute to Coldplay / First Presbyterian Church Fort Wayne Theater, December 20
- Spirit of Christmas Concert / Allen County Courthouse, December 20
- Straight No Chaser: Top Shelf Tour / Embassy Theatre, December 20
- Hairball: A Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock / Clyde Theatre, December 28
Rumble in Fort Wayne
December 27 - 28 / Memorial Coliseum
Experience two days and nights of competitive racing programs inside the Memorial Coliseum. This indoor racing tradition began in 1956, and returns for an action-packed weekend.