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. 

Your Guide to the Holidays in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Charoling

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! Make a stop at the Christmas Village in Franke Park between the Fantasy of Lights and Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo for food and craft vendors and of course—Santa Claus!

Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo

November 28 - January 4
Brand new this year, make a new family tradition at Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo! Walk among dazzling displays throughout the Indiana Farm, Central Zoo, Coastal Cove, Red Panda Ridge, and even parts of Australian Adventure to see the zoo in a festive glow.

Parkview Field Holiday Lights

Through January 3 / 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.

Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre

Festival of Trees

November 26 - December 3 / 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

See all the Santa sightings on his stops throughout Fort Wayne collected here!

Fort Wayne Ballet Performing The Nutcracker

Fort Wayne Ballet: The Nutcracker

December 5 - 6 / Arts United 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 5 / 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.

Fort Wayne Great Santa Run

Saturday, December 6 / 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.

Fort Wayne Komets

December 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 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 5 - 9 / St. Francis Chapel and Mirror Lake
Enjoy self-guided tours of Brookside Mansion December 5 - 9, and on December 7 (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.

Family at the Festival of Gingerbread

Festival of Gingerbread

Through December 21 / 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.

Fern's Fairylight Express

Through April 12 / Botanical Conservatory
This winter, step into a one-of-a-kind exhibit where the magic of model trains transports you to a whimsical world called Fairy Glen as part of an enchanting story by local Author/Illustrator, Talitha Shipman.

Thursdays and Fridays through December 19, don't miss the $1 Night Light Displays! See the gardens in light with charming displays and stunning poinsettias.

Illuminating Leo

Through January 1 / 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 18 / 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. Find a list here.

Christmas at Glenbrook Square

Through December 24 / Glenbrook Square Mall
Glenbrook Square is ready to celebrate the holidays. Enjoy festive décor, holiday activities, and photo opportunities with Santa while shopping, dining, and making memories with family and friends. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 gift card to a store of your choice within the mall!

Headwaters Park Ice Skating

Through February 22 / 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!

Move to the Rhythm

Discover live music that suits your taste, plus many holiday specials you won't want to miss!

Rumble in Fort Wayne

December 19 - 20 / 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.