New Year's Eve in Fort Wayne
Science Central Countdown to Noon
Let someone else clean up after your family fun at Science Central’s Countdown to Noon Celebration. Attendees can enjoy a spectacular balloon drop at noon. Come early to sign a balloon or add your name to one for the big drop, starting at 10 a.m. At 3p.m. enjoy a sensory friendly version of the event. And of course, explore the rest of Science Central's hands-on exhibits.
Admission $12, ages 3 through adult
Fort Wayne Komet Hockey
Celebrate the new year, with Fort Wayne at the annual Komet Hockey game. Every year to celebrate the start of the new year, the Fort Wayne Komets schedule a game for December 31. A Komet Hockey game is a great activity for families to enjoy together!
Ticket prices vary, game starts at 7:30p.m.
Botanical Conservatory
For another activity to enjoy during the day, you could spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful Botanical Conservatory. Discover the Botanical Conservatory's 3 indoor gardens filled with various plants, plus they have a fun exhibit garden decorated for the season! This year's theme is Fern's Fairylight Express. The Conservatory also has an outdoor garden that is decorated with fun dancing lights, perfect for an evening activity.
Cost is $7/ adult, $5/child 3+
Ice Skating
If you're looking for a low key activity with your family, consider ice skating under the stars at the Headwaters Park Ice Skating Rink!
Cost is $7 and just $3 for skate rentals
Fantasy of Lights
For the final time this season, take a drive through the Fantasy of Lights holiday display at Franke Park. Discover more than 130 larger-than-life brilliant, animated light displays depicting holiday scenes. The 3-mile route will take you through Franke Park, and is the perfect activity after dinner out!
Cost: $20/car. Open through December 31
Parkview Field Holiday Lights
Stroll through the dazzling displays as Parkview Field is illuminated by more than 1 million lights for the holiday season! Through January 4.
Location: Parkview Field, Cost: $12
Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo
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.
Location: Fort Wayne Zoo, Cost: $12
Tree Spectacular
Wander through this enchanting experience of beautifully adorned Christmas trees, each sponsored by a local business while contributing to the preservation of northeast Indiana's automotive heritage at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.
Location: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, Cost: Admission to the museum
Dinner Out!
If you're looking to celebrate the New Year in Fort Wayne, you can't miss having a meal at some of our great restaurants.
Carryout or dine in at some of Fort Wayne's favorite restaurants like any of the Casa locations, enjoy a meal with family at Don Hall's Gas House, or really any of Fort Wayne's many restaurants. Just remember reservations fill up quickly this evening, so plan ahead!
Whether you are talking games or going for the gold in downtown Fort Wayne, New Year’s Eve is just one more reason to have fun in Fort Wayne with your family!
This post was originally published in December 2017 and was last updated December 2025
