Fort Wayne's favorite tradition, the Night of Lights, is an annual event held every year on the night before Thanksgiving!
On Wednesday, November 26, Downtown Fort Wayne will be kicking off the season in style, as the annual Night of Lights transforms downtown Fort Wayne into a season that is Merry and Bright!
For decades, our community has gathered together to count down the lighting of Downtown’s iconic holiday lights, highlighted by the famous Fort Wayne Santa and his reindeer. Every year the downtown displays grow - building a community celebration that can't be missed!
Guide to the Night of Lights in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Enjoy Night of Lights for an evening walking tour following the times below or bundle up, and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Fort Wayne's historic Christmas light displays anytime.
- 6:00 pm – History Center Turret Lighting (Barr Street)
- 6:10 pm – Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Community Center Santa’s Workshop Lighting (233 W. Main Street)
- 6:20 pm – Santa and His Reindeer at PNC Bank (Main & Calhoun Streets)
- 6:40 pm – Ash Brokerage Holiday Illumination (Harrison & Berry Streets)
- 7:00 pm – Elevatus Architecture Christmas Tree Display Lighting and Indiana Michigan (111 E. Wayne Street)
- 7:10 pm – Merry Christmas Wreath at the Indiana Michigan Power Plaza (110 E. Wayne Street)
- 7:20 pm – Downtown Fort Wayne Drone Show with Sky Elements (Calhoun and Wayne Streets)
- 8:00 pm – Finale Church Bells Ringing (Downtown Churches and Allen County Public Library)
The Allen County Courthouse, Lincoln Tower, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge will all have their holiday finest on for the Night of Lights as well. See the full guide for the evening from Downtown Fort Wayne here.
(Learn more about the history of many of these iconic displays.)
As you plan your evening out, take a look at the Night of Lights Parking Map.
Please note, if you plan to enjoy a self-guided tour after Night of Lights, admission is required at the Botanical Conservatory to see their displays.
While downtown, be sure to experience the annual Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Take a stroll and view the beautifully decorated windows of the participating businesses and organizations decked out in this year’s theme. Nobody does the holidays like Downtown Fort Wayne!
You may also enjoy warming up with a treat from one of downtown's coffee shops, or bundling up to enjoy the lights on a festive carriage ride. And, lights lovers will want to make sure to visit four other displays: the Fantasy of Lights, Parkview Field's Holiday Lights Walk-Thru Display, the Fort Wayne Zoo's Wild Lights, and our list of the best Holiday Houses throughout the city - Santa's helpers have been busy!
By the way, if you love exploring the holiday lights with family and friends, use the FREE Fort Wayne Holiday Lights Challenge to check in at the most iconic light displays and earn prizes! Learn More.
This season, take time to enjoy the Merry and Bright holidays in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated. Last Updated: November 2025
