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
1. Night of Lights
November 26
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!
2. Christmas on Broadway
November 21
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 21st 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!
3. Festival of Trees
November 26 – December 3
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!
4. Fantasy of Lights
November 17 – 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 the event's designated channel, or at least switch to your favorite holiday playlist to make it all the more fun and festive for everyone!
New this year, enjoy a separately ticketed event at the Fort Wayne Zoo, Wild Lights at the Zoo, on the other side of Franke Park! Visit the Christmas Village in between the two events at Pavilion 1 for food and craft vendors, holiday tunes, and photo stations. Visit Santa at the Zoo and walk through the dazzling displays. Learn more about both of these events at fwlightfest.org.
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.
5. Festival of Gingerbread
November 28 – December 21
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 several competitive categories. Kids will love looking at the colorful and intricate gingerbread displays, which may inspire you to make your annual family gingerbread house a little more complex.
6. Santa Saturdays at the Botanical Conservatory
December 6, 13, 20
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 Santa Saturdays on December 6, 13, and 20, as Santa stops by the beautiful gardens. From Noon–4 pm, Santa 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 the big night out. (NOTE: Santa takes a break from 2–2:30pm daily.)
The Conservatory hosts several other family-friendly events throughout the holiday season, including:
- Night of Lights at the Conservatory – Nov. 26
- Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 6
- Purdue Fort Wayne Holiday Carolers – Dec. 12
- Suzuki Strings Performance – Dec. 14
- $1 Night Light Display – where you can explore the garden in lights every Thursday and Friday (Nov. 28–Dec. 19) from 5-8pm for $1!
- Additional music performances and much more!
7. Fort Wayne Komets Holiday Games
November 27 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 and New Year's Eve.
The Thanksgiving game kicks off opening weekend at home with a full weekend of games! Then, 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.
8. Ice Skating at Headwaters Park
Opening November 22
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 to enjoy 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!
9. Fort Wayne Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
December 5–7*, 12–14
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.
*On December 5, 6, and 7, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Fort Wayne Children's Choir will join the performance to make the experience event more spectacular!
Have a family member with sensory sensitivities? Attend a Sensory-Friendly Performance on December 9! This performance will include lower sound and lighting levels, reduced special effects, designated quiet areas, and trained staff on hand to accommodate families.
10. Holly Shopping Downtown
Shop local on Shop Small Saturday, November 29! 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.
Free trolleys will run throughout the day to keep out of the cold and into the shops. Enjoy the downtown holiday window displays, with the Candy Cane Lane theme this year, along the way.
Looking for more Holiday shopping? Check out these Holiday Markets and Craft Bazaars!
BONUS: Parkview Field Holiday Lights
November 13 – January 3
For the second year, and with 50% more lights than last year! Visit the Parkview Field Holiday Lights walk-thru experience featuring more than 1.5 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 was a huge hit last year, and is sure to be another fantastic event in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Bring friends and family to enjoy a merry and bright experience at Parkview Field!
Need more ideas for family fun this holiday season? Check out a full list of holiday fun in Fort Wayne here!
