There are a ton of things to do in our city for the whole family.
Check out what’s going on in December!
(Check out ongoing, recurring, and weekly events at the bottom of the page)
If you have a fun, family-friendly event that you would like to be added, please send the event information, and a link if you have one, to [email protected].
Downtown Fort Wayne
Varying events through December
Celebrate the holidays with tons of events in beautiful downtown Fort Wayne. Click through to see the complete roundup of events.
The Olde East End Building
Saturdays through April 29, 2023
Located in Fort Wayne, our winter market will be held at The Olde East End Building, also known as the old candy factory, located at 1501 E Berry St. The Winter YLNI Farmers Market provides a comfortable indoor shopping experience during the chilly months of the year and connects the community with local vendors. Customers can find select produce, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, honey, and so much more!
Live Reindeer at Jefferson Pointe
Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center
November 26 – December 24, 2022
Bring out the family to meet live reindeer at Jefferson Pointe located in the fountain court area, near White House Black Market and Loft! Santa’s reindeer will be visiting every Saturday from 5 pm – 7 pm November 21st through December 19th and for an extra special Christmas Eve, visit Jefferson Pointe noon – 2pm to visit with the reindeer.
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society
Weekends through December 18, 2022
Tickets are $8.00 each and children ages 3-and-under ride free and do not require a ticket. Due to demand, all tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Each trip is operated by a vintage diesel locomotive and lasts approximately 20 minutes. Saint Nick’s historic cabooses are heated and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee will be on hand serving warm beverages and baked goods. All food and drink are sold separately. Trains run snow or shine.
Wild Zoo Wonderland at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Varying dates from December 2 – 22, 2022
Santa is coming to the Zoo! Join us for Wild Zoo Wonderland at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.* on Dec. 2-4, Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-22. Come say hello to animals on the farm, hear a holiday tale during Story Time*, give a stingray a jolly treat*, visit Santa Claus, and more!
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
First Thursday of each month
During Curator’s Tours, President & CEO and Chief Curator Charles Shepard or other curators take you on a new gallery tour each month. From their specialized and personal points of view, curators offer a unique perspective for all exhibitions at the Museum.
Curator’s Tours are on the first Thursday of every month from 12:15 – 1pm. They are free with gallery admission.
Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights
Franke Park
November 20, 2022 – December 31, 2022
The drive-thru light show is a 2-mile route with 150 scenes containing roughly 650,000 beautiful LED lights. There’s something new each and every year, including 8 new displays for the 2022 season.
Breathing Life Into History: Contemporary Native American Art from the Collection
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through January 22, 2023
Pulling from traditions passed down from generation to generation, contemporary Native American artists, especially in the last quarter century, have produced an impressive body of work in diverse media. Unique in their dual-identity, living in the present day but integrating ancient cultural and spiritual ideas, the featured artists’ abilities to either weave their heritage into contemporary contexts through medium and imagery, or continue using traditional methods in a modern world, speaks to their self-expression. Influences seen throughout the works include textiles, nature, rituals and storytelling, and identity and politics. Indigenous artists have, and continue to, create with their cultural knowledge, reinterpret tradition, and engage with current topics.
Visual Arts Gallery at Purdue University Fort Wayne
November 21, 2022 – January 22, 2023
B.F.A. candidates graduating from the Department of Art and Design will display their senior thesis projects.
Artist Reception: Thursday, Dec. 1, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
The History Center
November 25, 2022 – December 18, 2022
Since 1985, the Festival of Gingerbread has become one of Fort Wayne’s most cherished holiday traditions, and one of downtown’s most popular events. Each year, gingerbread creations by local artists are set up in the historic Shields Room in celebration of the holidays. Gingerbread artists range from Pre-K students to professionals.
Garden Party: Outdoor Sculptures by Dorothy Gillespie
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through June 4, 2023
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is pleased to present its reinvigorated sculpture court with the opening of Garden Party: Outdoor Sculptures by Dorothy Gillespie. Dorothy Gillespie was a pioneer for women in the arts. In her impressive career of over 70 years, she was an activist, lecturer, and mentor to creative women throughout the world. Twenty years before her famous exhibitions at Walt Disney World and Rockefeller Center, Gillespie had a city-wide exhibition in Fort Wayne in 1979, which helped launch her career. This exhibition honors that instrumental exhibition, showcasing a dazzling array of outdoor sculptures.
Headwaters Park
November 19, 2022 – February 26, 2023
Headwaters Ice Skating Rink Clinton & Superior
Age 13 and under $4
Age 14 and over $6
Skate Rental $3
Spectators & Parking FREE
Gift certificates and skating passes are available at the rink office (422-7625) or the Headwaters Park Alliance office (425-5745).
LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
June 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting, is a traveling museum exhibition comprised of over 55 paintings by nearly 15 of today’s realists and hyperrealists who specialize in automobiles and motorcycles as their primary subject of choice. LUSTER will be on exhibit at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum from June 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023. This exhibit has been generously supported by The Community Foundation of DeKalb County.
Susan Janow: If I Were a Queen
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through December 4, 2022
Susan Janow approaches her drawings with a methodical and meditative focus. Beginning with an open hand-drawn grid, she meticulously fills in each shape with fine lines that resemble faintly moving curtains when complete. This process of intensive crosshatching is precise and introspective, as Janow works with unbroken focus. Her compositions never quite fill the page, leaving a span of charged negative space underneath the grid. This exhibition will feature 20 of Janow’s drawings and her video work.
The National: Best Contemporary Photography 2022
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through January 8, 2023
The exhibition is a hybrid invitational and juried exhibition, anchored by photography standouts Melanie Walker, Raymond Thompson Jr., Morgan Barrie, Jack Sharkey, Karen Klinedinst, Ian van Coller, and Jeanette May, as well as the work of emerging talented artists from across the country pushing the boundaries of the medium with adventurous techniques and original subject matter.
6th Annual City of Churches Tour
Various Locations
December 2, 2022
This year’s self-guided tour will be Friday, December 2nd from 6 pm until 9 pm! You may start at any church and visit however many you like, in whatever order you like!
Participating churches this year are:
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1105 Calhoun St
- First Missionary, 701 W Rudisill Blvd
- First Presbyterian, 300 W Wayne St
- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, 110 E Wallen Rd
- Plymouth Congregational, 501 W Berry St
- St. John Evangelical Lutheran, 729 W Washington Blvd
- St. John the Baptist Catholic, 4500 Fairfield Ave
- St. Patrick’s Catholic, 2120 S Harrison St
- St. Paul’s Lutheran, 1126 S Barr St
- St. Peter’s Catholic, 518 E Dewald St
- Trinity English Lutheran, 450 W Washington Blvd
- Trinity Episcopal, 611 W Berry St
- Trinity Evangelical Lutheran, 1636 St Marys Ave
- Turner Chapel AME, 836 E Jefferson Blvd
- Zion Evangelical Lutheran, 2313 Hanna St
Brookside Tours Featuring Crèches at University of Saint Francis
University of Saint Francis
Varying dates from December 2 – 11, 2022
Docent-led Brookside tours of decorated areas featuring crèches for Christmas. This is not a formal ticket event, but reservations are required.
Artisan Market: Holiday Edition
Union Street Market Electric Works
Saturday and Sunday through December 18, 2022
Kick off Small Business Saturday at Union Street Market and discover Northeast Indiana artisans every weekend. The Market’s first annual Holiday Artisan Market features an assortment of vendors selling fresh food and handcrafted goods. The event will be held in the Arcade, a 5,000-square-foot space between our East and West Halls.
Artlink Gallery
Saturdays through December10, 2022
Artlink Winter Market is back this year for the last Saturday in November and the first two Saturdays in December! This year’s event will be hosted on November 26, and December 3rd and 10th from 11am-4pm within the gallery at Artlink.
USF Performing Arts Center, 431 W. Berry St.
December 3, 2022
Learning about the legacy of St. Nicholas is even more fun while enjoying food and activities with family and friends. Of course, St. Nicholas is the saint whose life forms the basis for our modern-day Santa Claus. Enjoy this annual event, which features a buffet breakfast, story time, crafts, and photos with St. Nicholas.
Downtown Fort Wayne
Varying dates from November 26 – December 17, 2022
Live Large and Shop Small Every Saturday! Festive Guest Appearances. Social Media Challenge + Giveaway.
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 3, 2022
Come cheer on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and enjoy ANTertainment and more. Check them out for a one-of-a-kind game experience.
Project Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Embassy Theatre
Embassy Theatre
December 3 – 4, 2022
Project Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Embassy – a production for children, by children and about children. Now celebrating their nineteenth year, Project Ballet is a Fort Wayne based not-for-profit organization. The Nutcracker at the Embassy features a cast of over 100 local children.
Santa Claus at the History Center
The History Center
December 3, 2022
Santa will be visiting the History Center Dec 3, 2022 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Visitors Center Holly Shopping
The Fort Wayne Visitors Center
December 3, 2022
The Visitors Center is open to assist visitors who are planning their trips to Fort Wayne. They answer inquiries via phone, email, and their website in addition to assisting visitors who walk into our location at 927 South Harrison Street, downtown.
Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
December 4, 2022
Santa is stuck!!! Stuck on the roof the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum (226 West Washington Blvd.) and FWFD Truck #1 will arrive at 1 p.m. Sunday, December 7 to rescue good old St. Nick. After he is safely lowered to the ground, he makes his way into the Museum to visit the children until 3 p.m.
Cookie Decorating and Santa Visit
Country Kitchen SweetArt
December 4, 2022
Hands-On. Cost $20.00 per child/participant. Timed tickets available between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. Come in at your scheduled time for a jolly good visit and cookie decorating fun!
Fort Wayne Komets vs. Cincinnati Cyclones
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 4, 2022
Join the jungle! The Komets are back on home ice for another thrilling game. Head to the Coliseum for another exciting game.
Lighting of the Lake and Living Nativity
St. Francis Chapel and Mirror Lake, University of Saint Francis
December 4, 2022
Petting zoo begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the blessing of luminaries dedicated to those who are special at 6 p.m. Immediately following the blessing, members of our University community will portray the Living Nativity. This special event honors the Christmas creche tradition begun by St. Francis in 1223, which reenacts the birth of Christ. End the evening with complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center.
Queen of Angels Catholic Church
December 4, 2022
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 2:00 PM Location: Church $5 per person to defray cost of materials
Rhinehart Music Center at Purdue Fort Wayne
December 4, 2022
Come enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas through four part men’s a cappella with the award-winning Summit City Chorus! This show will be sure to fill you with the Christmas spirit as several quartets join the SCC to bring you “Singing in the Holidays”.
Embassy Theatre
December 5, 2022
A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups: The Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. A Motown Christmas is a powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks…dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style. This is an evening not to be missed. Bring the family, dance, sing and enjoy this special, holiday spectacular.
Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne
December 5, 2022
Celebrate the joy and beauty of the season with the School of Music Choral Ensembles and the University and Community Orchestra. Performing seasonal favorites and holiday classics, this concert is the perfect way to start your holidays!
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 5, 2022
Come cheer on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and enjoy ANTertainment and more. Check them out for a one-of-a-kind game experience.
USF University Singers Christmas Concert
St. Francis Chapel, University of Saint Francis
December 7, 2022
The annual Christmas concert features traditional holiday favorites and sounds of the season, both old and new. The concert is free and open to the public.
Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne
December 8, 2022
The Purdue Fort Wayne Bands welcome composer Zhou Tian for a premiere of his newest work, Sinfonia.
Dan Tembras, conductor
Free Admission for Purdue FW Students with ID and Students 18 Years of Age and Younger
Bill Gaither – The Brighter The Light Tour Christmas 2022
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 8, 2022
For nearly half a century, multi-Grammy and Dove Award winner, Bill Gaither has been a musical trailblazer. His reputation as a performer, songwriter and mentor for newly-discovered artists is known world-wide. His beloved series of Homecoming Series has consistently topped sales charts and attracted an ever-increasing audience. Pollstar Magazine ranks Premier Productions as the largest producer of live Christian events both nationally and internationally. The relationship between Gaither and Premier has extended for nearly three decades, weathering the test of time and the ever-changing world of concert promotion.
First Pres Theater presents: Best Christmas Pageant Ever
First Presbyterian Theater
Varying dates from December 9, 2022 – 17, 2022
Mary Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on her novel of the same name, is a widely beloved Christmas tale, warm and incredibly funny, full of characters both relatable and utterly unique. The TV movie became an Emmy Award Winner!
Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge
Arena Dinner Theatre
Varying dates from December 2 – 18, 2022
In this departure from Dickens, young Scrooge’s exclamations of “Bah, humbug!” are an undiagnosed “kind of seasonal Tourette’s Syndrome,” and The Ghost of Christmas Past is played by a sassy African-American woman with enough attitude to portray all three spirits (which she does).
Fort Wayne Komets vs. Cincinnati Cyclones
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 10, 2022
Join the jungle! The Komets are back on home ice for another thrilling game. Head to the Coliseum for another exciting game.
Christ’s Church
December 10, 2022
Christmas Shopping, Pictures with Santa, Raffle & Door Prizes
Embassy Theatre
Varying dates from December 9, 2022 – 18, 2022
A performance filled with your favorite holiday music, a traditional carol sing-along, dancing, the Hallelujah Chorus, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pull out your favorite Christmas sweater and celebrate the cherished memories and popular culture of Christmas with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
The Bradley
December 10, 2022
Come and join your favorite Princess for some royal tea, sandwiches, and desserts. She is so excited to meet you!
Promenade Park: Park Foundation Pavilion
December 11, 2022
Challenge your chess skills with Riverfront’s final chess event of the year. Take A Stan Chess Club is helping make this event extra special with a DJ and by collecting donations for Treasure House for the holidays. Donations may include all new and unopened socks, gloves, and children’s toys. No need to wrap them, just bring them to the Park Foundation Pavilion.
Wunderkammer Company
December 11, 2022
A lively market featuring vintage vendors, local makers, funky tunes, tasty eats and drinks, and special guests
Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne
December 11, 2022
Holiday Big Band favorites from numerous arrangers. Terry Fisher, conductor
Lindsey Stirling Snow Waltz Tour
Embassy Theatre
December 12, 2022
For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing a certain spellbinding magic with her electronic violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. On her new album Snow Waltz, the classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author finds herself fully in her element, sharing a selection of holiday classics and original songs that evoke intense emotion through her immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies. This show is presented by the Embassy Theatre and Honeywell Arts & Entertainment.
For King & Country Christmas Tour
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 16, 2022
The holidays will be here before we know it, and with them we’ll be bringing you ‘A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | The 2022 Tour Experience!’ at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, IN on December 16th! Our most elaborate, meaningful, joy-filled – and of course – rhythmic tour of the year, all while celebrating the greatest news the world has ever known.
Auer Performance Hall
December 16, 2022
Handel’s most recognizable and revered masterpiece is performed to the warm glow of candlelight in the most luminous of settings. The Philharmonic’s Messiah is now considered Fort Wayne’s most popular, sold-out holiday tradition. Experience the “Hallelujah” Chorus and other favorites in a Christmas event you’ll never forget.
Smooth Edge 2’s Yuletide Jingle Ball (with opening act The Ragtag Bunch)
Baker Street Centre (formerly C2G Music Hall)
December 16, 2022
Come see Smooth Edge 2’s Yuletide Jingle Ball! Our end of the year GIG/Party is on December 16th at Bakers Street Music Hall/C2G, 7pm. The opening act is the local Irish Folk group, Rag Tag Bunch!
Allen County Courthouse
December 16 – 18, 2022
One of Fort Wayne’s most treasured holiday traditions is The Spirit of Christmas, performed by our vocal artists from the rotunda of the stunning, historic Allen County Courthouse. We will heighten and enhance the true spirit of the Christmas season with favorite carols in fresh arrangements, along with newly composed carols by Founding Artistic Director Maestro Robert Nance.
First Presbyterian Theater
December 17, 2022
Enjoy Breakfast in Arendelle with all your favorite characters. This Frozen themed event is sure to please with music, arts & crafts, sing-a-longs, goodie bags and photo opportunites with Santa & Mrs. Claus. After breakfast, head down to the theatre for preferred seating to Youtheatre’s production of Frozen Jr.
Fort Wayne Komets vs. Wheeling Nailers
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 17, 2022
Join the jungle! The Komets are back on home ice for another thrilling game. Head to the Coliseum for another exciting game.
Holly Shopping Brunch at Arbor
The Bradley
Saturdays through December 17, 2022
Please join us in Arbor every Saturday during the Downtown Improvement District’s Holly Shopping for our delicious brunch buffet from 11am-1pm. Reservations not required. Dates are as follows: November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17.
Fort Wayne Komets vs. Indy Fuel
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 18, 2022
Join the jungle! The Komets are back on home ice for another thrilling game. Head to the Coliseum for another exciting game.
Santa’s Waynedale Trolley Tour
Waynedale Area
December 24, 2022
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down… Old Trail Road? Yes, it’s true! Santa is coming to visit Waynedale and the surrounding neighborhoods the weekend before Christmas. On Sunday, December 19, from 1-4pm Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an elf or two will be slowly touring the community on a Christmas Trolley to give a cheery wave and a candy cane to all the good boys and girls.
Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 26, 2022
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team!
Fort Wayne Komets vs. Toledo Walleye
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 28, 2022
Join the jungle! The Komets are back on home ice for another thrilling game. Head to the Coliseum for another exciting game.
Fort Wayne Komets vs. Indy Fuel
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
December 31, 2022
Join the jungle! The Komets are back on home ice for another thrilling game. Head to the Coliseum for another exciting game.
The Bell Mansion 420 W Wayne St 46802
Saturdays through June 2023
Come Check out this gorgeous building and also hear about Ghost stories experienced at the Bell Mansion. Either things our team has experienced, or other paranormal teams during their private investigations!
Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology
Varying dates through December 27, 2022
Ready to create completely unique beats? This event is open to all kids who want to learn the first steps in beat making using Ableton Live, the industry’s most popular beat-making and production software.
Midweek Paranormal Investigation
The Bell Mansion
Each Wednesday
Come not only tour the gorgeous Bell Mansion and learn all things paranormal, use our paranormal equipment or bring your own, to capture your own paranormal activity from 7pm to 11pm.
Chief Richardville House – 5705 Bluffton Road
The first Saturday of the month through November 5, 2022
The History Center presents Miami Indian Heritage Days, Saturday, June 5th from 1-4 pm at the Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Erik Vosteen will present Cookware from Local Clays: Making and Using Replica Native-Style Pottery. Learn about the lasting heritage of the Miami and other regional Native American groups. Local artists, performers and presenters will be featured the first Saturday of the month, May to November.
Monday Blues Jam Sessions with G Money & Special Guests
The Club Room at The Clyde
Weekly
Every Monday, 7-10 PM – $15 All You Can Eat BBQ Specials.
The Club Room at the Clyde
Weekly
Every Tuesday, enjoy the best in soft rock and classic hits with a variety of rotating artists.
Wednesday Jazz Sessions at Club Room at the Clyde
The Club Room at the Clyde
Weekly
Each Wednesday with a fantastic performance by featured local, regional, and national jazz artists!
Nashville Thursdays at Club Room at The Clyde
Club Room at the Clyde
Weekly
The best in local and regional artists playing classic country, bluegrass, americana and more! In addition to the regular menu and seasonal features, enjoy Nashville Hot Chicken, Macho Cowboy Nachos and fantastic drink specials!
Friday Night Vibes at Club Room at the Clyde
The Club Room at the Clyde
Weekly
Friday Night Vibes Presented by WBOI’s Meet The Music as WBOI’s Julia Meek hosts the best of local and regional music at The Club Room at The Clyde! Don’t forget to take advantage of our $28 Prime Rib Special (12 oz.) that’s served with your choice of side and baked potato.
I Love Saturdays at Club Room at The Clyde
Club Room at the Clyde
Weekly
Enjoy the best in Pop, Soul R&B and Funk every Saturday! Don’t forget to take advantage of the $28 Prime Rib Special (12 oz.) that’s served with your choice of side and baked potato.
Disabilities Days at Science Central
Science Central
Varying dates through December 10, 2022
Disability Days will feature special demonstrations, hands-on activities, special quiet room will be available with sensory toys and games.
The Botanical Conservatory December events:
Happy Smallidays Holiday Exhibit
Saturday, November 19, 2022, to January 8, 2023, public hours
Little Mouse sneaks into the Conservatory looking to cozy up for the smallidays. However, there is so much commotion that he keeps getting nudged to the side by the hurry and scurry of holiday decorating. He wants nothing more than for everyone to slow down and find joy in the little things. Follow Little Mouse in this endearing holiday story and be inspired by the heartfelt lesson he has to share.
Book Signings with Author, Talitha Shipman
Saturday, December 17, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The Conservatory is proud to present “Happy Smallidays” by Talitha Shipman. Don’t miss out on these two chances to visit during the holidays and meet the author and illustrator herself! Through her various picture books, Talitha wishes to encourage curiosity and creativity in children of all ages. Her latest book, “Happy Smallidays” inspires Conservatory visitors to find joy in the little things. All are invited to journey with Little Mouse through the Magical Winter Woods as he discovers the value of slowing down to take in the wonder and warmth of the holiday season. Included with regular Conservatory admission. Books are available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop.
$1 Night of Lights
Thursdays and Fridays through December 23, 2022
Kick-off the holidays with a stroll through enchanted gardens glistening and glowing all throughout the Conservatory. During Night of Lights, admission is just $1 in celebration of this downtown holiday tradition! Take it all in and be inspired by a heartwarming story in collaboration with the “Happy Smallidays” holiday exhibit. The Conservatory Shop and Conjure Coffee’s Conservatory location will be open to serve.
Santa and Reindeer Saturdays
December 3, 10, 17, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Meet Santa himself and a friendly and majestic reindeer on the first three Saturdays in December. While indoors, enjoy jolly scenery accompanied by the “Happy Smallidays” holiday exhibit. Be sure to visit with a reindeer in the outdoor garden. Note: Santa will take a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. Regular Conservatory admission applies.
Summit City Music Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol
December 1-11
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol captivates, entertains and changes hearts. In December, Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields bring a new adaptation of this classic tale to the Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park along with a cast of talented local artists and musicians. This show is rated G and is family-friendly. Tickets are $25 per person and seating is general admission. The historic venue is not heated, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets to stay cozy and warm. Purchase tickets online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by phone at 260-427-6000.
Wassail Celebration
Sunday, December 4, 3:00-6:30 p.m.
Jennings Youth Center, 1330 McCulloch Street
Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves toasting to good health. Kick off the holiday season with performances reminiscent of Wassail’s past and refreshments such as cookies and a traditional nonalcoholic Wassail punch. The celebration is free and open to the public.
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 3,
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Tis the season for Christmas cheer, handmade gifts and goodies. Christmas on the Farm offers horse drawn wagon rides provided by DeKalb Co. Horsemen, photos with Santa Claus, a crafting activity for kids, letter-writing to Santa, vendors in the Wolf Learning Center for holiday shopping, live holiday music by Mike Conley in the Old Barn, food available for purchase in the Old barn provided by the Lions Club and Christmas tree sales (while supplies last). Admission is $5 per car.
Holiday Window Displays at Promenade Park
Now until January 3
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Make the most of winter light at Promenade Park with a showcase of handmade paper cut light boxes. These delightful creations are believed to have originated from China after paper was first invented. Many countries picked up the skill, but Switzerland remains the enduring leader referring to the art form as Scherenschnitt. Riverfront’s light boxes were designed and hand-cut by staff using ideas of common winter scenes at Promenade Park such as the swings, the Historic Wells St. Bridge, and the Convergence Sculpture. The light boxes have multiple layers of paper with lighting from behind to show more detail in perspective, texture, and dimension. The display can be seen in the windows of the Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park now until January 3 and can be best viewed at dusk.
Christmas Tree Sales
December 3, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
December 4, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Weekdays by appointment
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Find a perfect tree for the season. Christmas Tree Sales will be available for sale at Salomon Farm Park from a regional grower while supplies last. Call 260-450-9365 to schedule a weekday appointment.
December events with the Allen County Public:
Build Your Self-Care Toolkit
Learn about the importance of self-care and support your mental well-being through relaxing activities like building a Zen garden, DIY Spa, and sewing a sleep mascot
Audiences: middle and high school students
Branches: Dupont, Little Turtle, Main, Pontiac, and Shawnee
Books and Beans Book Club
Audience: adults
Locations: Common Grounds Coffeehouse (Grabill), Perks Peak Coffee Shop (Leo), Sharing Peace Café (Fort Wayne)
Computer Basics
Topics: Intro to Computers, Microsoft Word
Audience: adults
Branches: Georgetown, Little Turtle, Main, Shawnee
First Steps in Music
Play and sing together, build vocabulary and explore the expressive qualities in music.
Audiences: toddlers, babies, preschool
Branches: Georgetown, Hessen Cassel, New Haven
Storytime
Wiggle, rhyme, read, and sing in this active learning time!
Audiences: babies, toddler, families
Branches: Aboite, Dupont, Georgetown, Grabill, Main, Hessen Cassel, Pontiac, Monroeville, New Haven, Shawnee, Tecumseh, Woodburn
Dates, topics, and times vary by location. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Visit acpl.libnet.info/events or explore the Winter Program Guide for more information.
