Another holiday season is underway in Downtown Fort Wayne. From dazzling light displays and seasonal markets to festive performances and family-friendly activities, our 99 blocks are brimming with ways to celebrate.
Whether you’re looking for a magical outing with the kids, a fun date night, or a chance to shop local for one-of-a-kind gifts, there’s something for everyone this season. Dive in and discover all the holiday festivities Downtown Fort Wayne has to offer!
Here’s our guide to celebrating the 2025 holiday season in DTFW:
Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights
What: Back for its second year in a row, Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights is a spectacular display of over 1.5 million lights, taking over the baseball stadium all season long. With breathtaking sights, festive concessions and family activities, you won’t want to miss it!
When: November 13 – January 3
Where: Parkview Field
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required (discounted admission available in November). Visit their website for more information.
The Gift of Magi
What: From Maestro Robert Nance and Heartland Sings comes The Gift of Magi—an intimate operatic production that demonstrates the selflessness of love and giving around the holidays.
When: November 14 – 16
Where: First Presbyterian Theater
More Info: Tickets required. Visit their website for more information.
A Motown Christmas
What: A Motown Christmas is heading to The Embassy Theatre with a special performance from a world-class vocal group, made up of singers from two legendary Motown groups—The Miracles and The Contours.
When: November 19
Where: The Embassy Theatre
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information.
Headwaters Park Ice Skating Season
What: Is there a more romantic way to celebrate the season than with ice skating? The ice rink returns to Headwaters Park, with more themed nights, “$1 Days,” and skating lessons.
When: Starting November 22—throughout the season, weather permitting
Where: Headwaters Park
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required for skaters; spectators admitted for free. Visit their website for more information. Follow their Facebook page for updates on the season.
A Celtic Christmas
What: Experience the magic as world‑class performers blend melodic folk mash‑ups, acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling in one truly unforgettable performance by the Broadway sensation, A Taste of Ireland.
When: November 22
Where: The Embassy Theatre
More Info: Tickets required. Visit their website for more information.
Sippin’ Santa at Night Train
What: Looking for some seasonal sips? Look no further than Night Train’s Sippin’ Santa cocktail pop-up! It’s from the same folks who curate the national Miracle pop-ups, but with a tiki, tropical spin. Mele Kalikimaka!
When: November 24 through December
Where: Night Train
More Info: Must be 21+. Visit their website for more information.
Festival of Gingerbread
What: Almost in its 40th year, the History Center’s Festival of Gingerbread is a treasured holiday celebration showcasing gingerbread art from local talent, ranging from pre-K to culinary professionals. Other activities throughout the festival include a cookie decorating party, food drive, holiday storytelling, and more!
When: November 25 – December 21
Where: The History Center
More Info: Open to all ages; museum admission rates apply. Visit their website for more information.
Festival of Trees
What: For over 40 magical years, the Festival of Trees has taken over the Embassy Theatre with awe-inspiring Christmas tree displays and entertainment, including visits with Santa, festive stage performances, sensory-sensitive experiences, a special screening of Elf, and more!
When: November 26 – December 3
Where: Embassy Theatre
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information.
HolidayFest—featuring Night of Lights
What: Experience a full day of family-friendly festivities and timeless traditions—as holiday cheer takes over Downtown for Night of Lights’ iconic illuminations. New this year, don’t miss Fort Wayne’s first-ever drone show, as hundreds of drones light up the night in a dazzling aerial display, adding a new layer of magic to this cherished community celebration.
When: November 26
Where: Throughout Downtown Fort Wayne
More Info: This event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Visit the website for more information!
Miracle on Jefferson
What: Miracle on Jefferson is back for another season of festive cocktails, kitschy decor, and toasty memories. Get your friends together, and enjoy some holiday spirits!
When: Beginning November 26
Where: The Sidecar (outside of Copper Spoon)
More Info: Must be 21+. Visit their website for more information.
$1 Night Light Display at the Botanical Conservatory
What: On a budget? The Botanical Conservatory’s $1-Night Light Display offers a sparkling indoor wonderland filled with twinkling lights, vibrant poinsettias, festive greenery, and illuminated photo ops for just $1 (on select dates).
When: Select nights, November 26 – December 19
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information.
Embassy Theatre Holiday Windows
What: Enjoy the holiday splendor with traditionally animated and decorated windows along Harrison Street. The vintage montages on Harrison harken back to an earlier, low-tech era, and even include original Wolf & Dessauer displays.
Where: Outside of the Embassy Theatre at the corner of Harrison and Jefferson
When: November 26 – December 31
More Info: Window displays are free for spectators and open to the public anytime!
Holly Shopping
What: Enjoy shopping and dining experiences within the Downtown district’s 99-blocks, and extending to the surrounding Broadway and Wells Street corridors during Small Business Saturday! Take advantage of one of the trolleys making the rounds—or choose your own route by foot, bike, or vehicle.
When: November 29
Where: Throughout Downtown Fort Wayne and surrounding corridors
More Info: This event is free and open to all ages. Visit the website for more information.
Holidays at Artlink
What: Holiday season, but make it art-centric! That’s what you’ll find at Artlink, with a full lineup of events, including their annual Winter Market (think holiday pop-up with gifts made by local creatives), annual Cup Exhibition & Sale (featuring work by professional ceramists), a curated gift shop full of artisan goods, and a workshop where you can craft your own felted gnome.
When: Each event has varying dates between November 29 and December 14
Where: Artlink
More Info: Some events are open to the public and others require tickets. Visit their website for more information!
The Deck’s Christmas Market
What: Get in the Christmas spirit at The Deck’s outdoor Christmas market, where you’ll find local vendors, hot chocolate and specialty Deck Christmas drinks, chili, live music, bonfires, and maybe even a surprise visit from Santa!
When: November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20
Where: The Deck at the Gas House
More Info: This event is open to the public. More details TBA. Follow The Deck for updates!
Intro to 3D Printing – Cookie Cutter Workshop
What: Your holiday cookie tin will be extra special this year when you design your own cookie cutters at the Studio at Main—using Tinkercad and Prusa Slicer software for 3D printing!
When: December 3
Where: Allen County Public Library’s Main Branch / Studio at Main
More Info: This event is free, but limited to 10 participants. Registering in advance is recommended to secure your spot. This workshop is open to all ages, but was designed for 2nd graders or older. Visit their website to learn more!
Fort Wayne Ballet’s Nutcracker
What: Joined by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, the Ballet returns this Christmastime classic to the newly renovated Arts United Center! Enjoy this cherished holiday tradition and allow yourself to be whisked away by the beloved Tchaikovsky score and graceful dancers of Fort Wayne Ballet.
When: December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14
Where: Arts United Center
More Info: Open to all ages; ticket required. Visit their website for more information!
Music at the Library: Harp for the Holidays
What: Enjoy a free, family-friendly holiday performance at the Allen County Public Library—featuring globally renowned harpist, Jan Aldridge Clark.
When: December 5
Where: Allen County Public Library’s Main Branch
More Info: This event is free and open to all ages. Visit their website for more information!
Santa Saturdays at Botanical Conservatory
What: Santa Saturdays are back at the Botanical Conservatory! Visit with Santa himself for a photo op, surrounded by the sparkling charm of Fern’s Fairylight Express—the Botanical Conservatory’s enchanting winter showcase exhibit.
When: December 6, 13, and 20
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More Info: Open to all ages; conservatory admission rates apply. Visit their website for more information.
Project Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Embassy
What: Project Ballet’s Nutcracker is a production for children, by children and about children. Make some magical memories with your family and join the Project Ballet’s talented dancers!
When: December 6 and 7
Where: Embassy Theatre
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Ducky’s
What: Dust off your dancin’ shoes, don your ugliest Christmas sweater, and dance the night away at Ducky’s, featuring music from DJ Black Code.
When: December 6
Where: Ducky’s at The Pearl
More Info: Must be 21+. Visit their Facebook event page for more information!
Music at the Library: Vox Deco Holiday
What: Allen County Public Library is bringing more free holiday music to their Main Branch—with a live performance from a cappella and vocal jazz group, Vox Deco.
When: December 7
Where: Allen County Public Library’s Main Branch
More Info: This event is free and open to the public. Ages 12 and up recommended. Visit their website for more information!
Saving Santa at the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
What: Santa visits the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum for a day of family fun—refreshments included! While you’re there, check out firefighting artifacts dating all the way back to the late 1800s!
When: December 7
Where: Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
More Info: Open to all ages; museum admission rates apply. Visit their website for more information.
Succulent Christmas Tree Workshop
What: Create a one-of-a-kind 3D holiday centerpiece—a festive Christmas tree designed entirely with live succulent cuttings! You’ll also gain expert guidance on how to care for and propagate your plants after the holidays.
When: December 7; registration deadline November 29
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More Info: Must be 15+; tickets required and space is limited. Visit their website for more information!
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
What: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is a nationally touring heartwarming musical featuring songs by Grammy-winning artist Dolly Parton. Set in Tennessee in the 1930s, it follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season.
When: December 8
Where: Embassy Theatre
More Info: Tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation’s Annual Holiday Dinner and Light Tour
What: Join the Fort Wayne Parks department for their annual holiday dinner and light tour! Experience festive dining, live music from vocalist Ta’Korei and pianist Gary Amstutz, and a motor coach tour through Downtown Fort Wayne’s most dazzling light displays, including The Fantasy of Lights in Franke Park.
When: December 8; reservations required by December 1
Where: Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center
More Info: This event is 18+; tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
Magical Cirque Christmas
What: Magical Cirque Christmas is a dazzling holiday variety show, showcasing the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers. Every act is set to a modern soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics—perfect for the whole family!
When: December 11
Where: Embassy Theatre
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
What: Famous a cappella group Straight No Chaser is back with their Holiday Road Tour, sharing the joy, “dad jokes,” and songs of the season with families around the country.
When: December 12
Where: Embassy Theatre
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
Evergreen Centerpiece Workshop
What: Get into the holiday spirit by crafting a fresh evergreen centerpiece with the help of floral designer Dennis Bowman. Use fragrant branches, pinecones, ribbon, and a seasonal accent of your choice to create a festive piece perfect for the season.
When: December 13; registration deadline December 6
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
More Info: Must be 15+; tickets required and space is limited. Visit their website for more information!
Christmas at Baker Street Centre
What: Baker Street Centre’s annual Christmas show is a fun and festive evening with special performances from local musicians. Canned good donations for Community Harvest are recommended—and deeply appreciated—but not required.
When: December 13
Where: Baker Street Centre
More Info: Open to all ages; tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
FELIZ NAVIDAD | A Christmas Concert by Canto de Corazón
What: Plymouth Church and Heartland Sings present a holiday performance from Canto de Corazón, a community choir that sings exclusively in Spanish, providing a unique opportunity for choristers of all backgrounds to appreciate Hispanic-Latino culture and enhance their language skills.
When: December 14
Where: Plymouth Church
More Info: This event is free and open to all ages. Visit their website for more information!
Riverfront’s Holiday Cheer
What: Celebrate the season with an afternoon full of festive fun at Promenade Park! Families can snap a photo with Santa, enjoy a live performance of holiday classics by the American Legion Band, write letters to Santa, create special holiday cards, and more!
When: December 14
Where: Promenade Park Pavillion
More Info: This event is free and open to all ages. Visit their website for more information!
Jingle Mingle: Holiday Sing-Along
What: Join Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana and other carolers of all singing abilities at the Allen County Public Library’s Main Branch for a holiday sing-along led by guitarist and vocalist Aaron Smith.
When: December 17
Where: Allen County Public Library’s Main Branch
More Info: This event is free and open to the public. Visit the Facebook event page for more information!
A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley
What: Celebrate the holiday season with an unforgettable screening of the beloved classic A Christmas Story followed by a moderated interview and audience Q&A from its iconic star Peter Billingsley (aka Ralphie)!
When: December 19
Where: Embassy Theatre
More Info: Open to all ages (movie is rated PG); tickets required. Visit their website for more information!
About the writer
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native, freelance writer, and digital marketer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. Passionate about storytelling and community, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people and places that make it unique.
Have a story to share? Shoot her an email!