It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Fort Wayne. Can you believe that there was even snow on Halloween?! Now that the trick or treating is over, it is time to start thinking about your plans for the holidays. For our family, it means planning out all our activities from meeting the big man in red to snuggling together on a carriage ride to see the lights around downtown.
Complied here is a list of 15 must do events and activities in Fort Wayne to do with your family this Christmas season. Also included are important ticket release dates that you won’t want to miss out on. Additional family fun activities that didn’t make the top 15 are listed below along with our favorite Indy attractions worth a short trip to see during the holidays. Make this Christmas season one your kids won’t soon forget.
1.Jefferson Pointe Tree Lighting & Santa & Reindeer
Countdown to the start of the Christmas season with the tree lighting at Jefferson Point on November 9th from 5-7pm. This is Fort Wayne’s largest tree and the musical light show really puts you in the spirit. Also every Saturday starting Nov 16th, your family can meet and touch live reindeer from 5-7pm and 12-2pm on Christmas Eve.
2. HolidayFest Night of Lights
Head downtown Fort Wayne as they light up the iconic Santa & his reindeer at PNC Bank, Northern Lights at Aunt Millie’s, and much more. Also, take a stroll and view all the beautifully decorated store windows of local businesses. End the night with fireworks at Parkview field. See the website for a complete guide to the night’s events.
3. Festival of Trees
Get ready for a lot of oohs and ahhs as you tour the 35th Annual Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre Nov 27- Dec 4th. Several local businesses and organizations create some of the most beautiful trees you likely have ever seen. Plus in previous years, Mr. and Mrs. Claus have been available for photo opportunities in Santa land.
4. Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast while participating in a festive experience with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Kids can also join in signing Christmas carols and listening to story time by Mrs. Claus. This is one of my best kept secrets in Fort Wayne as this event will sell out very quickly. This breakfast takes place several times during the Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre. Tickets go on sale Nov 6.
5. Botanical Conservatory with Santa and his Reindeer
Enjoy a stroll through the new exhibit ‘Christmas Connections’ opening Nov 23. Take in all the beautiful sights including the poinsettias and light displays. Visit with Santa and his reindeer during the Night of Lights on Nov 27 and also every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas from 12-4pm. Also enjoy breakfast with Santa on Dec 7. with advance ticket purchase.
6. Christmas on the Farm
Bundle up the family and take them out for a magical time on the farm. Salomon Farm Park offers Christmas on the Farm on December 7 from 1-5pm. The sleigh bells will ring during a free wagon ride plus other activities like visiting a live Nativity scene, watching dog sled demonstrations, and enjoying other family activities. Cost is $5 per car to enter.
7. Festival of Gingerbread
Check out over 100 gingerbread house masterpieces submitted for display and judged in a contest. The Festival of the Gingerbread is open Nov 26- Dec 15 located inside the History Center. There are different themed nights including meeting with Santa, make & take gingerbread ornaments, cookie decorating party, and many more family friendly activities. Admission is $4 for ages 3-17 & over 65, $6 for adults, and 2 & under are free. December 3rd is family free night.
8. Nutcracker
The Fort Wayne Ballet performs the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Watch as the story of a young girl, the Nutcracker prince, and the evil Mouse King bring the whole family together to experience holiday magic and a fantastic journey through the Kingdom of Sweets. Several show times are available plus after select weekend matinees, there are Sugar Plum Parties available for an extra $8 to enjoy sweet treats and take pictures with some of the dancers.
9. Gingerbread House Decorating
Get in the holiday spirit by decorating your very own gingerbread house at Country Kitchen Sweetart. Classes start at $15 per participant and offered several times throughout the holiday season. Also they are offering cookie decorating with Santa on December 8th plus several other classes for you and your family to enjoy. Registration online is recommended.
10. Santa Train Ride
This tradition is sure to please your little train enthusiast. Climb aboard a 20 minute train ride with the man in red at the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Each child gets a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they would like for Christmas. Enjoy hot cocoa and visit Santa’s railroad workshop before and after the ride. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at $7 per person (3 and under are free). Ticket sales begin November 13th.
11. Christmas at The Chapel – Born to Save
Celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season with a concert performance at The Chapel. You could also attend one at your church as well. The Chapel has multiple performances available during the weekend of December 6th, 7th, and 8th. Check out their website for more details.
12. Fantasy of Lights
Take a drive thru the Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park Nov 26-Dec 31. With over 110 larger-than-life displays to enjoy, it will quickly become a tradition in your family. Price per personal vehicle is $10 to enter. Another way to enjoy the lights is to sign up for the Winter Wonder Dash 5k or 2k with Fort 4 Fitness.
13. Carriage Ride
With all the hustle and bustle during this time of year, take a moment out of your busy schedule to slow down and take in all the magic of the Christmas season. Enjoy a carriage ride from Don Hall’s Gas House around downtown Fort Wayne viewing all the spectacular light displays. It may be cold outside but you will be provided with a heavy velvety lap blanket to snuggle under during the ride. Our family typically uses Rosewood Carriage Rides and we do a 30 minute ride with the little guys. Reservations are recommended and 60 minute rides are also available. Other companies who offer the same service are Sentimental Journey and Camelot Carriage Rides.
14. Science Central Countdown to Noon
Ring in the New Year at Science Central with the annual balloon drop at noon. Participate in face painting, making party hats and noise makes, and toasting to the year 2020 with a cookie and soda pop toast. Admission is $10 for ages 3 – adult.
15. Fort Wayne’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Bring the whole family out to Parkview field for this fun new tradition. While waiting for the clock to strike midnight, enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and much more. Plus food is available at the concessions and food trucks. Enjoy watching the ball drop at midnight followed up by a spectator Fireworks show. Admission is FREE for all ages.
Other Family Events & Activities
- Ice Skating at Headwaters Park – Nov 16 – March 1 (kids skate Free on Wed)
- Fort Wayne Santa Claus – watch Facebook for events schedule
- Board and Brush North Fort Wayne – Ornament and Christmas Make & Take Nov 29
- Board and Brush Roanoke – Ornament and Christmas Make & Take Nov 30
- Let’s Get Sappy – Fun family fun activity to plant and decorate your own baby Christmas tree Nov 17
- Visit Spoon Full of Sugar Candy Store – Now Open
- Disney Frozen 2 in theaters November 22
Indy Must Do’s List
- Jolly Days – The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Nov 23 – Jan 5
- Celebration Crossing – Indiana State Museum Nov 29 – Jan 5
- Jingle Rails – Eiteljorg Museum Nov 23 – Jan 20
- A Merry Prairie Holiday & Santa Breakfast/ Dinner – Conner Prairie Nov 29 – Dec 29
- Lights at the Brickyard – Indianapolis Motor Speedway Nov 27 – Jan 20
- Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis Zoo Nov 23 – Dec 30
- Nights of Lights – Indiana State Fairgrounds Nov 8 – Jan 1
Create more memories in your home with these fun traditions
- Elf on the Shelf Breakfast
- Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar and Activities
- Elf on the Shelf Door Tradition
- Santa Sack Tradition
- Christmas Book Countdown Tradition
- Christmas Eve Box Tradition
Hope you and your family have a magical Christmas full of many blessings. Comment below with your favorite event to attend around Fort Wayne during the Christmas season?
