This year's Night of Lights falls on Wednesday, November 24. Mark your calendar for the big event, and keep on marking as there’s more to Fort Wayne’s Holiday culture than our stop-in-your-tracks lighting displays. We've got it all!
Fort Wayne, Indiana's Holiday Favorites
Night of Lights Schedule - Just the Lights
If you’re short on time and just want to see all of the lightings - start your evening at the History Center at 5:45 PM, you won't want to miss the light of the Santa and His Reindeer on the PNC Bank building at 6:20 PM and the Merry Christmas Wreath on the Indiana Michigan Power Building at 7:00 PM. Wrap up the night at 8:00 PM with the brand new Parkview Field Holiday Lights.
See the full lights display schedule.
Night of Lights – The Activities
Many downtown locations offer Night of Lights activities, the evening of November 27. From indoor warm activities to some great family-friendly celebrations, these are the perfect activities to make your holiday celebrations special.
Warm Indoor Activities
Visit with Santa and one of his reindeer at the beautiful Baker Street Train Station from 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM, or enjoy the Youth Orchestra's performance at the Grand Wayne Convention Center at 6:30 PM. There are plenty of other great indoor activities to help you warm up, but make sure you step outside for the ringing of the church bells at 7:30 PM.
The Best Family Activities
After delighting in all of the beautiful holiday lightings with your kids in tow, make your way to the Botanical Conservatory's beautiful $1 Night Light Display, where you will find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery illuminated for the season. Let your kids explore the Allen County Public Library downtown branch where they can make their own snowglobe to celebrate the season.
Can't-Miss Night of Lights Activities
Make your list and check it twice — you do not want to miss out on these classic holiday events. The Festival of Trees display at the Embassy Theatre features beautifully decorated trees throughout the building and beautiful window displays (available November 27 through December 4.)
*All events located in downtown Fort Wayne. Times vary with most activities beginning between 4-5PM
A Season of HolidayFest Fun: Beyond the Night of Lights
Do you have family coming into town between Thanksgiving and Christmas and want to impress them with Fort Wayne’s Holiday spirit? The following activities, events, and attractions are all part of HolidayFest. You’re sure to find a festive event to fit your interest. Some of the following events are free and some involve a fee/ticket.
The Best Family-Friendly Events
- November 1-10 —The Nightmare Before Christmas showing at Cinema Center
- November 14 — Elf in Concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at Auer Performance Hall
- November 14 - January 5 — Parkview Field Holiday Lights display
- November 18 - December 31 — Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park
- November 29–December 22 — Festival of Gingerbread at The History Center
- November 30 — Breakfast with Santa at the Embassy Theatre
Insider Tip: This always sells out early. Call the Embassy's box office at (260) 424-5665 to inquire about availability. - December 7 — Christmas at The Fort - A Timeline Event
- December 7, 14, 21 — Santa and Reindeer Saturdays at the Botanical Conservatory
Holiday Markets
- Fort Wayne Village Marketplace / SportONE/Parkview Fieldhouse / November 16
- Indiana Artisan Holiday Marketplace / Electric Works / November 22 - 23
- Le Chic Holiday Market 2024 / Kruse Plaza / November 29 - 30
- Huntertown Shop Local Market / Huntertown Elementary School / November 30
- Holly Shopping 2024 / Downtown Fort Wayne Shops / November 30
- Bohemian Holiday Market / Memorial Coliseum / November 30
- Holidays at Artlink Winter Market / Artlink / November 30 - December 15
Date Night Events
- November 16 — A Motown Christmas at the Embassy Theatre
- November 15 — Trans-Siberian Orchestra "The Lost Christmas Eve" at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
- November 21 — Messiah by Candlelight by Fort Wayne Philharmonic at Auer Performance Hall
- November 22-23 — White Christmas at the Embassy Theatre
- November 24–December 25 — Miracle on Jefferson Holiday Bar Pop-Up
- December 6-7, 13-15, 20-22 — Christmas My Way - A Rat Pack Holiday Bash at Arena Dinner Theatre
- December 13-15 — Three Rivers Music Theatre Make the Yultide Gay
- December 19-22 — Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops performances at the Auer Performance Hall at PFW
- December 20-22 — Straight No Chaser: Top Shelf Tour at the Embassy Theatre
Can't-Miss Events
- November 20–February 28 — Outdoor Ice Skating at Headwaters Park
- November 27, December 4, 11, 18 — The Days of Holly Shopping at downtown boutiques on Saturdays!
- December 6-8 — Fort Wayne Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker at the Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center
Insider Tip: The Fort Wayne Ballet presents this classic performance every year and it’s a wonderful holiday tradition. Attend if you’re in town – it’s inspiring to see the hard work of our local youth come to life!
Looking for more Fort Wayne holiday fun? Check out our annual list of the best Crazy Holiday Houses in Fort Wayne.
