From the Downtown Improvement District:
Downtown’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony
The Night of Lights, November 23rd
5:45 pm Aunt Millie’s Northern Lights (Pearl Street)
6:00 pm Community Center Santa’s Workshop display (Main Street) and History Center turret lighting (Barr Street)
6:15 pm Santa and his Reindeer at PNC with Mayor Tom Henry, Santa and special guests (Main and Berry Streets)
6:45 pm Wells Fargo holiday display and Indiana Michigan Power Merry Christmas Wreath with a special performance by the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir (One Summit Square)
7:15 pm Botanical Conservatory & Embassy Theatre Window lighting (Jefferson Street)
7:45 pm Parkview Field fireworks (Ewing Street)
Aunt Millie’s Northern Lights
350 Pearl Street, 5 – 8 pmOn your way to the Santa lighting, stop by Aunt Millie’s parking lot for free hot cider and Aunt Millie’s Muffins. Check out the “Aunt Millie’s Northern Lights” amazing holiday light display.
Cathedral Books & Gifts
915 S Clinton Street, 5 – 9 p.m.Cathedral Books is located directly across from One Summit Square on Clinton St. very close to the wreath lighting and will be open from 5 until 9pm with a special sale of 20% off everything. Don’t miss their free cookies & hot cider.
Community Center Santa’s Workshop and Light Display
233 W. Main Street, 4 – 7:30 pmStart off your downtown celebration at the Community Center with free holiday activities for the kids on Wednesday, November 23. Come in anytime from 4 – 7:30 pm for make-n-take crafts, balloons, cookies and drinks, holiday movies and a photo with “Buddy” the Elf. All for free! Donate a new or gently used bear and enter a drawing to win a giant elf bear. Kids can shop for inexpensive holiday gifts for $1 or less at the North Pole Stop-n-Shop. Mom and Dad can shop that night too. Community Center patrons have been crafting holiday items to sell on Candy Cane Lane. The money raised from the crafts will be donated to the Community Center’s wellness classes. Finally, check out the Santa’s Workshop light display on the Community Center roof and have some free hot chocolate.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Holiday Kick-Off Party
1100 S. Calhoun Street, 5:00-9:00 pmEnjoy free hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Mrs. Claus, and get a free photo with Santa. You can also meet two live reindeer while you visit and explore the Night Before Christmas, Piñata Paradise, and our outdoor animated light show. Visit beautiful gardens and displays. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. No reservations required. Sponsored by PBS 39, WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, and Media 401. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Embassy Theatre 27th Annual Festival of Trees
125 West Jefferson Blvd, 6 – 9 p.m.See the debut of the animated Harrison Street windows and at 7:45 sing-along holiday carols with Fort Wayne Children’s Choir
Grand Wayne Convention Center Live Entertainment
6pm – 8pm – Visit with Mrs. Claus
6 & 6:50 pm – Fort Wayne Youth Concert Orchestra
6:30 pm – Performance by Faith in Motion
6pm – 8pm – Visit with Mrs. Claus and relax with complimentary cookies and punch
Headwaters Park and Ice Rink Ice Skating
1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
End your night of holiday kick-off fun by skating at the Headwaters Park Ice Rink! The rink will be open for Night of Lights. Admission is $5 (ages 14 and over), $3 (ages 13 and under). Skate rental is $2.
History Center 26th Annual Festival of Gingerbread
302 E. Berry Street, 5 – 9 p.m.Explore the museum and see the gingerbread creations. The event supports and raises funds for the History Center and it’s programs. $2 tickets at the door.
Parkview Field Holiday Fireworks and Lights of Love
5 – 8 p.m., fireworks at 7:45Cap off your night downtown with a spectacular fireworks display at Parkview Field! Get a sneak peek at the “Lights of Love” luminary display, presented by Erin’s House on your way into the ballpark. For information how you can sponsor a luminary, log on to ErinsHouse.org. The holiday fireworks will begin promptly at 7:45pm. Holiday snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Wells Fargo Lighting and Stagecoach Display
Corner of Wayne and Calhoun Streets, 5 – 8 pmAs part of the Night of Lights, Well Fargo will team together with a community of partners to host our annual lighting of the Wells Fargo animated holiday exhibit, located on the walkway over Calhoun Street. The Wells Fargo Stagecoach will also be on display in front of the Wells Fargo Indiana Center on Wayne St. The public is invited to experience America’s most legendary vehicle. Cameras are welcome for family photos.
Courthouse Lawn – Light the Sky
6:30 p.m. (lantern pick up, $5. each) – 7:00 p.m. (launch)Neighborlink volunteers helped 600 city residents seeking assistance and Neighborlink hopes to launch a lantern for every act of support. To participate, contact NeighborlinkFortWayne.org