News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Holiday Happenings in the Parks
Santa’s Workshop
Wednesday, November 26, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Lighting Ceremony, 6 pm
Community Center, 233 W. Main Street
Start your downtown celebration at the Community Center with free holiday activities for the kids. There will be crafts, refreshments and movies. 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 $2 or less at the North Pole Stop-n-Shop. This year, there will be a brand new 14 foot tree in the lobby, and tuba-playing Santas will be part of the entertainment.Finally, check out the light display on the Community Center roof when we turn on the lights at 6 pm.Holiday Kick-Off Party
Wednesday, November 26, 5 -9 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Mrs. Claus, and get a free professional-quality photo with Santa. You can also meet two live reindeer that know all about the North Pole. The gardens are decorated for the holidays, indoors and out. Be sure to participate in the Fort Wayne Downtown Lighting Ceremony either before or after your visit to our beautiful holiday garden and displays. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply. No reservations required.Holly Trolley
Saturday, November 29, 11 am-5 pm
Community Center, 233 W. Main St.
The Downtown Development District will once again sponsor the Holly Trolley Shopping Day. Downtown shopping is a breeze with free trolley rides along the route. In conjunction with the Holly Trolley, the Community Center will be sponsoring a Craft Show from 11 am – 3 pm. Stop in and do a little shopping!Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 6, 1 – 5 pm
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Sleigh bells will be ringing on December 6th at Salomon Farm Park during the annual Christmas on the Farm. Dress warmly and come out for an Old Fashion Christmas, including a live nativity scene, goats and sheep, horse drawn wagon rides, Father Christmas, and much more. Live Entertainment will be provided by Vocal Power Academy, David Paul Bell and MIMETime. There will be free hot cocoa and coffee for everyone plus a Christmas bingo card for kids to complete as they check out all the festive decorations! Mystic Brush will offer face painting for an additional fee. There will also be a General Store with vendors selling unique, handmade items to help you get a jump on your Christmas shopping along with fresh made kettle corn for sale. There will be an officer directing traffic for easy in and out this year. Admission is $5 per car.62nd Annual Wassail Celebration
Sunday, December 7, 5 – 7 pm
Jennings Recreation Center,1330 McCulloch St.
Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves toasting to good health. This free community event is a good way to kick off the holiday season. There will be performances reminiscent of Wassail’s past and cookies will be served, along with the traditional nonalcoholic Wassail punch.Community Kwanzaa Celebration
Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart St.
Monday, December 29, 6 pm
Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that signifies the first fruits of the harvest. This African American cultural celebration embraces the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. This free family event is open to the community and includes live music, dance, poetry and a meal.
If you have questions about any of our activities, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
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