Embassy Theatre news release:
Embassy Presents Additional Santa Experiences As Festival Concludes
(December 3, 2020) – The 36th annual Festival of Trees is drawing to a close this Sunday, Dec. 6. The Breakfast with Santa events – traditionally held over the holiday weekend – were appreciated and well attended. As the Embassy’s total gathering capacity is greatly limited based on guidelines provided by the Allen County Board of Health, the organization has carefully designed a series of additional Santa experiences that allow the Embassy team to follow precautions while still providing the community with the magic of Santa during a challenging year. The Embassy thought it was especially important to provide these opportunities since many Santa events have been canceled throughout the region.
The Embassy encourages the public to think of these as unique opportunities to have an exclusive and intimate family experience with Santa that can be enjoyed without crowds while still supporting the Embassy Theatre. Note the following events and times as well as brief description of both options.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Total capacity: 48
- Saturday, Dec. 5, 8:30 a.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m.
Join the Embassy Theatre for a quick – but fun – visit with Santa. Especially helpful for families who don’t have much time! In addition to cookies and cocoa, there will be story time and families will be able to take a socially distanced photo with Santa during this 60-minute holiday memory. Patrons should enter through the Indiana Hotel lobby, just west of the STAR Bank Box Office entrance. Masks are
required (except when seated at their family unit table and eating or drinking) and thorough COVID-19 protocols must be followed for admittance. NOTE: the 12/5 and 12/6 events include a tour of the trees when patrons arrive so it is longer than 60 minutes.Winter Nights with Santa
Total capacity: 48
6 – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 9
- Wednesday, Dec. 16
- Wednesday, Dec. 23
Join Santa for a splendid winter night at the glorious Embassy Theatre. This event includes two hours of Santa programming including story time. Local food vendor featured as well as an engaging performance from the Fort Wayne Youtheatre called “Best of Youtheatre Christmases.” Patrons should enter through the Indiana Hotel lobby, just west of the STAR Bank Box Office entrance. Masks are required (except when seated at their family unit table and eating or drinking) and thorough COVID-19 protocols must be followed for admittance.
The Embassy is following board of health guidelines for patrons, staff and volunteers at all events in the facility. A few of the strictly enforced protocols for Santa experiences include the following:
Facial Coverings: Masks or face shields are required. No exceptions. A face covering can ONLY be removed while seated, enjoyed food and beverage. Otherwise, patrons are asked to remask after they are done eating and when moving around in the facility.
Table Assignments: Family units are seated at individual tables. Patrons are not seated with strangers. All tables are socially distanced. Families are asked to stay seated during all Santa programming to honor our board of health guidelines. Tables are dismissed in an organized manner, and any photo opportunity with Santa keeps everyone socially distanced.
Cleaning the Building: There are rigorous cleaning and sanitizing schedules of frequently touched surfaces at tables, along the traffic path as well as in restrooms. This includes handles, countertops, railings and other areas the Embassy team sees people touch with regularity.
One-way Traffic: All walking traffic patterns are one way. Signage and floor markers are clear, and staff will be available to clarify the walking path. There are separate entrances and exits as well. Individuals 65 years of age and older or those in high-risk categories are encouraged to not attend the event. Patrons are asked to assess their health before arriving and stay home if ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Any patrons who arrive at the Embassy ill or displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home. While the Embassy works hard to reduce exposure to COVID-19, the public is assuming the inherent risk of possible exposure.
Tickets:
- $20 each – Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
- $30 each – Winter Nights with Santa
Call the STAR Bank Box Office to reserve your seats now: 260.424.5665.
The 2020 Festival Trees is made possible by support from Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Michigan Power, Chuck & Lisa Surack and Sweetwater and SDI.
Media sponsors are Fort Wayne Newspapers, ABC21, Majic 95.1 and The Papers.
Activities at the Embassy are made possible in part by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About the Embassy Theatre
Built in 1928, the Embassy Theatre is Indiana’s largest self-sustaining historic theater. Originally known as the Emboyd, with the adjoining seven-story Indiana Hotel, the majestic movie palace and vaudeville theater introduced Indiana to the biggest stars of stage and screen. Today, the Embassy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Combining the beauty of a bygone era with the energy and diversity of today’s performers, the Embassy is the showplace of Northern Indiana. Many choose to host events and weddings at the Embassy, as it offers flexibility and a unique event experience in an iconic piece of Fort Wayne history. Visit the Embassy at
