News release from the Downtown Improvement District:
HolidayFest featuring the Night of Lights in Downtown Fort Wayne
(November 1, 2016) – It’s that time of year again and there’s no better reason to join us in Downtown Fort Wayne to light up your Holiday Season! HolidayFest returns on Wednesday, November 23rd with the “Night of Lights” where we join together to light up Downtown with Santa and His Reindeer, the Merry Christmas Wreath, Northern Lights, and many more. The evening wouldn’t be complete without the Ringing of the Bells by Downtown churches at 7:30pm and the Parkview Field Holiday Fireworks at 7:45pm.
Activities: The fun doesn’t stop with the lighting ceremonies as indoor and outdoor activities, for all ages, will take place throughout the late afternoon and evening. Warm up with Cocoa and Carols at the Allen County Courthouse. Listen to the smooth holiday sounds of Fernando Tarango and his Merry Band of Musicians for their holiday performance at the I&M Power Center Plaza. Enjoy the kickoffs of the Festival of Gingerbread and Festival of Trees. Participate in activities like Night of Lights at the Cathedral Bookstore, Santa’s Workshop at the Community Center or Random Fandom Button Making at the Allen County Public Library. Also this year, to celebrate their 60th anniversary Fort Wayne Ballet has a special surprise planned for Night of Lights attendees.
Downtown Holiday Window Decorating: We are excited to announce the return of the Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Take a holiday stroll and view the beautifully decorated windows. This year’s theme is “Joy to the World!” Relive old memories and create new ones as you enjoy the creativity and beauty that each window conveys. Nobody does the holidays like Downtown Fort Wayne!
HolidayFest all Season Long:
HolidayFest continues through the end of the year with performances, festivals, art events, Holly Trolley Shopping, and so much more. For a complete list of lighting ceremony activities as well as a comprehensive holiday calendar, visit www.HolidayFestDowntown.com.
Night of Lights schedule, November 23, 2016
- 5:30 p.m. – History Center Turret Lighting (Barr Street)
- 5:45 p.m. – Christ Child Festival Nativity (Ross Building on Main Street)
- 5:50 p.m. – Aunt Millie’s Northern Lights (Pear Street)
- 6:20 p.m. – Community Center Santa’s Workshop display (Main Street)
- 7:00 p.m. – Wells Fargo Holiday Display and Indiana Michigan Power Merry Christmas Wreath (I&M Power Center Plaza)
- 7:15 p.m. – Botanical Conservatory and Embassy Theatre Window Display
- 7:30 p.m. – Ringing of the Bells (ACPL and downtown Churches)
- 7:45 p.m. – Fireworks at Parkview Field (Jefferson Boulevard)
HolidayFest, featuring the Night of Lights, is presented by your Downtown Improvement District and sponsored by PNC Bank, Fort Wayne Newspapers, Wane TV, Visit Fort Wayne, Hanning & Bean Enterprises Inc., Targeted Services P.C., Majic 95.1, and Fun 101.7.