So you’ve moved to Fort Wayne just in time for the holiday season—welcome and congratulations! Adjusting to a new city during the holidays is never easy, but you’ve landed in a place that’s wrapped in tradition and topped with a generous dollop of small-town warmth. Whether you’re a tree-lighting enthusiast or someone who’d rather explore the edgier side of holiday cheer, Fort Wayne is ready to roll out its snowy red carpet for you.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill holiday guide—let’s dive into the glittery depths of Fort Wayne’s festive scene.
Forthe Festival Fanatics
Location: Downtown Fort Wayne
via downtownfortwayne.com
In Fort Wayne, lighting up just one tree simply won’t do. Night of Lights transforms the entire downtown into a glowing holiday spectacle. Highlights include Santa Claus lighting the iconic wreath at PNC Bank and the grand illumination of the massive tree at I&M Power Center Plaza. The festivities begin on November 27 at 6:00 PM, marking the official start of the season.
Location: Franke Park
via bluejacketinc.org
Experience Fort Wayne’s dazzling take on a winter wonderland—powered by LED magic! The Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park is an enchanting drive-thru light show running through December 31, featuring over 700 brilliant displays that illuminate the Indiana night sky. This three-mile spectacle is a feast for the senses, with every twinkling scene synchronized to holiday tunes on your car radio. Best of all, your visit spreads double the holiday cheer, as proceeds support the AWS Foundation.
Holiday Bites and Brews
Fort Wayne Village Marketplace
Location: SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse
Shop in style at the Fort Wayne Village Marketplace, a two-day extravaganza happening on November 15-16. Featuring over 100 vendors, this event is a treasure trove of unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and gourmet delights. Indulge in seasonal treats as you browse and celebrate the joy of supporting local artisans and businesses.
Christmas at Home with the Swinney Sisters
Location: Swinney Homestead
via Visit Fort Wayne
Step back in time and experience Victorian holiday charm at the Christmas at Home with the Swinney Sisters tea event. On December 6-7, head to the beautifully decorated Swinney Homestead for a delightful afternoon of delectable sweets, savory bites, and perfectly brewed tea, all served by hosts donning period-accurate Victorian attire. Space is limited, so make your reservation early to secure your spot at this timeless holiday experience.
Family-Friendly Frolics
Location: The History Center
via Visit Fort Wayne
How many gingerbread houses can you admire before you start craving a bite? Discover the answer at the Festival of Gingerbread, running from November 29 to December 22. Since 1986, this beloved tradition has brought together local artists and bakers in a friendly competition to craft stunning, edible masterpieces. From intricate castles to charming holiday scenes, it’s a candy-coated wonderland that’s almost too magical to eat.
Location: Headwaters Park Pavilion
via Visit Fort Wayne
Spice up your holiday evenings with Thursday Theme Nights at Headwaters Park Pavilion. Each Thursday features a unique holiday theme with live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages. From ugly sweater contests to festive trivia, this is the perfect way to mix, mingle, and embrace the holiday cheer. Don’t forget to make a night of it by visiting the nearby Headwaters Park Ice Rink, where you can skate under the stars and add a dash of wintry magic to your evening.
For the Gift-Hunting Gurus
Holly Village & Holly Shopping
Location: Porch Off Calhoun (816 S Calhoun)
via downtownfortwayne.com
Say goodbye to impersonal online shopping and embrace the charm of shopping local with Holly Village. Every Friday and Saturday from November 30 through December 21, the streets come alive with local boutiques, artisan markets, and pop-up shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts.
via downtownfortwayne.com
The best part? You can hop on and off the trolley for free, turning your shopping spree into a holiday scavenger hunt on wheels.
Location: Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center
via Jefferson Pointe
Shopping for the holidays can feel like a chore, but not at Jefferson Pointe. With its enchanting open-air setting, stunning holiday decorations, and even surprise visits from Santa himself, this shopping center turns your gift hunt into a festive adventure. Stroll under twinkling lights, soak in the sounds of holiday tunes, and feel the magic of the season—all while effortlessly checking off your gift list.
Frosty Festive Tunes
Location: Embassy Theatre
via Fort Wayne Philharmonic
Deck the halls with boughs of orchestral brilliance with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Holiday Pops Concert at the historic Embassy Theatre. Running from December 19-22, this performance is a must-see for all lovers of holiday magic and live music. This beloved tradition features a symphonic mix of classic carols and modern holiday favorites that will leave you humming holiday tunes all the way home.
Location: Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center
via Visit Fort Wayne
What’s a holiday season without a trip to see Clara, her Nutcracker prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy? Performed by the Fort Wayne Ballet, this beloved production brings Tchaikovsky’s classic score to life with stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and a touch of magic. Perfect for families and fans of all ages, this iconic show is a celebration of whimsy, music, and the joy of the season. Catch the performance at the historic Embassy Theatre, running from December 6-10.
Your First Fort Wayne Holiday
From cozy tea gatherings to the thrill of uncovering unique finds, Fort Wayne brims with cherished traditions and yuletide joy at every turn. If you're ready to make Fort Wayne your home—or explore all it has to offer— connect with the Regan + Ferguson Group today. Let’s unwrap the possibilities together!
