Downtown HolidayFest

On Wednesday, November 24, Downtown HolidayFest takes place! If you've never been to it before, it's the night when the large Santa is lit, along with the Wells Fargo tree and the One Summit wreath. The Festival of Gingerbread will be open in the Historical Museum, and so will the Festival of Trees at the Embassy. The lighting ceremony starts at 5:00pm.

From 4:00-7:30 p.m., Santa’s Workshop at the Community Center (233 W. Main St.) will be taking place. Start off your downtown celebration at the Community Center with free holiday activities. There will be balloons, crafts, refreshments, movies and a free photo with an elf. 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 expanded Santa’s Workshop light display on the Community Center roof!

Holiday Kick-Off Party at the Botanical Gardens, 5:00-9:00 pm. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, make a wish, meet Mrs. Claus, get a photo with Santa. You can also meet Becka and Teeka, two live reindeer that know all about the North Pole. Come along for the ride! Regular Conservatory admission fees apply.

Experience 150 amazing gingerbread creations on display at the Historical Center! Admission required, all ages welcome! Festival runs November 26 - December 12.

Holiday Houses for Habitat is one of Fort Wayne's newest holiday attractions, where hundreds of "snow village" homes, manufactured by Department 56, are showcased at the Grand Wayne Convention Center for families to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Individuals and families can sponsor a Holiday House for just $25, the proceeds of which will go to build real houses for those in need, through the efforts of Habitat for Humanity! Come join us from 6-9 p.m. during HolidayFest’s Annual Night of Lights.

The Festival of Trees at the historic Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel is a highly anticipated tradition during the holiday season. For one week in November, the lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel are transformed into a beautifully decorated wonderland of Christmas trees. Founded in 1984, the Festival of Trees is a fundraising and community goodwill event that supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation, Inc. Visit the Festival of Trees during the HolidayFest! Admission required.

Or just come to be part of the event. Hot cocoa is available from street vendors. Live music will be played. It's an amazing, fun time for everyone!