A Guide to Holiday Events in Fort Wayne

Posted on December 3, 2022December 13, 2022 by willow creek

Fort Wayne was the fastest-growing community in the Great Lakes region in 2020 and for good reason. Fort Wayne has many exciting activities to experience all year round, especially during the holidays.

If you are looking for some holiday events to attend in Fort Wayne this year, then read on for more information.

The Fantasy of Lights

The Fantasy of Lights is one of the best holiday experiences in Fort Wayne. This is a 2 mile-long light show in Franke Park. Hop in the car and check out the 140 different light displays the show has to offer. The show runs from November 20 through December 31, and admission is $10 for each personal vehicle.

In addition to the light show, you can also visit Santa’s Christmas Market in the park. This market is open from November 23 to December 23 and features food, drinks, and crafts from local vendors.

Happy Smallidays

Get in the Christmas spirit and celebrate the “Smallidays” at the Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory. From November 19 to January 8, you can check out events such as Breakfast with Santa, String Jams Holiday Concert, and $1 Night Light Display.

In addition to these events, the garden itself has magical seasonal displays that are sure to get you excited for the holidays.

The Festival of Gingerbread

One of the most popular holiday Fort Wayne events is the Festival of Gingerbread, located in the History Center. This festival runs from November 25 to December 18 and features dozens of gingerbread creations by local artists of all ages.

Admission is $4 for seniors and youth and $6 for adults. There are many exciting events to check out during this festival, such as visits from Santa Claus and a cookie decorating party.

Chanukah Celebration

Celebrate Chanukah with a public menorah lighting, latkes, donuts, music, children’s activities, and more! The Fort Wayne Chabad Jewish Center will be hosting the Chanukah Celebration at Promenade Park on December 18 starting at 5:00 pm. More details at: chabadfortwayne.com/chanukah

Check Out These Amazing Holiday Events in Fort Wayne

Celebrate the Christmas season right with all of these amazing holiday events in the area. Fort Wayne is a beautiful city with many different holiday traditions to enjoy.

If you are thinking about moving to the Fort Wayne area this holiday season, then feel free to contact us for more information on our beautiful apartment homes.

Selfies with Santa Holiday Party

Posted on December 17, 2019 by admin

Willow Creek Crossing Apartments residents, you’re invited to our Selfies with Santa party in our clubhouse.

Thursday, December 19
4:00 to 6:00pm

Food

Stop by the Clubhouse and grab some dinner. We’ll have pizza and soft drinks for our guests!

Prizes

Everyone who attends will receive a ticket to enter to win an electric train set. You can also bring a donation to the Community Harvest Food Bank and be entered into a drawing for an exclusive prize!

Comcast Xfinity will also be raffling off a 32” Roku TV to those who sign up for new service or download the Xfinity My Account app.

Fun

Santa will be in attendance. Bring a camera to get a selfie with Santa while spreading some holiday cheer with your neighbors and our staff.

Damage-Free Decor: Tips for Holiday Decor That Won’t Cost You Your Security Deposit

Posted on December 11, 2018 by willow creek

The last month of the year is a whirl of color, family and friends, winter wonder, and cozy holiday decor. Time to hang up the mistletoe, deck the halls and spread good cheer. But, how do you get into the holiday spirit without damaging your apartment?

Santa leaves coal in the stockings of naughty boys and girls. If you are naughty, your apartment community won’t leave you anything when you move out. You will leave your deposit there!

Read on for our tips for fun, festive and damage-free holiday home decor.

Select a Holiday Decor Style

Are you in favor of a Victorian Christmas look? Or is a Mid-Century modern holiday more your style? All one color or many colors? Candlelight or Vegas-style? Choose a holiday style to personalize your apartment decor. You can add a designer touch with throw pillow covers, table runners, wreaths and candle rings. Lights and other accessories add to the look.

Watch out for visual overload though. Choose your accent colors and patterns with care. Even the largest space can’t accommodate three tapestries, five plaids, and multicolored glitter!

To Tree or Not to Tree

While many apartment communities don’t allow real trees due to fire code, there’s still hope. Artificial trees are a great option for those who want a tree. The bare aluminum Festivus pole need not come to mind (although it would be a fun holiday decoration!). Newer trees come in tall narrow “candle” shapes, half rounds and other shapes to fit any space. Or, a table top tree can be the perfect touch without taking up too much space.

Holiday decor doesn’t always mean a tree though. Garlands and holly are an excellent way to liven up any room. You could also decorate your houseplants by throwing on some garland and ornaments. Just be sure that your plants are pet-safe so your furry friends can enjoy the holiday too.

There are a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes when it comes to decking the halls.

Lightweight LED String Lights

LED string lights can add just the right amount of sparkle to your holiday home. You can choose string, icicle, net, or curtain lights. They come in an array of colors and lengths.

Don’t limit lights to just a tree though. Think about windows, doors, and art, too. Some lights also have an option for movement or music. You can go with a soft glow or a full Vegas light show.

Think about battery-operated tea lights to take the place of candle flames. There are even flame-flicker LEDs for safe looks without heat or worrying that you’ll forget to blow them out.

No Nail Removable Hooks and Shelves

These products are lifesavers. Avoid nail damage to your walls and subsequent patching plaster. Removable damage-free adhesive allows you to hang stockings, lights, garlands, and even the mistletoe without a single hole in the plaster.

Invest in the outdoor hooks or an over the door hook to hang your wreath. You can even create a mock mantlepiece for your stockings with a simple accent shelf. Just take your time in removing the removable wall hooks to prevent paint damage.

Cozy, Fun and Festive

We hope these holiday decor tips are helpful to you. The holidays are a very special time for friends, family, and community. We hope to see you at our holiday open house this year.

Keep reading our blog for up-to-date community news and tips.

Resident Christmas Party

Posted on December 9, 2017 by admin

Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at Willow Creek Crossing Apartments to visit all of our nice residents.

Where: The Clubhouse
When: Wednesday, December 13th, 2017
Time: 5:30-7:00 P.M.

Come out to the Clubhouse on Wednesday for treats for the kids and adults too! (must be 21+ and have photo ID). Bring a camera to take your picture with Santa!

Bring a donation for the Community Harvest Food Bank for admission!

Items for the Community Harvest Food Bank could include:

boxed potatoes
canned cream soup
macaroni & cheese
canned pumpkin
crust mix
cereal
chunky soups
peanut butter
gravy mix
canned meats/tuna
canned vegetables
pasta & pasta sauces
canned fruit
boxed cake mixes
cake frostings

We look forward to seeing all of our residents at our Resident Christmas Party!

Small Space? No Problem! 10 Awesome Holiday Party Ideas To Try This Season

Posted on December 4, 2017December 9, 2017 by willow creek

Do you have a tiny apartment? Do you want to host a festive party? If you answered yes to both, it’s possible–just scroll down to check out our holiday party ideas to make your bash a blast. There’s a lot of holiday festivities in Fort Wayne this time of year, but there’s no reason not to add to them! Follow these ten tips to think outside the box and make the most of your small space.

#1: Prep Food Beforehand

There are three reasons you don’t want to cook during your party:

It takes up too much space.
It keeps you out of the fun.
It heats up your apartment.

To avoid having to slave over the stove during your soiree, find recipes you can make ahead of time. While you’re at it, choose finger foods. They’re easy and fun to eat and don’t require plates and utensils.

#2: Clear Clutter

Before you pack your apartment with people, clear away “pity piles”–stacks of books and papers that you meant to organize. If you don’t have time to go through them thoroughly, find a hidden place (like your closet) where you can stash them for the party.

#3: Make Seating Areas

Arrange your furniture, floor pillows, and throw blankets to make comfortable spots for guests to settle and chat. You want to encourage people to mingle. Don’t be afraid to use alternate seating like milk crates and you can drape them if you don’t like the way they look.

#4: Serve Drinks Throughout Your Apartment

Do you have bookshelves? How about a planter or tv table? All of those can be used as a mini-bar. Party-goers get thirsty, so make sure there are drinks accessible in each room.

#5: Make a Bowl of Punch or Eggnog

Punch bowls cut down on empty cans and bottles and add a festive feel to your party. Eggnog is a holiday staple, and like the punch, it can be served with or without alcohol.

#6: Pave the Way for Guests

Guests come with stuff, so you need to make room for their jackets, scarves, and purses. Make room by cleaning out a closet before your party so they have somewhere to stash that stuff while they’re relaxing in your apartment

What can you do with your unwanted coats and sweaters? Donate them to get in the spirit of the season.

#7: Invite Guests to Use Every Room

Twinkle lights, record players, and a pile of pillows and blankets on your bed can make any room inviting to guests. Why cram everyone inside four walls? Let guests explore and mingle in every space your apartment has to offer.

#8: Spread Snacks Out

Just like drinks, you want snacks to be available to guests in any room. If you’re short on snack-serving-surfaces, use a cutting board!

#9: Crowdsource Music

You’ll want to have a playlist ready to go, but guests will enjoy the chance to share their favorite tunes. Crowdsource the music or let guests add to the playlist to amp up the fun.

#10: Play Virtual Games

Boardgames and rounds of cards take up a lot of space. Instead of setting up a game table, invite everyone to participate all around your apartment in virtual games on their smartphones.

What’re Your Favorite Holiday Party Ideas?

We could talk about ways to have fun in your apartment all day, regardless of how much room you have. We’d love to know which holiday party ideas inspire you this season. Share your favorite from the list above or an original tip in the comments below. You can also get in touch with us directly. We’d love to hear from you!

How to Make Your Apartment Holiday Ready

Posted on December 3, 2017December 4, 2017 by willow creek

Do you hear those sleigh bells ringing? That’s the sound of the holidays quickly approaching. Soon, malls will be visited by Santa and local parking lots will be filled with Christmas trees. Your apartment will need to switch from its neutral fall decor and turn into a winter wonderland.

This article will give you 5 ideas on how to make your apartment holiday ready.

1) Get the Perfect Tree

There is nothing better than twinkling lights on a Christmas tree around the holiday season. A Christmas tree will liven up your house and put you in the holiday spirit. Although live trees are not allowed in apartments, you don’t have to go without. Today’s artificial trees have the look and feel of real trees without the mess or fire hazard. You just need to pick a Christmas tree that will fit in your apartment. In order to do this, so some preliminary measuring of the space you have available for the tree. This way, when you get to the store you can say you’re looking for a tree that fits those specifications. You would hate to get home and not have your tree fit through the door.

Once you bring your tree home and put it in the perfect place you can add a Christmas tree air freshener to make it smell like the real thing.

2) Decorate Your Own Ornaments

Have roommates in your apartment? Decorating ornaments together can be a great bonding activity. You can buy plain ornament orbs and then paint them yourself. You can also knit ornaments. Anything that’s light enough and has a string attached can turn into an ornament.

Get creative with the people you live with or your friends and make ornaments you can use year after year.

3) Hang Stockings

Typically apartments won’t have a fireplace, but you still have to hang stockings! How else will Santa deliver your smaller presents? Utilize bookshelves or walls to hang stockings for everyone who lives in your apartment is a great way be holiday ready. Make sure you write or paint everyone’s name on their stocking for a personalized touch.

4) Go Crazy with Christmas Lights

Christmas lights aren’t just for your tree. Hanging Christmas lights all around your apartment will make it look brighter and more jolly instantly. Drape lights around the perimeter of a room. Try to color coordinate the lights so your apartment still looks classy.

Solid white lights always look great, or you can go for a red and green look.

5) Decorate Your Door

After you got the inside of your apartment spruced up, pay some attention to your door. Your door is the one thing people can see of your apartment without coming inside. Decorate it by hanging a wreath with a velvet red ribbon tied around it. Find a festive doormat to place in front of the door so everyone knows you’re in the holiday spirit.

Follow These Tips and Your Apartment Will be Holiday Ready

If you follow this guide your apartment will be holiday-ready in no time. Hanging decorations is a great way to feel the holiday spirit and get your place ready for house guests.

Have questions about this article or want to get in contact with us? Please do so here!

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas in Fort Wayne

Posted on February 13, 2017February 13, 2017 by admin

last minute valentines day gift ideas in fort wayne

In case you forgot, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. If you’re racking your brain trying to come up with the perfect Valentine’s gift and date ideas for your sweetie, you’re in luck. There’s plenty of great stores right here in Fort Wayne that’s sure to have something perfect for your significant other.

Chocolates

When you think Valentine’s Day what’s the first thing that comes to mind. Chocolates, of course! And, Fort Wayne two great shops with delectable treats.

Debrand’s Fine Chocolates – Pick up a heart-shaped box filled with some of the best chocolates in town.

Sweets so Geek – Chocolates for the geek in your life. Stop in to pick up chocolates in the shape Star Wars characters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Superheroes, and more!

Boutiques

Fort Wayne has so many great boutiques, you’re sure to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Fancy & Staples – Shop a unique selection of goods including home decor, gift, paper, clothing, accessory, apothecary, and pantry items from handmade crafters/makers, small indie lines, local artisans, and other obscure brands.

The City Exchange – The City Exchange features an eclectic array of shops that are sure to satisfy everyone on your gift list including vintage shirts, beard oils, gourmet popcorn, ties, jewelry, and more.

Saving Grace Vintage – Features restyled vintage furniture and inspired home decor, handcrafted jewelry, natural soaps & lotions, soy candles, decorative pillows, handbags, and so much more.

Creative Women of the World – markets original designs created by women in the third world. Shop handcrafted jewelry, accessories, clothing, home decor items coffee, and bags for women, children, and men.

The Find – offers chic accessories, clothing, home goods and gifts for women, men, and children.

Outer Grace Boutique – Women’s boutique featuring clothing and accessories

Smiley’s Joy – Discover something out of the ordinary from unique home furnishings and home decor to women’s clothing and handbags.

Flowers

Pick up a beautiful flower arrangement or a rose or two to brighten up the apartment.

Cottage Flowers

Broadview Florist

Last-Minute Date Ideas

Looking for something a little different? These last-minute Valentine’s day date ideas are sure to please.

Go for a Spin

Normally we wouldn’t suggest riding a bike in mid-February, but with 50 degree temps on Valentine’s Day, why not? Rent a bike from the Zagster Bike Share located at the Arts Campus, Citilink Station, Grand Wayne Center, Wayne and Calhoun Streets, and St. Francis’ downtown campus and take a tour of Fort Wayne before stopping to grab dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants.

Walk Through the Garden

Take a walk through tropical gardens and season displays. Check out the Sweetheart Orchid display going on now and take a selfie with your sweetheart under a heart-shaped arbor of red “Valentine” orchids.

Hit the Ice

Lace up your skates and hit the ice hand-in-hand at the Headwater’s Park Ice Arena then warm up with some hot cocoa.

Sing Your Love

Croon your favorite love songs to each other at your favorite hangout. Wrigley Field Bar & Grill, Rack & Helen’s, and the Office Tavern offer Karaoke on Tuesday evenings.

Pamper Yourselves

Schedule a massage, manicure, pedicure, or all three at one of the many spas around Fort Wayne.

A Night In

Who says you have to go out for Valentine’s Day? Celebrate Valentine’s Day by staying in, cooking a meal together, and curling up with a romantic comedy on Netflix.

Best Events Going on Around Fort Wayne in December

Posted on December 1, 2016December 1, 2016 by admin

What to Do in The Fort in December

Do you hear what I hear? The thump of a Christmas tree being loaded on top of the family car. The whirring of the mixer and the dinging of the oven timer as holiday treats are whipped up in the kitchen. The rustling of shopping bags and crinkling of wrapping paper as gifts and surprises are prepared for giving. Bing Crosby crooning carols at the coffee shop. The pop and fizz of champagne. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

We wish you a wonderful holiday season, full of friends and family and fun and here are some ways to enjoy the holiday all month long and all over Fort Wayne.

Christmas on the Farm

Saloman Farm Park’s 8th annual Christmas on the Farm on Saturday, December 3rd from 1-5pm is a day filled with holiday vendors and a visit from Father Christmas.

Christmas at Brookside

Spend Christmas at Brookside – the beautiful and historic mansion on the St. Francis University campus is decorated for Christmas by local florists and designers. Visit their website for hours and ticket information .

Breakfast with Santa

St. Francis also hosts Breakfast with St. Nicholas on Saturday, December 3rd at USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center.

It’s a Wonderful Life

First Presbyterian Church Theater presents the classic It’s a Wonderful Life “recreated as a 1940’s radio drama, this Frank Capra holiday classic brings to life the town of Bedford Falls with live sound effects and holiday carols.” December 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 2016.

Twelve Days of Christmas

See the Twelve Days of Christmas displays at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory “Elements of a familiar Christmas carol are sprinkled throughout the Conservatory, from the Atrium to the Desert. Following a whimsical twist, you can explore the facility and discover each part of the song. Along the way, you will enjoy the lights, rich color, and festive décor of our gardens in holiday dress. Kids can climb in the nest with the goose eggs, “milk” the cow, or share a croissant with a French hen. Mom and Dad can enjoy a scenic moment in a swan boat surrounded by lovely holiday poinsettias. Will you find all twelve special ornaments listed on the scavenger hunt? Take family photos or just stroll the gardens as you revive your holiday spirit.”

Fantasy of Lights

The drivable Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park is an annual tradition for many families. November 22-December 31, 2016; 6 pm-9 pm Sunday-Thursday; 6 pm-10 pm Friday & Saturday.

Festival of Gingerbread

The History Center hosts its annual Festival of Gingerbread November 25-December 11, 2016. Creatively decorated houses, crafted by creative people of all ages from all walks of life, are on display.

Mannheim Steamroller

Listen to the sounds of the season with Mannheim Steamroller performing at the Embassy Theatre on December 6, 2016 at 7:30 pm.

Holiday Pops

Also at the Embassy, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic (along with its Chorus and special guests) present the annual Holiday Pops Concert “a program of the traditional and contemporary holiday favorites you know and love. The Hallelujah Chorus, a Christmas carol sing-a-long, and dancing Santas will sparkle in the majestic Embassy Theatre, decorated in holiday splendor especially for the occasion. Get into the holiday spirit and deliver fun for your entire family.”

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

New to Fort Wayne this year is the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on December 31st at the Barrett McNagny Parking Lot. Countdown to the New Year with an LED Tower while enjoying music, fireworks, and entertainment.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Seasonal Decorations

Posted on November 29, 2016 by admin

It is the time of year when everyone is eager to decorate for the winter holidays. We invite residents to use and enjoy their seasonal decorations, but please keep in mind our decoration guidelines:

Please keep your decorations up-to-date and in-season; remove them before they get into disarray.
Decorations may not be permanently attached to the building with nails or screws, nor should they be placed in common areas where they may be damaged by lawn or snow removal crews.
Follow all fire safety codes: you may not have a real Christmas tree in your apartment.
Decorations or furniture must not be placed in such a way that they restrict egress from the building or access to fire extinguishers.
Please use only lights and extension cords that are in perfect condition and do not link together more cords than the instructions allow.

What to Do in Fort Wayne in October

Posted on October 5, 2016 by admin

Can you believe that October is already here and we’re only a couple of more months away from the end of the year? But, just because the weather is cooling down, doesn’t mean that Fort Wayne is. There’s still plenty of fun activities going on in and around Fort Wayne including lots of spooky and not-so-spooky Halloween fun to be had! Be sure to check out Fort Wayne’s Trick or Treat hours at the end of the article!

Foodstock 2016

Grab your eatin’ pants and head over to Headwater’s Park on Saturday, October 8th for Foodstock 2016. Enjoy live music, a craft beer tent and some of Fort Wayne’s favorite food trucks!

Lions, Tigers, & Beer

Head out to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary’s on Saturday, October 8th for Lions, Tigers, and Beers. This annual adult event includes beer tasting, dinner, sanctuary tours, a silent auction, and music among the animals. Proceeds benefit Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion, IN.

West Main Street Antique & Vintage Market

Browse antique’s, vintage items, and repurposed crafts along west Main Street during the West Main Antique and Vintage Market on Saturday, October 15th from 9am-5pm. Plus, grab food from King Arthur’s Trolly and enjoy music by Fort Wayne’s Kitchen Table Players.

Growl at the Moon

The Allen County SPCA invites you to karaoke for a cause during the Growl at the Moon on October 15th at the Grand Wayne Center. Enjoy multiple food buffets, live and silent auctions, a DJ, and karaoke to benefit the ACSPCA

Fright Night

You can’t think of October without thinking Halloween and Fort Wayne’s annual Fright Night on Saturday, October 15th has a plethora of freaky and fun activities all over Downtown.

One of the most famous is the Zombie Walk at the Allen County Public Library Plaza, 2:00pm – 5:30pm; FREE

T.A.G. art will be onsite at the At the ACPL Plaza with their Zombie Machine to help you with your makeover. Food trucks will also be on hand as well as live entertainment. Zombies will begin their undead parade through the streets of Fort Wayne starting at 5:30.

There’s also Fright Night Lantern Tours at Historic Fort Wayne from 6:00pm–10:00pm, $3.00, under 12 free

Check out the full list of activities that afternoon and evening.

WCC Pictures With Pets

Willow Creek Crossing Apartments is hosting a “Picture Your Pet Day” for all residents, their friends, and their family members to get their photos taken with their pets by a professional photographer from 4Ever Photography. The pictures will be taken outside of our Clubhouse, weather-permitting on Wednesday, October 19 from 2:30-6:30pm.

A free 4×6 print will be provided to every resident in exchange for a donation to the Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry. You will have the opportunity to purchase more sizes from the photographer if you choose.

Halloween Pet Parade

Bring your pets out to the Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control’s 7th annual Pet Parade at Franke Park on Saturday, October 22nd from 11am-2pm for a pet costume contest, parade, and family fall festival.

Family Haunted Overnight

Grab your pillow and sleeping bag and bring your 6-year or older kids to explore the eerie side of Science Central! Strange noises and occurrences have been reported for years by different employees at Science Central… could the museum be haunted? Spend the evening taking part in hands-on experiments, try to sleep among the exhibits, and then wake up to a light breakfast. It’ll be a spooky good time!

Free Outdoor Movie

Join Sweet’s So Geek for a free outdoor showing of Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder on Saturday, October 22nd from 6-10pm. Vietnummy’s food truck will be there as well as photo booths and more!

Family History Month

It’s Family History Month all of October at the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center.
“There are thirty-one days of events to inform, educate, and entertain. Don’t miss events like: Tips & Strategies for Finding Relatives, Living & Dead; DNA Classes; Family History Day for Homeschoolers; Using Technology in Family History; Beginning Classes & One-on-One Consultations; Midnight Madness: Extended Research Hours on October 28; and Workshops featuring Jessica Trotter and Juliana Szucs on October 13 & 22. To register for these programs, please call (260) 421–1225 or email Geneology@ACPL.info”

Our Japanese Sister

The Botanical Garden’s Our Japanese Sister exhibit runs through November 13, 2016. Celebrating Fort Wayne’s sister city of Takoaka, Japan. As the Garden says, “We honor our friendly relations with our Japanese Sister in this lovely garden with a distinctly Japanese flavor.“

Embassy Theater

The Historic Embassy Theater has a plethora of musical events ranging from Mummies to Bugs Bunny to Johnny Mathis.
Embassy.

Fantasticon

And check out Fort Wayne’s New Comic Con at the Grand Wayne Center. Fantasticon, “The Ultimate Comic Book and Pop Culture Experience” is Saturday, October 29 – 10am-6pm and Sunday, October 30 – 10am – 5pm.

Halloween

Fort Wayne’s Trick or Treat hours will be from 5-7pm on Monday, October 31st. Make sure porch lights are on indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcome!