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!