November 18, 2021
Contact: Rob Hines
P: 260-427-6028
C: 260-241-1932
Public Information Officer
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Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of November 22:
Santa’s Workshop
Wednesday, November 24, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Community Center, 233 W. Main Street
Start your downtown celebration at the Community Center with free holiday activities for the kids. There will be crafts, refreshments and more! 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 $5 or less at the North Pole Stop-n-Shop while Mom and Dad shop for hand-crafted items at Candy Cane Lane. Don’t miss the light display on the Community Center roof. The Lighting Ceremony is at 6:05pm. Sponsored by Park Place Senior Living and American Senior Communities.
Night of Lights at the Conservatory
Wednesday, November 24, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Kick-off the holidays with a stroll through enchanted gardens glistening and glowing all throughout the Botanical Conservatory. Follow a magical trail where Icelandic reindeer are waiting to greet visitors, then continue on and share the excitement of the season with jolly Santa Claus! Take in the beautiful scenery of the “Alpine Holiday” exhibit and enjoy a special treat too. Also, find warmth indoors where Conjure Coffee is open to serve. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 WAJI and PBS Fort Wayne.
Sensory Friendly Night of Lights
Wednesday, November 24, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior Street
Escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a relaxing light show presentation using low lighting projections, optional aromatherapy, soft music, and guided relaxation. Explore your senses in a new light! The program will be offered in 15-minute sessions throughout the evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. Sessions with the Three Rivers Visiting Dogs will also be available. Admission is FREE, thanks to the AWS Foundation, and open to all.
Late-Night Light Display
Thursdays & Fridays, November 26-December 17, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Amp up those holiday plans with a visit to the Botanical Conservatory where the gardens are all dressed up for the season! Dazzle at the display of stunning poinsettias, illuminated photo ops and charming scenes that bring a twinkle to the eye. Unique gifts are available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop. All this and more serves as ideal guest entertainment when the gardens in light are best seen at night, November 26 through December 17 during extended holiday hours from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings. Included with regular Conservatory admission.
Days of Holly Shopping
Saturdays, November 27-December 18, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This year Shop Small Saturday will take place on not just one Saturday, but every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Experience the holiday excitement throughout Downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops, and the Wells Street Corridor. Locally owned & operated shops will be ready to host visitors this Small Business Saturday, including our Conservatory Shop! Conservatory admission not required to shop during this experience in partnership with the Downtown Improvement District.
Holiday Window Displays at Promenade Park
November 24 – January 3
Get a small glimpse of daily winter life at Promenade Park through our handmade paper cut light boxes. Paper cut light boxes are believed to have originated from China after paper was first invented. Many countries picked up the skill, but Switzerland remains the enduring leader referring to the art form as Scherenschnitt. The light boxes will be displayed in the windows of the Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park from November 24 to January 3 and can be best viewed at dusk.
“Alpine Holiday” Showcase Exhibit
November 20-January 2, Public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Imagine the sting of snow on your cheek, the brilliance of dusted slopes and the fragrance of mountain pines. The Botanical Conservatory’s version of the Alps offers a bold glacial display that will have visitors basking in the cool blues of winter offsetting the rich deep colors of holiday poinsettias. Wind down a mountain path and admire the scenery from the porch of a snow-capped ski hut. Sponsored by English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1 WAJI.
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