Have you experienced fairy lights before? If not yet, the light exhibition in Fort Wayne is a perfect event for you and your loved ones.
About the Festival
Lights represent new beginnings and hopes. It is also associated with the future. For such things, people have adopted the symbol of light in different aspects of their lives. So, it’s no surprise why attending the annual Christmas light show in Fort Wayne brings people to witness light and hope live.
The Festival of Lights Fort Wayne is a traditional and impactful event that brings people to one place to witness the beauty and magic of lights. This life-changing event enables everyone to spend more quality time with their friends and family.
The Christmas light festival introduces joy, warmth, and beauty in a radiant place. Here, you have the best opportunity to explore thousands of fairy lights in various and shifting colors, twinkle light trees, Curtain Lights and blinking Christmas lights.
Festival Dates (2022-2023)
The light festival is one of the highly anticipated events in Fort Wayne every year. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, expect some minimal changes on the festival operations. Unlike before, where the festival dates last for months, they are only for few days.
Now, the twinkle lights celebration’s official dates are not yet announced. For 2022, the official festival dates are not yet also announced to prevent misconceptions. Don’t worry; the organizers will soon release the dates to help you prepare ahead of time.
The current global health crisis requires everyone to follow health protocols. That way, you can celebrate the light festival safely and enjoyably.
Fantasy of lights fort wayne – How to Get There
Fantasy of lights fort wayne is a much-awaited holiday event and activity in Fort Wayne. It is located in Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Boulevard, next to Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Since it brings holiday-themed and magical scenes using lights to life, it is perfect for people of ages.
The closest station to the park is the Southbound on Harris at Versailles Villages, a four-minute walk. The bus line stops near the park are 9, which stops nearby at around 1:40 AM.
If you plan to drive on your own, it is advisable to use Google Map. Below are the driving hours from different locations going to Franke Park:
• From 4110 Meda Pass, Fort Wayne: approximately 80 minutes
• From Cellular Sales, Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer, Fort Wayne: approximately 70 minutes
• From BMV, Fort Wayne: approximately 70 minutes
• From W Paulding Rd/Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne: 100 minutes
• From Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne: 60 minutes
• From Waynedale Bakery, Fort Wayne: approximately 70 minutes
• From 2619 Medford Dr, New Haven: approximately 90 minutes
• From PPG OB/GYN: approximately 90 minutes
• From S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne: approximately 50 minutes
Festival Hours
The Fort Wayne holiday tradition festival of lights has been adding a magical element to highlight the spirit of Christmas. Besides the thousands of light displays that illuminate Franke Park, you and your family will also enjoy the open-air Christmas Market.
At the beginning of the route, you will find Santa’s Cottage, a small shop. This is where you can enjoy free cocoa and popcorn. The festival offers you a place to enjoy the beauty of lights more than a TV, laptop, or smartphone screen.
The twinkle light display is open to the public, usually from Sunday through Thursday (6-9 PM) and Fridays and Saturdays (6-10 PM). These are the most recommended festival hours due to the ongoing pandemic, and more people have access to it. Additionally, the schedule promotes much more controlled and fewer amount of visitors to ensure everyone’s safety
How Much It Cost to Visit the Festival
Every time you want to experience thousands of twinkling fairy lights and Christmas lights, inviting your friends and families is an excellent decision. Plus, you will have a great time unwinding through the relaxing ambiance.
The cost to visit the Festival of Lights Fort Wayne depends on your vehicle and needs. The cost of entry for a personal vehicle is $10. If you arrive in a commercial van, you have to pay $20. If you take a bus or trolley to reach Franke Park, the cost to experience the best of the festival of lights is $40.
Franke Park is transformed into a winter wonderland-like venue. With more than 300,000 LED lights and 130 larger-than-life displays, it’s no surprise why the festival is one of the most favorite and anticipated winter holiday events in Fort Wayne. So, do not miss a chance to buy your tickets.
Weather and What to Wear
While Fort Wayne’s topography is uniform, you have to expect that its weather changes from season to season. Since Fort Wayne is located in Indiana’s northern part, visiting the place lets you experience slightly less rain than the southern part. However, winters here are usually colder.
The Winter months in Fort Wayne are snowy and cold. Beware that snowfall accumulation during wintertime averages about 34 inches every year. In some instances, the location also experiences lake-effect snow. It is a result of a front of cold air that moves across the warm lake waters.
During winter days, snow-based sports are very popular. Snowmobiling, tubing, sledding, and ice skating are also available, and of course, the fairy lights. If you plan to travel to Fort Wayne during winter, ensure to wear hats, scarves, jackets, boots, and heavy socks because the temperature dip below freezing regularly.
Where to Sleep
Besides being the second-largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne has lots of fantastic sights and attractions. So, it’s no surprise why tons of visitors fell in love to this breathtaking city. If you think of visiting Fort Wayne because of the beautiful attractions and festival of lights, do not forget to book a hotel near the festival. Don’t worry; you can easily find a hotel based on your needs and budget.
Wayne Garden Fort Wayne
The hotel is only 4.5 miles from downtown Fort Wayne. You will enjoy the on-site fitness center and a free buffet breakfast. The rooms are just the right size with a modern feel.
Hawthorn Suites
Hawthorn Suites is about 1.8 miles from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and located just off Interstate 69. Meaning, you can reach Franke Park quickly when you book a room in this all-suite hotel. You will love the view of the busy street.
Hyatt Place Fort Wayne
Situated just off Interstate 69, Hyatt Place Fort Wayne is an only a three-minute drive from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in every guest room. You can also find an outdoor pool.
What to Eat
Your Fort Wayne adventure is never complete without savoring sumptuous foods. You can try different cafes and restaurants in the city before going to the Festival of Lights Fort Wayne.
The Window Garden Cafe
If you are craving a home-cooked breakfast and lunch, head your way to The Window Garden Cafe. Located on the 13th floor, you enjoy the city’s spectacular view while taking a bite of BBQ brisket sliders, Minnesota wild rice soup, and fresh tomato and basil pizza.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then, you must visit DeBrand Fine Chocolates. It is located in Auburn Park Drive and offers a French patisserie feel. You can even schedule a private party or a tour.
Cork ‘N Cleaver
Cork ‘N Cleaver serves lunch and dinner. The restaurant features American southwest decor and offers traditional steakhouse dishes, including teriyaki filet mignon and Hawaiian chicken. If you love seafood, you can try the Australian lobster or seared tuna wasabi.
More Things To Do
Your Fort Wayne adventure does not stop in visiting the festival of lights. Besides trying out delicious foods, staying in a comfortable hotel, and exploring thousands of magical lights, you can try other things, such as:
Ice Skating
Visiting Fort Wayne gives you a great chance to go ice skating. During winter, you and your loved ones can go to Headwaters Park and enjoy ice skating. You will find a large ice rink and a concession stand to buy hot cocoa and snacks.
Science Central Museum
If you are into exploring museums, do not forget to visit the Science Central Museum. The museum is perfect for visitors of all ages. It offers a two-story slide, a moonwalk simulation, live demonstrations, and impressive artifacts.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Besides exciting winter activities, you can also try visiting this botanical conservatory. Regardless of what time of the year you visit, the indoor garden will bring you to a vibrant and tropical place.
Embassy Theatre
Right after a sumptuous dinner, you can go straight to the Embassy Theatre. It is one of the best places in Fort Wayne to relax and enjoy entertaining shows. You can try a Broadway play, movie, comedy show, or a concert in this historic theater.
As the holiday season gets closer, do not hesitate to enjoy the best of the Festival of Lights Fort Wayne. See you there!
On a personal note
Thank you for visiting my blog, if you have already entered the holiday spirit or if you just want to decorate your garden, read here about Outdoor Solar String Light and how to do it best.
or you can visit other lights festivals like:
