An event in Fort Wayne on Christmas Eve featured Turkish culture, including a novelty sport called (Olive) Oil Wrestling. This cultural celebration took place in Deema, recognized as the center of Turkish culture in the city.
Fort Wayne News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest events and activities in Fort Wayne
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Mayor Ward shares his thoughts on both secular and faith-based Christmas traditions. He mentions the city's location between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne will be closed on Monday for the removal of the Christmas tree. The City Public Works Department announced the upcoming road closure.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Millions globally observed Orthodox Christmas on January 7th, following ancient traditions nearly two weeks after the widely celebrated date. This observance highlights diverse cultural and religious practices surrounding the holiday.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Elaine Widdifield, known for her sassy demeanor, was a Christmas-loving soul who touched many hearts. Her obituary highlights her spirit and the joy she found in the holiday season.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Gas City's downtown streets become a Christmas wonderland during the winter season. The area is filled with holiday lights and beautiful displays.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The Fort Wayne School of Art hosted a Christmas art camp where young participants engaged in festive painting activities. Owner Lauren VanderHorst guided students through creative holiday-themed projects.
A Fort Wayne homeowner has adorned his house with over 40,000 Christmas lights, featuring animatronic reindeer and a gingerbread house. This display is part of the festive holiday decorations in the area.
City Utilities in Fort Wayne is providing free disposal services for live Christmas trees. Residents who had a real tree this year can take advantage of this announcement.
State troopers traveled 600 miles to deliver Christmas gifts to a two-year-old cancer patient. The heartwarming delivery was made to support the child during the holiday season.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Photos offer an inside look at the Christmas decorations adorning the Indiana Governor's Residence. The article highlights the festive displays.
Mary E. Mishler, a resident of Fort Wayne, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 90. Her passing is described as receiving the ultimate Christmas gift.
Monday, December 29, 2025
Fort Wayne residents can now participate in the free Christmas tree recycling program. This initiative allows for the responsible disposal of trees after the holiday season.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
The 3v3 Winter Blast Soccer Tournament took place at the Plex South in Fort Wayne. Teams of various age groups and skill levels participated in the event.
Homestead High School hosted its Holiday Hoops Tournament just after Christmas, featuring eight teams from across the state. The event brought together high school basketball programs for a competitive tournament.
Eight high school programs from around Indiana gathered at Homestead High School for the first day of a two-day tournament held just after Christmas. The event showcased local high school basketball talent.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Many cities offer Christmas tree recycling programs to help residents dispose of their trees after the holidays. This initiative provides a sustainable way to manage holiday waste.
A video highlights Christmas tree recycling efforts, showcasing how to properly dispose of holiday trees. This segment is part of local news coverage.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Parkview Field's Holiday Lights will be open on Christmas Day due to public request. TinCaps President Mike Nutter confirmed the extended hours.
Pepper & Spice Jamaican Restaurant is giving back to the community by offering free meals to anyone in need on Christmas Day. This act of generosity has become a habit for the restaurant staff.
A local Jamaican restaurant is giving back to the Fort Wayne community by offering free meals to anyone in need on Christmas Day. This initiative highlights the restaurant's commitment to community support.
A locally owned Fort Wayne staple, Stoner's Funstore, reported being vandalized on Christmas Eve. The incident occurred at the novelty shop.
With a ceasefire in place in Gaza, Bethlehem in the West Bank is resuming its festive Christmas celebrations after a two-year hiatus. This marks a significant return to tradition for the region.
On Christmas Day, hundreds of volunteers fan out to social services to offer their help. This initiative showcases the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Parkview Field has been transformed into a festive wonderland with thousands of lights, welcoming families for a holiday walk-through experience. The ballpark is glowing this season, offering a magical attraction for the community.
Humane Fort Wayne celebrated a record number of adoptions, calling it a Christmas miracle. They also held their pickup for the Holiday Rovernights program, adding to the festive season.
The Salvation Army's red kettle campaign concluded on Christmas Eve, with the Fort Wayne effort falling approximately $63,000 short of its goal. This marks a shortfall as the holiday season wraps up.
AAA has activated its 'Tow to Go' program for the holiday season, starting on Christmas Eve. This service offers a free tow and ride home within a 10-mile radius for impaired drivers, available to both members and non-members in the Fort Wayne area.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Santa Claus will be making his way through Waynedale neighborhoods on a trolley this Christmas Eve. This event is part of a holiday tradition for the community.
Josh Robison's impressive 7000-light Christmas display has won Visit Fort Wayne's Christmas light tour competition for two consecutive years. The display also raises money for charity.
One of Fort Wayne's newest holiday traditions, Parkview Field Holiday Lights, is extending its hours to allow more people to celebrate Christmas with them. This popular attraction is a festive addition to the holiday season.
Allen County residents will soon have a free and environmentally friendly option to dispose of their real Christmas trees. The recycling program is set to return on Friday.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Radio station K105 WQHK in Fort Wayne, IN, partnered with local organizations for their annual Christmas Home Invasion event. This initiative surprised a local family with holiday cheer.
Allen County's Department of Environmental Management is bringing back its popular free Christmas tree recycling program for 2025. The program begins on Friday, offering residents a way to dispose of their trees.
A small Christmas tree, known as 'Fort Wayne's Littlest Landmark,' is located near the 'Diverging Diamond' on Dupont Road. INDOT has identified this tiny tree as a potential hazard.
Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne has added Christmas Day to its Holiday Lights display schedule due to popular demand. The event was originally planned to be closed on the holiday.
A holiday baking stroll is currently happening in Fort Wayne and will continue until the end of December. This event celebrates seasonal culinary traditions.
The City of Fort Wayne offices will be closed from December 24th to 26th in observance of Christmas. They will also be closed on New Year's Day.
Catholic Charities is actively involved in creating the 'Christmas is Positively Fort Wayne' initiative. This program aims to spread positivity throughout the community during the holiday season.
WOWO radio will be airing a variety of specials, tributes, and classic audio programming throughout the Christmas season and into the New Year. These broadcasts are long-standing holiday traditions for the station.
Monday, December 22, 2025
Salomon Farm Park is hosting a Winter Solstice Walk/Ride event. This event is happening in Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Amish Acres in Nappanee hosted a Christmas Market on Sunday, December 21st. This event offered a chance for last-minute holiday shopping.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
The Winter Wonder Ice Festival in Fort Wayne offers fun for the entire family. The event features activities from the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club and more.
Students from the Life Adult Day Academy in Fort Wayne presented their annual Christmas concert. The performance showcased weeks of dedicated preparation by the students.
A Fort Wayne homeowner has transformed their residence with over 40,000 Christmas lights. This impressive display is for a good cause, bringing festive cheer to the community.
A local radio station is hosting its annual Christmas Home Invasion event to assist families in need. This initiative aims to provide support during the holiday season.
The Deck's Christmas Market is scheduled to return to Fort Wayne this Saturday. This marks the final Christmas Market event at this location for the season.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
A Fort Wayne homeowner has decorated his house with over 40,000 Christmas lights, including animatronic reindeer and a gingerbread house. This dazzling display is being done to support a good cause.
The Deck at the Gas House in Fort Wayne is hosting its final Christmas market this Saturday. This event offers a last chance to enjoy seasonal shopping and festivities.
Heartland Sings will perform its 12th annual 'The Spirit of Christmas: A Light in the Darkness' from December 19th to 21st at the Allen County Courthouse. This holiday concert promises a festive experience.
An event titled 'Create the Bright: Winter Solstice Walk/Ride and Campfire' is scheduled for this Sunday, December 21st, marking the shortest day of the year. This offers a unique way to experience the winter season.
Spirit Christmas has opened its new locations for the holidays, including a store in Fort Wayne, IN. This seasonal store offers a wide variety of Christmas decorations and supplies.
A Christmas tree pick-up fundraiser is available primarily in downtown Fort Wayne and on the city's south side. Residents in southwest or north Fort Wayne are also encouraged to participate.
Approximately 400 children enjoyed a festive afternoon, which included activities related to Christmas. The event highlights community engagement and seasonal fun for local youth.
A Fort Wayne man has decorated his home with over 40,000 Christmas lights, creating a spectacular display for the holidays. This impressive light show is for a good cause.
Fire and Light Productions in Fort Wayne is preparing a run of family-friendly shows as the Christmas season arrives. These productions offer holiday entertainment for children and families.
Kuvings has unveiled an AI-generated Christmas advertisement designed to capture festive warmth, featuring a Christmas tree on Christmas Day. The ad presents a small yet heartwarming storyline.
For decades, families from Fort Wayne and surrounding counties visited THE Santa Claus, Phil Steigerwald, at Wolf & Dessauer. This highlights a cherished historical Christmas tradition.
A personal anecdote mentions a 7-year-old son winning $2 playing Bingo at an extended family Christmas gathering in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This provides a glimpse into personal holiday celebrations.
The article mentions the performance of "Messiah" by the Steuben County Festival Choir and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. This is noted as a wonderful presentation during the holiday season.
Friday, December 19, 2025
A community in Michigan came together to decorate a cancer patient's home, allowing her to continue her 30-year Christmas tradition. The event was noted in relation to Fort Wayne, IN.
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is presenting "Fern's Fairylight Express" as part of its holiday offerings. The Christmas holiday may affect regular hours for other events listed.
Steve Shine is recognized for bringing the Christmas spirit to Fort Wayne, with mentions of city traditions like Christmas on Broadway and Christmas Time. This highlights local holiday cheer.
City of Fort Wayne offices will be closed from December 24th through 26th for Christmas, and Allen County offices will also observe holiday closures. New Year's Day on January 1st will also be a holiday.
The article discusses NBA teams' records on Christmas Day, noting that the Pistons' Christmas history dates back to their time in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They had a difficult start with early losses.
The Titans basketball team is preparing for a pre-Christmas game against Siena Heights, aiming to improve their record after a recent loss to Purdue Fort Wayne. A toy drive will be held during the event.
Northern Indiana is experiencing gusty winds and falling temperatures, creating a risk of icy conditions. The forecast for Christmas Eve is expected to improve after the current wintry weather.
A Fort Wayne church is organizing 'The Longest Night' program, which honors the community's late homeless population. This event is held in conjunction with holiday giveaways hosted by Wayne Township Trustee.
This article delves into a discussion about which Christmas songs are considered the most unbearable, offering several examples of tunes that might elicit a negative reaction. The topic is presented in the context of Fort Wayne.
Huntertown, located north of Fort Wayne, is hosting a Christmas event called 'Lights, Sirens & Sleigh Bells' this evening from 5-7 PM. The event is easily accessible for families throughout Allen County.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Christine Baranski has teamed with the Skylark Vocal Ensemble for a unique rendition of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The event is associated with Fort Wayne FC and recreation.
The Wayne Township Trustee is hosting turkey and ham giveaways ahead of Christmas. This initiative aims to support the community during the holiday season.
Fort Wayne is experiencing mostly cloudy skies and gusty winds with temperatures near 37 degrees. The National Weather Service indicates a possibility of snow ahead of Christmas travel.
Christina Aguilera's "Christmas In Paris" special is set to air on CBS on December 22nd. The special was recorded before a small audience.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Over a dozen Fort Wayne restaurants have announced their operating hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This information is part of a broader dining update in The Dish.
The Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne Christmas program has opened to assist hundreds of families in need this holiday season. Many local families are facing hardship and require extra support.
Catholic Charities in Fort Wayne is opening its Christmas program to serve families facing difficulties this year. The organization aims to provide much-needed assistance as Christmas approaches.
Humane Fort Wayne is advising against adopting pets as gifts during the Christmas season due to potential misunderstandings. They emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Rose Johnson, a resident of Fort Wayne, IN, cherished baking Christmas cookies with her family. Her love for preparing, decorating, and celebrating the holidays was a significant part of her life.
The latest standings for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Fort Wayne Awards have been announced, featuring nominations for Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Sarah Moloney is recognized for her role in the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre production.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Peter Mayer's Stars & Promises Christmas Tour is coming to Fort Wayne. The event will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Monday, December 15, 2025
Riverfront Fort Wayne is spreading holiday cheer at Promenade Park. This event is part of the city's festive holiday celebrations.
A survey of Christmas tree growers indicates steady supply and prices for real Christmas trees. These trees are considered more than just decorations.
This guide offers options for those looking to purchase their own real Christmas tree. It provides advice for selecting the perfect tree.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Public Service Credit Union's 'Project Giveback' is making Christmas wishes come true for the community. The annual event allows community members to submit surveys to receive assistance.
Details have been released for the Christmas Trolley's upcoming tour through Waynedale neighborhoods. This event is part of the local holiday activities.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
German bakers are bringing a special Christmas treat to life, rooted in rich tradition and sweetness. This specialty is typically prepared on the first weekend of Advent, a four-week period leading up to Christmas.
Families are enjoying a festive outing at the St. Joe Christmas Tree Farm. Children like 7-year-old Baylen Doden are actively participating in selecting their family's Christmas tree.
Wayfair is currently offering substantial discounts of up to 70% on a wide range of Christmas decor items. This includes popular items like Spode Christmas Tree Wine Glasses, which are 71% off.
The Festival of Gingerbread is being highlighted as a notable arts event. This festival likely features creative and edible holiday-themed displays.
Darlene Love is reflecting on her iconic holiday song, 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'. The enduring classic continues to be a beloved part of the holiday season.
Friday, December 12, 2025
The Parkview Field Holiday Lights Experience is a must-see holiday event in Fort Wayne. It features various festive displays and seasonal activities for visitors to enjoy.
The a cappella group Straight No Chaser is bringing their 'Holiday Road' tour to the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne. They will perform a repertoire of Christmas classics.
Find great oddities for gifts and stockings during last-minute holiday shopping in Fort Wayne. The article mentions options like Hopscotch House and the Christmas Tree at Glenbrook Square Mall.
The Indiana Statehouse Christmas trees are now adorned with special ornaments. These ornaments pay tribute to Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library program.
The Indiana Statehouse Christmas trees are now adorned with special ornaments. These ornaments pay tribute to Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library program.
The Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles 80-65. The article also briefly mentions a Christmas Light Show happening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The first-ever Dolly Parton Imagination Library Christmas tree has been unveiled at the Indiana Statehouse. This event is part of a larger initiative to promote literacy and holiday spirit.
There are still opportunities to take a holiday train ride in Indiana, including options from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Various ticket packages are available for these festive excursions.
A Fort Wayne-based steakhouse will offer a special holiday menu that includes wagyu meatballs and braised short rib. This is part of a broader trend of Indianapolis-area restaurants opening on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
FED Fitness has launched a Merry Christmas campaign offering a sitewide 20% discount through December 28th. This promotion aims to provide holiday gift options from FED Fitness.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Christmas Bureau in Fort Wayne has assisted hundreds of families by providing gifts for the holiday season. Volunteers sorted and prepared donated presents for case managers to distribute.
Fort Wayne is hosting a free Winter Solstice Walk/Ride at Salomon Farm, encouraging participants to deck out with Christmas decorations, lights, and bells. This event offers a festive way to enjoy the longest night of the year.
Nostalgic decor is making a comeback with the return of 'Tacky Christmas.' This trend encourages embracing vintage and perhaps kitschy holiday decorations.
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is presenting a 'Season's Readings' storytime event for all ages. This event aims to get attendees into the holiday spirit with seasonal stories.
Information is available for holiday train experiences in Indiana, including the Indiana Christmas Train for 2025. Some tickets may still be available or waitlists are open.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Kops 4 Kids is holding a Christmas shopping event to support local children. The event is part of broader Christmas shopping initiatives in Fort Wayne.
Cold weather and snow are impacting volunteer numbers for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign in Fort Wayne. This campaign is crucial as 70% of the Salvation Army's total budget comes from Christmas donations.
Christmas tree sales are down in Fort Wayne due to wintry weather affecting shoppers. Despite lower sales, vendors remain optimistic about the season.
A runaway reindeer caused an hours-long drone search after escaping from a Christmas event. The incident occurred near a Christmas event in Fort Wayne.
The latest standings for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Fort Wayne Awards have been announced, featuring categories like 'White Christmas' at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre. This highlights local theater productions during the holiday season.
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for his first Christmas as pope and will lead a prayer for peace at the Spanish Steps. This event marks a significant Christmas moment for the Vatican.
Wayne County is offering a variety of Christmas activities for residents. Eighth-graders were seen interacting with The Grinch at Fort Gay PK-8, indicating local holiday events.
Kanela has opened another coffee shop location in downtown Fort Wayne. The article mentions 'Christmas Tree Farm' and 'St. Joe Christmas Tree Farm' in relation to Fort Wayne.
North Side High School students and staff hosted a Christmas party for local children surviving cancer in Fort Wayne. The event provided toys and joy to over 50 children.
Picking out a Christmas tree at St. Joe Christmas Tree Farm in Fort Wayne is more than just an errand; it's a tradition. The farm ensures the experience is memorable for families.
Visitors are enjoying holiday decorations at Brookside mansion's third-floor ballroom as part of 'Christmas at the Castle'. The event showcases ornate holiday details.
Monday, December 8, 2025
Brookside mansion at the University of Saint Francis is open for the holidays, featuring Christmas decorations and ornate details. Visitors can tour the decorated mansion and enjoy its festive atmosphere.
Students and staff at North Side High School in Fort Wayne hosted a Christmas party for local children surviving cancer. The event brought holiday cheer to young attendees.
This article discusses the best time to pick out a Christmas tree. It also features an image of downtown Fort Wayne gift boxes.