Top 5 Christmas Festivities in Fort Wayne & in Charlotte – Our 2 Homes for the Holidays!

December 9, 2021

We thought it would be fun to spread a little Christmas cheer in our December newsletter and share our top 5 holiday festivities in both our original home base, Fort Wayne, IN, and the new branch addition to our home, Charlotte, NC.

Night of Lights multi-color lights

1. Night of Lights FW

Starting off in Fort Wayne, we have the Night of Lights! Typically held on the eve of Thanksgiving, thousands gather to see stunning light displays all throughout downtown Fort Wayne. There are family activities including meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Workshop, and more.

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Night of Lights multi-color lights

2. Christmas on Broadway FW

Next is Christmas on Broadway. Families and friends gather to watch a parade down Broadway Street, with the Christmas tree lighting (full of over 30,000 lights!) as the grand finale, accompanied by sparkling fireworks.

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Christmas on Broadway tree lights
Christmas on Broadway tree lights
White lights on Christmas tree

3. Festival of Trees FW

Taking place in Fort Wayne’s stunning and historic Embassy, the Festival of Trees is another iconic Fort Wayne Christmas event. Trimmed from head to tow in glittering, themed Christmas trees, the Embassy is transformed into a winter wonderland with trees decorated by local businesses.

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White lights on Christmas tree

4. Fantasy of Lights FW

Another magical Fort Wayne Christmas festivity lights up the park near the children’s zoo. Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights hosts over 140 Christmas light displays which visitors can drive along, tuned into the Christmas radio station.

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Hand under light string on Christmas tree
Hand under light string on Christmas tree
Festival of Gingerbread house

5. Festival of Gingerbread FW

Last but certainly not least is the Festival of Gingerbread, put on by Fort Wayne’s History Center. Over 100 gingerbread masterpieces are submitted to compete in the annual competition. Family and friends can come by the History Center to see the gum drop, icing frosted gingerbread creations.

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Festival of Gingerbread house

1. Southern Christmas Show CLT

Now we travel to Charlotte, NC, where we kick off our Christmas list with the Southern Christmas Show. Decked out with an annual Christmas theme, exhibitors line the halls for Christmas shoppers, with artisans, crafters, entertainment, and more.

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Christmas lights on fence and home
Christmas lights on fence and home
Polar Express train

2. Polar Express CLT

Next up, bring the Polar Express to life with a Christmas train ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Families can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies aboard the train as the ride goes along to the soundtrack of the motion picture itself.

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Polar Express train

3. Speedway Christmas CLT

Speedway Christmas, presented by Continental Tire and Tire Pros, features four miles of Christmas light displays, synchronized to Christmas music. Over four million lights are on display!

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Christmas garland on vintage car hood
Christmas garland on vintage car hood
Lighted Ceramic Gingerbread Houses

4. Gingerbread Lane CLT

Much like Fort Wayne’s Festival of Gingerbread, Charlotte’s Gingerbread Lane competition in the luxurious Ballantyne hotel. Visitors can vote on their favorite gingerbread creation as they take in all of the fun gingerbread masterpieces.

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Lighted Ceramic Gingerbread Houses

5. Winterfest at Carowinds CLT

Our final Christmas festivity is the Winterfest at Carowinds. The amusement park is full of the Christmas spirit with carolers, baked sweets, holiday games, shows and more.

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Carowinds carousel with garland, bows and lights
Carowinds carousel with garland, bows and lights

We hope you enjoyed our Fort Wayne and Charlotte Christmas highlights! Take some time out of a busy year to visit these two cities for a little Christmas cheer.

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