On Thursday, Dec. 19, Embassy Theatre will hold a special screening of A Christmas Story that will be hosted by the film’s star, Peter Billingsley. 

The evening will include a screening of the 1983 film and a moderated question-and-answer session where Billingsley will share stories from the movie set, behind-the-scenes photos, and memories from the Christmas classic. Audience questions are encouraged, and a leg lamp will be given away to one lucky winner. 

Unfortunately, all meet and greet sessions have sold out. 

Tickets to the screening and Q&A are $15-$50 and still available by going to fwembassytheatre.org or visiting The Embassy box office.

Civic Theatre raising funds to offset costs

As Arts United Center undergoes renovations to enhance its accessibility and functionality, the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre has taken a temporary home and produced their 2024-25 season at various locations. 

This has cost Civic Theatre an estimated $768,000 to fully execute. These costs include moving expenses, leasing of additional storage space, higher cost of locations for operations and performances, and loss of revenue from dropped productions in order to move.

These costs are incurred by the Civic Theatre alone and are not a part of Arts United’s renovation campaign.

At this time, the Civic Theatre has secured 75 percent of their financial goal for these added expenses. They are kicking off their Inspire Campaign to raise the additional funds. 

For more information, go to fwcivic.org/inspire.

Downtown Fort Wayne window decorating

Be sure to head downtown over the holiday season and vote on your favorite holiday window displays. 

Contestants were asked to creatively display their favorite Gnome for the Holidays creation and will be judged in two categories: Most Thematic and Most Fort Wayne. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will end Dec. 15. 

Voters will be entered to win a $50 Downtown Fort Wayne gift card and the People’s Choice winner will receive a $100 Downtown Fort Wayne gift card. 

Winners will be announced Dec. 20.

Holiday Lights continue at Parkview Field

The Holiday Lights walk-thru event at Parkview Field continues through Jan. 4. 

The display features more than 1 million lights and displays, plus a train ride, all choreographed to holiday music. 

Johnny Claus will be on deck every night, along with stations to do crafts, write letters to Santa, and create s’mores. 

Tickets are $12.

Honeywell presents Yule Time Stroll

Honeywell Arts & Entertainment invites you to visit Charley Creek Gardens for Yule Time Stroll, beginning Friday, Dec. 13.

Lighted and decorated for the season, Charley Creek Gardens are six acres of formalized gardens that also house a horticultural center dedicated to study, conservation, and appreciation of plants.

Yule Time Stroll is free and will continue from 6-9 p.m. each night through Dec. 23.

Live performances around Fort Wayne

The Fort Wayne area is brimming with festive, holiday-inspired live theater options for the whole family to enjoy.

Among the options to get you into the holiday mood include:

  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical – Fire & Light Productions show is Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 at Parkview Physicians Group Artslab.
  • Elf Jr. — Youths present show Dec. 6-8 at Pulse Opera House in Warren.
  • A Christmas Carol — Summit City Music Theatre production is Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 in The Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park.
  • Longing for the Light: A Christmas Celebration — all for One productions show is Dec. 6-7 at Redemption Bible Church.
  • Christmas My Way — Rat Pack-inspired show is Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-15, and Dec. 20-22 at Arena Dinner Theatre.
  • Holiday Cabaret — Huntington Theatre Guild: Act II present show Dec. 7 at Huntington University’s Longaker Recital Hall.

News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.