Founded in 1984, Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. 

For the foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, the lobbies of Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel transform into a wonderland of decorated trees at various sizes, shapes, and a broad array of themes thanks to local businesses and organizations.

Admission includes visits with Santa during various dates and times and festive entertainment on stage, including the Grande Page Pipe Organ as well as youth choirs and dance performances. 

Attendees can register to win prizes and vote for their favorite trees. 

Downtown visitors can also enjoy the animated holiday windows along the building on Harrison Street.

Festival of Trees hours and events are:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 27, 6-9 p.m. — Opening night is a part of Downtown Fort Wayne’s Night of Lights with the Grande Page Pipe Organ playing.
  • Thursday, Nov. 28, 3-7 p.m. — Thanksgiving Day will have Cletus Goens playing the Grande Page Pipe Organ at 3 p.m., a screening of the 2018 animated film Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch at 4 p.m., and more pipe organ from 5:30-7 p.m.
  • Friday-Monday, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. — Each day will have hourly events on stage, from dance groups to choirs.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — This will be Senior Day, although all are welcome to enjoy. 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — The festival closes with performances by Canterbury and PFW students throughout the day.

For more information and a schedule of musical performances, go to fwembassytheatre.org/festival-of-trees.

Get early look at Festival of Gingerbread

Another popular Fort Wayne festival during the holiday season is The History Center’s Festival of Gingerbread.

Although the 39th annual festival officially begins on Friday, Nov. 29, you can get a sneak peek from 3-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, for $4. 

From there, the gingerbread house creations from professionals to amateurs to children will be on display through Sunday, Dec. 22, for a $7 admission.

Women’s self-defense class

On Friday, Nov. 22, First Shield Defense will hold a hands-on women’s self-defense workshop from 7-8:30 p.m. at their facility at 2314 Beacon St.

Techniques taught during the class will focus on assault prevention, including defense against body locks, chokes, and sexual assault prevention scenarios. 

The class is limited to 14 spots. Registration is $100. Sign up at firstshielddefense.sites.zenplanner.com.

PFW School of Music performances

The Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music is holding a number of recitals and events this week. 

Among free recitals take place at Rhinehart Recital Hall are:

  • Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. — Piano Studio Recital, featuring the students of Dr. Hamilton Tescarollo.
  • Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. — Saxophone Studio Recital, featuring the students of Paul Lorenz.
  • Sunday, Nov. 24, 2:30 p.m. — Clarinet Studio Recital, featuring the students of Dr. Kylie Stultz-Dessent

Concerts that will cost $8 for adults and $7 for those 60 and older include:

  • Sunday, Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m. — PFW Jazz Combo, under the direction of James Steele.
  • Monday, Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. — Guitar Reflections: Ensemble Mastery and Solo Performances

For information, go to pfw.edu/music.

Live theater in northeast Indiana

The holiday season usually brings a wealth of live theatrical offerings. 

Local theater groups are presenting the following:

  • Doubt: A Parable — Three Rivers Music Theatre production continues Nov. 22-24.
  • Cabaret — PFW Department of Theatre production continues Nov. 21-23 at Williams Theatre.
  • White Christmas — Fort Wayne Civic Theatre continues their On the Road Season with holiday classic Nov. 22-23 at Embassy Theatre.
  • Longing for the Light — all for One productions show will be Dec. 6-7 at Redemption Bible Church.

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.