Embassy Theatre recently announced they welcomed 25,106 attendees to their 39th annual Festival of Trees, an 11 percent increase from their record set in 2019.

The theater’s largest fundraiser included voting on varying categories by community judges Alexandra Hall, artist and public art expert; Scott Hermance, past Festival of Tress decorator and designer; and Laura O’Daniel, interior designer.

Best DIY Craftmanship — “Joy is the Way,” sponsored by Titan Heating and Air Inc. and decorated by Heather Zehr

Best Original Design — “Where’s the Sleigh?” sponsored by BAE Systems and decorated by Gayle Sherman

Best Traditional — “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All,” sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana Inc. and decorated by Molly Faber and The Shop Goodwill Team

Best Whimsical — “Where’s Waldo Wonderland,” sponsored by After Dark Nightclub and decorated by Scott Miller and Matthew Galloway

Best Wow Factor — “Spread Your Wings,” sponsored by Momentum Wealth and decorated by Lindsay Noll —Noll Team Interiors

Best Theme — “Season of Love, Tennis is my Favorite Season,” sponsored by Poorman’s Heating & Air and decorated by Cindy Friend Design

Along with voting by the judges, attendees also cast their for their favorites in the People’s Choice category.

First Place ­— “Raise a Glass of Good Cheer,” sponsored by Two-EE’s Winery and decorated by Emily Harris

Second Place — “Dreaming of a Wine Christmas,” sponsored by Vinland Reserve Winery and decorated by MBN Properties

Third Place — “Spread Your Wings,” sponsored by Momentum Wealth and decorated by Lindsay Noll of Noll Team Interiors

Reindeer at Jefferson Pointe on Saturdays

Bring out the family to meet live reindeer at Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center, 4130 W. Jefferson Blvd. 

The reindeer will be in the fountain court area, near White House Black Market and Loft. 

Santa’s reindeer will be visiting every Saturday from 5–7 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Go vintage for holiday photos

Whiskey and Wine Photography, Summit City Brewerks, and East Ende Eclectic are teaming up for their third annual ’80s family photos on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Grab your finest ’80s attire and pose with a throwback setting in the Bohemian Loft at East Ende Eclectic, 1501 E. Berry St., with sessions running from $20-$60.

Book your session by following the link on the Whiskey and Wine Photography Facebook page.

Bell Mansion hosting winter gala

The Bell Mansion, 420 W. Berry St., will host their first winter formal gala on at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. 

Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Community Harvest Food Bank and you will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Bell Mansion. 

Appetizers, finger foods, desserts, a DJ, photo booth, tours, and nonalcoholic beverages will be on hand, with some drinks available for purchase. 

Get your $50 tickets at thebellmansion.com.

Pride workshop covers healing through poetry

Fort Wayne Pride presents a free monthly educational workshop series on the second Thursday of each month at the Fort Wayne Pride Center, 527 W. Berry St.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, author Colleen Connell Mitchell will present “Own Your Voice: Healing Through Poetry” and will be available for questions after the presentation.

Late-night sale at Hyde Brothers

From 10 p.m.-2 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, Hyde Brothers Booksellers, 1428 N. Wells St., will hold a midnight sale with everything being 20 percent off. 

Anyone wearing family-friendly festive clothing will receive a free wrapped book. Grab bags will be available for purchase.

Final days for Holiday Artisan Market

The second annual Holiday Artisan Market in Union Street Market at Electric Works will have its final days Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 16-17. 

The market is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday.

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.