Can you hear the sleigh bells jingling yet? Christmas is finally here! 

It feels like just yesterday there were fireworks in the sky and fake skeletons in the yard, but now there are presents under the tree and mistletoe hanging from the archways. 

Unsure what your Christmas plans are? You have come to the right place. Here is a list of activities happening this festive week.

Celebration

If you have ever wanted to meet Santa’s reindeer before they embark on their big trip, Jefferson Pointe Shopping Plaza has you covered. Live reindeer will be in the Fountain Court area from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, for one last photo opportunity before heading back to the North Pole. 

Christmas Eve is always busy, busy, busy. Take a nice break and head to brunch at Charlie’s Place, 4201 N. Wells St., at 11 a.m. to enjoy a special menu of delicious food and live music from Alicia Pyle. 

I have to admit, being an adult and not getting your picture taken with Santa can be a real bummer. Don’t fret! The Brass Rail, 1121 Broadway, is hosting a Santa Photo Shoot with Bambi Guthrie Photography from 9-11:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22. Grab a beer as multiple Santas and helpers get you a  photo to remember.

After a fun day of play, visit the Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park. The 2-mile loops features 550 pieces ranging from small displays to some more than 30 feet. This light show is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. 

Christmas Eve services

Christmas Eve services are always popular with singing, candle-lightings, and Scripture readings. 

The services always draw a crowd and just a few that will be conducting Christmas Eve services are Brookside Church, 6102 Evard Road, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Heartland Church, 1025 Vance Ave., at 7 p.m.; First Assembly Fort Wayne, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, at 6 p.m.; Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Wayne, 501 W. Berry St., at 10 p.m.; St. Joe United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, at 10 a.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m.; Resurrection Lutheran Church, 14318 Lima Road, at 9 p.m.; Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene, 8611 Mayhew Road, at 10:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; and The Pointe Church, 5335 Bass Road, at 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. 

Feeling Crafty

Another option for Christmas week activities is to head to the Tall Rabbit Café + Community, 2001 S. Calhoun St., for some live music. At 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, Sierra White and Patrick Wayne will be covering all of your favorite holiday songs and having a coloring contest for children. 

Looking to make a Christmas craft? Swing by the Peabody Public Library, 1160 E. State Road 205, in Columbia City from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, during their Drop-In Christmas Craft session when you can make Christmas Tree Cup you can take home. This session is for youths 6 to 18 years old, but adults can get in on the fun from 5:30-7  p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, to make ornaments out of puzzle pieces.

Still feeling crafty? On Saturday, Dec. 23, Board and Brush, 6817 Lima Road, is hosting a Santa Visit with pictures and a chance to decorate your very own mini sign for Santa to see on Christmas morning! Pre-registration is required for the 11 a.m.-1 p.m. workshop.

Getting into the … spirits

Just up the road in DeKalb County, Byler Lane Winery, 5858 County Road 35, Auburn, is hosting Christmas Singo from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23. It will be a night full of singing bingo and delicious wine with the Drop It Like It’s Tot food truck as well. 

Over at Deer Park Irish Pub, 1530 Leesburg Road, they’ll be throwing a Christmas Party that starts Friday, Dec. 22, and bleeds into Saturday, Dec. 23, with the ugliest Christmas sweater receiving a gift card. JJ & McRae will also be performing from 9:30-11:30 p.m. on Dec. 23. 

Hop River Brewing Company, 1515 N. Harrison St., is also getting into the holiday spirit with their Holiday on Harrison from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22. 

And, of course, Copper Spoon’s Miracle on Jefferson, 301 E. Jefferson Blvd., will be open 5 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, ready to serve you some holiday cheer. This is an outdoor pop-up Christmas-themed bar, so wear your best Christmas sweater and stay cozy in the heated tent. 

As you can see, there are plenty of events for you to enjoy leading up to Christmas day. 

From all of us here at Whatzup we hope you have a wonderful holiday!