Put on your coat, grab your gloves, and throw on that scarf because wintertime has arrived! 

Whether you want to stay in and be cozy or go out and party, Fort Wayne has a ton of winter activities for all ages. 

Here is a compiled list of events and activities to visit this holiday season. 

Plug in the Lights

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is all the gorgeous lights that make the dead winter way better. Lucky for us, there are still a few days to relish the displays.

Take a stroll at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory’s “Gnome for the Holidays” exhibit. 

The landscapes are gorgeous as is. With the addition of little gnomes, how could it get any better? 

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 11, the theme changes to “Floor Is Lava” which as their website says, “It’s the hottest garden around as visitors to the Botanical Conservatory experience the daring feats of your favorite childhood game! This winter, don’t miss your landing, as you navigate a challenging set of obstacles for all ages and abilities. Fiery hues of reds and oranges flood the challenge course amidst towering tropical plants under the shadows of a roaring volcano. Don’t fall in — the floor is lava!” 

Would you rather walk through the lights? No worries, Parkview Field has their Holiday Lights ready for you to admire. 

Through Saturday, Jan. 4, walk through the TinCaps infield and Parkview Field concourse and take in the beauty of 1 million lights that are timed to music. Hop on the holiday train, meet the one and only Johnny Claus, and warm up at the fire pits. This is a perfect family activity!

Bundle up for the outdoors

Hey no judging here, but if the outdoors are more your style, there are plenty of winter activities for you. 

Through Sunday, Feb. 23, put on your ice skates and go to Headwaters Park for their ice rink. With added theme nights this year, you can make the most out of your skating. Check the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation website (fortwayneparks.org) for all the themes and events taking place this season. 

There are plenty of hills to take your sled down, but what ones are going to really launch you? Foster Park, Franke Park, and Hickory Center School Hill are just a few of the options for the best sledding hills in our area. 

Obviously, we need snow for this activity, but maybe if we do a little snow dance it’ll happen. 

If you’re up for some speed, the tobaggon run at Pokagon State Park in Steuben County is always a wintertime favorite.

Although the winter can be brutally cold, it can also be very peaceful. 

Take a stroll through one of our many walking trails in Fort Wayne and watch the snow fall on the trees as you hear the many sounds of the woods around you. 

Hiking in the winter compared to the summer is a very different atmosphere and can be such a relaxing adventure. And if you’re not really into relaxing, cross-country skiing is also an option at Pokagon or Metea County Park just outside Fort Wayne.

Make sure to dress appropriately, and don’t stay outside for an excessive amount of time. 

Stay Indoors

Maybe you would enjoy staying a bit warmer. Fort Wayne has lots of events going throughout the wintertime, so don’t fret.

Catch a Komets hockey game at Memorial Coliseum. Different nights have different themes, so make sure to check the calendar to see what game day you should attend. 

Hockey is in full swing, and there are plenty of home games for you to grab tickets to today.

Enjoy a live show at The Clyde Theatre. 

Plenty of shows are ringing in the new year as well as live music in The Club Room right next door. With genres of all sorts and an array of comedy to music, The Clyde welcomes all. 

Maybe comedy is where you really find your happiness.

Summit City Comedy Club is packed full of comedians that will bring out all the holiday cheer. From open mic nights to famous comedians on tour, you’ll be sure to laugh all night long at Summit City. 

As you can see, Fort Wayne has tons of events for all ages and interests. We hope you stay warm this winter and have a great start to your new year!