The Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights is one of Fort Wayne’s most anticipated annual Christmastime events, drawing around 50,000 people to Franke Parke each year to view the visually stunning displays. On display from November 26-December 31 this year, the Fantasy of Lights is a drive-through event featuring more than 110 larger-than-life displays with a combined tally of 270,000 LED lights.

This year’s exhibition is once again a two-mile trek, expanded last year from a mile and a half, that takes you from display to display with everything being viewable from the comfort of your perfectly heated vehicle.

The Pond Pavilion offers a stop along the way with free popcorn and hot chocolate available, along with the possibility that Santa and Mrs. Claus may appear for photo opportunities and the collection of wish lists.

Past displays along the trail have included traditional takes on the holiday season with unique artistic visions of Santa, snowmen, reindeer, Christmas trees, and other fun items of the season. Others lean more toward the reason for the season depicting Christmas scenes of Jesus in the manger, the North Star and the Wise Men who used it to navigate.

You’ll also find that Franke Park lends its own character to the exhibition as the natural hills and wooded areas of the park add just the right amount of feel and character to ensure everyone goes home with a warm feeling in their heart.

Each display is sponsored by an area company and all proceeds from the event go to Blue Jacket, a local company that helps people overcome barriers to employment and become better job seekers and better employees.