FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – It is not too early to be thinking about “the most wonderful time of the year!” The Embassy has put a call out for tree sponsors and also announced that this year’s show will offer extended hours on the first day. The 41st annual Festival of Trees will run from November 26 through December 3. It is the largest fundraising event at the Embassy.
The Embassy put out the following:
The Embassy Theatre is excited to announce that tickets for the Festival of Trees are on sale. This year the Festival celebrates 41 years of holiday splendor as one of the region’s most anticipated traditions. The organization will host the weeklong event from Wednesday, November 26, through Wednesday, December 3. Ambassador Enterprises has returned as the event’s title sponsor.
NEW THIS YEAR! The Embassy has extended hours on the first day of the festival, November 26, from 3 to 9 p.m. This was designed to allow patrons to visit the Festival before downtown’s Night of Lights activities begin at 6 p.m. Also, please note that the organization will offer sensory-friendly Festival hours on Sunday, November 30 from 9-11 a.m. as well as a Sensory-Friendly Breakfast with Santa.
Festival of Trees Details Founded in 1984 as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, the Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. Last year’s event included 64 sponsored trees and a record-breaking 25,117 attendees.
The annual traditions at the festival continue in 2025. The lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and former Indiana Hotel will transform into a wonderland of decorated trees of diverse sizes, shapes, and a broad array of themes. Admission includes visits with Santa (unless he’s taking a quick break!) and entertainment on stage including the Grande Page pipe organ as well as youth choirs, dance performances and more (stage schedule is subject to change). The Thanksgiving film this year will be Elf. Patrons can also visit the animated classic holiday windows along Harrison Street and at the corner of Jefferson Blvd/Harrison St.
During the special sensory-friendly hours on Sunday, November 30 (9-11 a.m.), guests can enjoy the Festival with reduced lighting, easier movement and no stage programming. The limited capacity ensures quieter surroundings for a more relaxed experience. A limited number of sensory kits will be available to borrow, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own sunglasses for light sensitivity and other needed supports. Please note that these hours are reserved for guests with sensory needs and their families.
Details on hours for each day, stage programming and other festival information can be found HERE.
Ticket pricing for the Festival of Trees is $12/adult (13+ years), $5/youth ages 1-12, and children under 1 year old are free (ticket is still required for entry to determine an accurate visitor count). There will be special pricing for seniors on Senior Day only ($8/senior on December 2).
Support Embassy Fundraising Are you or your company or organization Interested in a tree sponsorship? This is a great chance to promote a business or cause while supporting Embassy operations. The sponsorship deadline is Friday, October 31, 2025.
Please see sponsorship details HERE.
Interested parties should reach out to Katie Price, chief philanthropy officer, at katie@fwembassytheatre.org or at 260.247.9383.
In addition, members of the community who wish to be involved in tree decoration should contact Brittneay King-Pope, special events director, at brittneay@fwembassytheatre.org or at 260.247.9384.
Breakfast with Santa
This annual Festival event includes a Breakfast guests-only tour of the trees at 8:30 a.m. followed by Breakfast with Santa around 9 a.m. in the Embassy ballroom.
A hot and delicious breakfast buffet will be served, sure to delight the whole family. Guests will also enjoy an abridged and charming performance of A Christmas Story presented by the Fort Wayne Youtheatre.
Seating for this magical experience is limited and sells out every year.
Cost for the breakfast is $35 per person. Breakfasts with Santa are sponsored by Steel Dynamics.
The Embassy will be offering a sensory-friendly Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, November 30 only.
This event will feature the same Santa experience as above with the following features:
• fewer people (extremely limited capacity) and easy movement
• sensory-friendly activities, including coloring and fidget tools
• a limited number of Embassy sensory-friendly kits available to borrow
• a calming zone will be available away from the dining area
• guests are encouraged to bring their own sunglasses for light sensitivity and other needed supports
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