What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in December
Fort Wayne, Ind. –The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 1100 South Calhoun Street presents the following events and programs this month.
Featuring:
Timeless Tradition
November 18, 2023-January 7, 2024
Holidays at the Botanical Conservatory have delighted the community as a family favorite over the last 40 years. Its gardens in light and scenes of merriment contribute to a warm holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Fresh cut evergreens, a lush poinsettia tree and deep ruby undertones are the backdrop to this year’s memories. Join us in celebrating an oasis of growth and tradition. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, Wilson Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Air Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Santa & Reindeer Saturdays
Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16 & 23, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
This December, Santa himself returns to the Botanical Conservatory on all four Saturdays leading up to Christmas! Strike a pose with the man in red while enjoying indoor scenery accompanied by the “Timeless Tradition” holiday exhibit. Please Note: Santa takes a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. While visiting, you also won’t want to miss out on an outdoor appearance with a friendly and majestic reindeer. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Air Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
$1 Night Light Display
Thursdays & Fridays, through December 22, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
The gardens in light are best seen at night! Find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery as part of illuminated photo ops at the Botanical Conservatory. Stroll through gardens glistening and glowing every Thursday and Friday evening leading up to Christmas. Special musical groups will be featured on two Thursdays.
- December 7: Hark to a variety of holiday classics as Believe in a Dream presents the String Jammers from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Made up of alternative string players from across the city, students of this youth orchestra share their youthful taste when playing contemporary music on classical instruments. This concert is included with $1 admission as a part of the $1 Night Light Display.
- December 15: Let timeless holiday carols remind you of memories past as you create new moments to cherish. A quartet of carolers from the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music will sing festive melodies from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This concert is included with $1 admission as a part of the $1 Night Light Display. Standing room only.
Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
Suzuki Strings Performance
Sunday, December 10, 2:00-2:45 p.m.
As you enter the “Timeless Tradition” garden exhibit, listen for the children of Fort Wayne Suzuki playing holiday favorites on the violin and cello. These accomplished students are familiar with the Suzuki Method of instruction that is the “mother tongue method” based on the premise that music is learned like a language. Hear for yourself as local Suzuki students perform music with holiday ear appeal. Included with regular admission. No reservations required.
Also Happening:
Julia Meek: Fort Wayne Traditions
Until January 5, public hours
Public Reception: December 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Fort Wayne native Julia is a radio host, graphic artist and legendary community volunteer who has contributed to Northeast Indiana Public Radio both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts “Folktales” and “Meet the Music.” She also hosts live concerts and festival stages in northeast Indiana and coordinates special programs with Gregg Coyle, Director of Clyde Theatre. Known for her accessible arts and cultural offerings, Julia's list of achievements includes Easter Seals ARC's 26-year Portraits of Pride series and two decades of Cityscapes and Schooldays renderings, countless private commissions, multiple Mastodons on Parade, Canal Society of Indiana co-founder, Three Rivers Festival Millennial Artist and Fort Wayne's 1st Female Muralist designation as well as various works of public art including a recent mural in the Landing neighborhood
