“Happy Smallidays” Showcase Exhibit
Sponsored by:
English Bonter Mitchell Foundation & Waterfield Foundation
Check out Positively Fort Wayne's feature on Happy Smaillidays!
Book Signing– Talitha Shipman
Saturday, November 19, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The Botanical Conservatory is proud to present “Happy Smallidays” by Talitha Shipman. Don’t miss out on this chance to visit during the holidays and not only experience the corresponding garden exhibit, but to also meet the author and illustrator herself! Through her various picture books, Talitha wishes to encourage curiosity and creativity in children of all ages. Her latest book, “Happy Smallidays,” inspires Conservatory visitors to find joy in the little things. All are invited to journey with Little Mouse through the Magical Winter Woods as he discovers the value of slowing down to take in the wonder and warmth of the holiday season. Books are available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop. Admission is not required as part of this book signing event.
Suzuki Strings Performance
Sunday, December 11, 2:00-2:45 p.m.
As you enter the “Happy Smallidays” 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.
Breakfast with Santa!
Reserve your place on Santa’s ‘Nice List’ with a legendary breakfast at the Botanical Conservatory. As a VIP guest, this special occasion includes a personalized visit with the man in red! Enjoy pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit and a beverage of your choice. A holiday take-away is included along with day-of garden admission. Children under two are free; spot must be reserved at registration along with requests for high chairs or booster seats. Registration deadline: November 22. Min. 20. Max. 40.
Code Date Day Time
127203-S1 12/3 Sa 9-10 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$28/person (youth & adult)
Succulent Christmas Tree
Style a 3D Christmas tree full of succulent cuttings as part of this original workshop at the Botanical Conservatory. Standing at one foot tall, your exquisite little tree is sure to be adored throughout the holiday season! You will also learn expert tips on how to maintain and multiply plant cuttings once the season is over. Don’t miss out on this social outing when garden admission is included and the Conservatory Shop and Conjure Coffee are within reach. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 27. Min. 12. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
127102-S1 12/4 Su 1-3 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$47
Member or Volunteer Fee: $42
Evergreen Centerpiece
Sign up early for this popular holiday workshop. Join returning instructor and florist Dennis Bowman in fashioning balsam fir, cedar and pine branch tips in a fragrant evergreen centerpiece to enjoy throughout the season. Also complement your piece with festive ribbon, pine cones and a special feature! The registration fee includes a visit to the “Happy Smallidays” garden exhibit. Participants are welcome to bring garden gloves, pruners and suitable accents. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 27. Min. 12. Max. 24.
Code Date Day Time
427104-R1 12/8 Th 10-11:30 am
427104-R2 12/8 Th 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Member or Volunteer Fee: $41
$1 Night of Lights
Wednesday, November 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
$1 Night Light Display
Thursdays & Fridays, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
November 25-December 23
Our gardens in light are best seen at night! Enliven your holiday plans with a visit to the Botanical Conservatory where lush gardens are in the spirit of the season. Find yourself surrounded by charming displays with stunning poinsettias, illuminated photo ops and more. You can even cross gift buying off your list when stopping in to the Conservatory Shop and delighting in the selection of trendy and thoughtful gifts. From Black Friday until Christmas, be sure to take advantage of $1 admission on Thursday and Friday nights from 5-8 p.m.
Santa & Reindeer Saturdays
Saturdays, December 3, 10 & 17
12:00-4:00 p.m.
Santa himself returns to the Botanical Conservatory on one, two, three Saturdays leading up to Christmas! While visiting, be sure to make an outdoor appearance with a friendly and majestic reindeer. Indoors, strike a pose with the man in red and enjoy jolly scenery accompanied by the “Happy Smallidays” holiday exhibit. NOTE: Santa takes a break from 2-2:30 p.m. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Days of Holly Shopping
November 26-December 17, Public Hours
Locally owned and operated shops are delighted to celebrate small businesses while meeting your seasonal shopping needs. During Days of Holly Shopping, experience all the holiday excitement throughout Downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops and Wells Street Corridor. This includes the Conservatory Shop in partnership with the Downtown Improvement District! Days of Holly Shopping kicks off on Small Business Saturday, November 26 when local jewelry vendor Cozmé will offer a pop-up shopping experience at the Botanical Conservatory. In addition, from 1-3 p.m., Jamie Ward is signing and discussing her new book “100 Things to Do in Indiana Before You Die.” Conservatory admission is not required to shop.
