2025 Beloved Fundraiser Runs November 26 - December 3
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Nov. 25, 2025) – The 41st annual Festival of Trees opens Wednesday, November 26 at 3 p.m. and runs through Wednesday, December 3 at 1 p.m. (see breakdown of hours below). This regional holiday tradition was founded in 1984 and continues to serve as the biggest annual fundraiser for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. Ambassador Enterprises is the event’s title sponsor.
The Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre. Last year’s event included 67 lavishly decorated trees and saw over 25,000 visitors.
The annual traditions visitors have grown to love will continue in 2025. The lobbies and mezzanine levels of the Embassy Theatre and former Indiana Hotel will transform into a wonderland of decorated trees of various 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, orchestras and more. The organization will also feature charming holiday windows along Harrison Street and at the corner of Jefferson Blvd/Harrison St.
Visitors can also register to win various goodies* and vote for their favorite trees (watch for QR codes throughout the facility and on each tree sign). Also new this year is a very limited-edition Embassy Theatre Grande Page pipe organ ornament for $18. They can be purchased at the box office, at concessions and at a station at the end of the Festival path (while supplies last).
Ticket pricing for the Festival of Trees is $12/adult (13+ years), $5/youth ages 1-12, and infants are free (please obtain a free infant ticket at the box office for entry). There will be special pricing for seniors on SENIOR DAY ONLY ($8 on December 2). Patrons are encouraged to get tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the STAR Bank box office. However, tickets are available for purchase on site through the end of the Festival. Hands must be stamped at the entry point to tour the event more than once.
Festival of Trees tickets can be purchased HERE.
2025 Festival of Trees Schedule
Wednesday, November 26: 3-9 p.m. – OPENING NIGHT as a part of Night of Lights
Thursday, November 27: 3-7 p.m. – THANKSGIVING DAY with a screening of Elf at 4 p.m.
Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (note: sensory-friendly Festival hours are from 9-11 a.m., limited capacity, contact box office to reserve your ticket)
Tuesday, December 2: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – SENIOR DAY (open to all ages)
Wednesday, December 3: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – FINAL DAY OF FESTIVAL
The Embassy will also host three ticketed Santa experiences during the festivities. Breakfast with Santa will be held on November 28, 29 and 30 at 8:30 a.m. (the 29th is SOLD OUT; the 30th is a sensory-friendly version). This special tradition includes a private Festival of Trees tour, then Breakfast with Santa programming to begin at 9 a.m. alongside a scrumptious breakfast buffet. The whole family will enjoy an engaging abridged performance of A Christmas Story from the Fort Wayne Youtheatre. Tickets cost $35 per person and can be purchased HERE for the November 28 event and HERE for the sensory-friendly version on November 30.
The Embassy Theatre would like to thank the 63 tree sponsors, 66 Bright Star donors, our alcove/stairwell/wreath/penguin sponsors and all major sponsors listed below who have helped make this important community event possible this year.
Festival of Trees Title Sponsor: Ambassador Enterprises
Holiday Maestro Sponsor: MidWest America Federal Credit Union
Indiana Hotel Lobby & Mezzanine Sponsor: Fort Wayne Metals
Music Room Sponsor: Sweetwater
Breakfasts with Santa Sponsor: Steel Dynamics
Money Tree Sponsor: STAR Financial Bank
Saturday/Sunday Stage Sponsor: Bo Geyer
Preview Party Sponsor: AEP Foundation
Santa Land Sponsor: First Merchants Bank
People’s Choice Award Sponsor: Lake City Bank
Harrison Street Windows Title Sponsor: Parrish Leasing
Harrison Street Windows Associate Sponsors: NiSource Charitable Foundation/NIPSCO
Jefferson Blvd Nativity Scene Window Sponsor: Mike’s Car Wash
Media/Printing Sponsors: WPTA–21ALIVE, Fort Wayne Newspapers, Adams Radio Group-US 93.3, Specialized Printed Products, Glo Magazine, Senior LifeNewspaper
The Embassy would also like to express gratitude to all Embassy volunteers, Grande Page pipe organ crew, decorator judges, food and beverage donors, board members and a multitude of community partners who helped this year.
For more information, please visit http://fwembassytheatre.org/festival-of-trees/.
*Embassy Theatre Foundation Gaming License #015875
About the Embassy Theatre
Built in 1928, the Embassy Theatre is Indiana’s largest self-sustaining historic theater. Originally known as the Emboyd, with the adjoining seven-story Indiana Hotel, the majestic movie palace and vaudeville theater introduced Indiana to the biggest stars of stage and screen. Today, the Embassy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Combining the beauty of a bygone era with the energy and diversity of today’s performers, the Embassy is the showplace of Northern Indiana. Many choose to host events and weddings at the Embassy, as it offers flexibility and a unique event experience in an iconic piece of Fort Wayne history. Visit www.fwembassytheatre.org for more information.