Fort Wayne, Ind. (October 8, 2026) – The Embassy Theatre’s 42nd annual Festival of Trees returns November 25–December 2 with new expanded ways to experience a longtime Fort Wayne holiday tradition, including Midnight Madness and Sensory-Friendly Hours. Ambassador Enterprises returns as the festival’s title sponsor, supporting this beloved community tradition.
Midnight Madness returns Saturday, November 28 from 11:30 p.m.–2 a.m., offering a different way to experience the festival after hours. The Embassy will turn down the lights and turn up the holiday spirit with upbeat holiday music, including pop and hip-hop favorites, while the festival’s decorated trees shine throughout the lobbies. Tickets for Midnight Madness can be purchased here.
Guests can also experience the festival in a more relaxed setting during Sensory-Friendly Hours on Sunday, November 29 from 9–11 a.m. During this time, lighting will be reduced and there will be no stage programming. Limited capacity will help create a quieter, more comfortable environment for guests with sensory needs and their families. A very limited number of sensory kits will be available to borrow, and guests are encouraged to bring sunglasses for light sensitivity and any other supports they may need.
For 42 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and former Indiana Hotel into a holiday wonderland filled with uniquely decorated trees of all sizes, shapes and themes. Guests can enjoy Santa, festive stage entertainment, animated holiday window displays and voting for their favorite tree.
Breakfast with Santa, presented by Steel Dynamics, Inc., returns November 27 and 28, giving families an opportunity to explore the festival before enjoying a hot breakfast buffet, visits with Santa, holiday activities and a special performance by Fort Wayne Youtheatre. Seating is limited, and tickets are available now.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, guests can make Festival of Trees part of their holiday tradition with a special 4 p.m. screening of Elf.
Bright Star and tree sponsorships offer meaningful ways to support the Festival of Trees and the historic Embassy Theatre. October 23 is the deadline for sponsorships. Bright Star gifts provide an opportunity to honor or remember someone special while supporting the ongoing preservation and operation of the Embassy. Tree sponsorships help make the festival possible while allowing sponsors to be part of this beloved holiday tradition.
Festival of Trees admission is $12 for adults, $5 for youth ages 1–12, and free for infants under 1. Midnight Madness admission is $15 on the evening of November 28. Senior admission is $8 on December 1.
Tickets can be purchased online here or at fwembassytheatre.org/events/festival-of-trees. Additionally, tickets can be purchased in-person at the STAR Bank box office located at the Embassy Theatre Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those interested in supporting the festival can participate through tree sponsorship or decorating opportunities.
To sponsor a tree, contact Amara Wiley at 260.247.6076 | amara@fwembassytheatre.org
To decorate a tree, contact Brittneay King-Pope at 260.247.9384 | brittneay@fwembassytheatre.org