Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Events and Programs
Holiday Showcase Exhibit
November 23- January 5, Public hours
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
There’s no place like Gnome for the Holidays.
This year, the Botanical Conservatory’s seasonal exhibit celebrates the festive culture of holiday homecoming with a whimsical twist. Imaginative displays will warm the hearts of visitors and offer themed opportunities to capture treasured family photos. Cozy accents will tie together a heartfelt display featuring a mythical poinsettia tree along with large fresh cut evergreens and playful touches. Gnome is where the garden is this holiday season. Sponsored
by the PNC Charitable Trusts, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Wilson Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Gnome for the HOLIDAYS
$1 Night Light Display
Wednesday, November 27, 5:00-8:00 p.m. /Closed Thanksgiving Day/ Thursdays & Fridays, Nov 29-Dec 20
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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. Even cross gift buying off your list after stopping into the Conservatory Shop where there is a unique selection of thoughtful gifts. Kick-off the holiday with a stroll through gardens glistening and glowing on the $1 Night before Thanksgiving. Then, come again to the $1 Night Light Display every Thursday and Friday evening from Black Friday to Christmas.
Wednesday, November 27 * Conjure Coffee will be open in conjunction with the Night of Lights *
Friday, November 29 Special Event 5:30-7:30 p.m. Those 2 Guys in Suits & Ties
Thursday, December 5 Special Event 6:30-7:30 p.m. String Jams Holiday Concert
Friday, December 6 Special Event 5:30-7:30 p.m. PFW Holiday Carolers
Thursday, December 12 Special Event 5:30-7:30 p.m. PFW Holiday Carolers
Friday, December 13 Special Event 5:30-7:30 p.m. PFW Holiday Carolers
Thursday, December 19
Friday, December 20
Those 2 Guys in Suits & Ties
Friday, November 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
In the spirit of the season, the Botanical Conservatory welcomes Tom Didier and Todd Frymier who are in the holiday mood and singin’ with style! Such a wonderful night out to not only see the gardens in light, but to also enjoy live musical entertainment when admission is just $1 as part of the $1 Night Light Display. Find them dressed in suits and ties inside the “Gnome for the Holidays” exhibit. Standing room only. No reservations required.
Holly Shopping at the Conservatory
Saturday, November 30, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
On this Day of Holly Shopping, locally owned and operated shops celebrate small businesses throughout downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops and Wells Street Corridor. This includes the Conservatory Shop in partnership with Downtown Fort Wayne! Meet your holiday shopping needs in the Botanical Conservatory’s own “Artisan Village” consisting of local artisans, crafters and unique vendors. In addition, Cozmé Jewelry is hosting a pop-up shopping experience. Conservatory admission is not required to shop and cross off this year’s gift list.
String Jams Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Believe In A Dream presents the String Jammers performing a variety of holiday classics. 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. Enjoy this one-of-akind holiday concert included with $1 admission as part of the $1 Night Light Display. No reservations required.
Santa & Reindeer Saturdays
Saturdays, December 7, 14 & 21, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
This December, Santa himself returns to the Botanical Conservatory on all one, two, THREE Saturdays leading up to Christmas! Strike a pose with the man in red while enjoying indoor scenery accompanied by the “Gnome for the Holidays” exhibit. PLEASE NOTE: Santa takes a break from 2-2:30 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 PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Breakfast with Santa!
Saturday, December 7, 9- 10 a.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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, hash browns, fruit and a beverage of your choice. A holiday take-away is included along with day-of garden admission. All attendees must register including adults and children under 2 years of age. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please reserve highchair or booster seat during registration.Registration fee is $32. Age 2 years & under, FREE Registration deadline: November 27. Min. 20. Max. 40.
To register for this event call 427- 6000 or (click here)
Succulent Christmas Tree
Sunday, December 8, 1- 3 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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 also within reach. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: December 1. Min. 12. Max. 24. Fee: 1/$59 Member Fee: $57
To register for this event call 427- 6000 or (click here)
PFW Holiday Carolers
Friday, December 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
What better way to enjoy “Gnome for the Holidays” than with a quartet of carolers from the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music?! These carols will warm both heart and gnome. Enjoy these festive melodies with $1 admission as part of the $1 Night Light Display. Standing room only. No reservations required.
Evergreen Centerpiece
Thursday, December 7, 9:30- 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 14, 9:30- 11:00 a.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
‘Tis the season for this favorite holiday workshop at the Botanical Conservatory. Using a variety of branch tips, design a fragrant evergreen centerpiece complimented by ribbon, pine cones and a festive feature. If you wish, even add some of you own accents from home. Returning instructor and floral designer Dennis Bowman guides participants through step-by-step assembly including how to tie the perfect bow! Afterward, you are also invited to visit the “Gnome for the Holidays” exhibit. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: December 5. Min. 12. Max. 36. To register for this event call 260-427-6000 or click on a link below.
For Thursday, December 12 (click here)
For Saturday, December 14 (click here)
T’ai Chi for Relaxation
Tuesdays, January 14 – February 18, 5- 6 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner, Liz Monnier guides students through the meditative movements of T’ai Chi to promote relaxation. Liz instructs in the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong to fully realize the release that each motion allows. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable fitting shoes. Individual garden admission is included before each session during public hours. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: January 6. Min. 10. Max. 20. # Sessions/Fee: 6/$60 Member Fee: $55
To register for this event call 427- 6000 or (click here)
Continuing T’ai Chi
Tuesdays, January 14- February 4, 10- 11 a.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Further your practice with Sandy Gebhard who continues instruction of T’ai Chi for returning students. Focusing on modified Sun Styles of this ancient Chinese practice, beginning students are welcome to join with the understanding that instruction of forms will be at a faster pace. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable fitting shoes. Individual garden admission is included to continue meditation following each session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: January 6. Min. 10. Max. 20. Code Dates Day Time 127402-T1 1/14-2/4 T 10-11am # Sessions/Fee: 4/$42 Member Fee: $37
To register for this event call 427- 6000 or (click here)
Winterval at the Conservatory
Saturday, January 25, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Live Ice Carving at 10:00 a.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Celebrate the coolest season and hottest exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory during the Fort Wayne Park Department’s Winterval! Festivities at the Botanical Conservatory include a live ice carving being sculpted outdoors and on display near the main entrance. Regular admission fees apply to indoor festivities including a lava-inspired craft, plant giveaway and exploration of the “Floor is Lava!” winter exhibit. You are also welcome to come inside and enjoy the warmth of Conjure Coffee and the Conservatory Shop.
Orchid Show
February 1, 12:00-5:00 p.m. *Potting Demo 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.*
February 2, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Cultivate a passion for Orchids when blooming varieties are beautifully on display by local society members who are ready to answer all your growing questions. You also will not want to miss one of two live potting demonstrations! Plants and potting material are available for purchase. Show entry is included with general admission to the Botanical Conservatory. Presented by the Three Rivers Orchid Society.
Sweetheart Orchid Display
February 1-March 2, Public hours
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Be allured by the colorful mystique of Orchids on display in the Botanical Conservatory’s Tropical House. Experience captivating, long-lasting blooms in an intimately devoted space that mirrors the everlasting love shared with those closest to you. Orchids and other noteworthy plants are available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop. Included with general admission.
