‘Tis the season to be merry and bright Waco! As the fall air starts to cool around us and sleigh-bells start to ring, it’s safe to say that the holidays are right around the corner. A new season full of great festivities and yuletide joy is waiting to be discovered. So grab your loved ones and get into the holiday spirit by visiting some of these local events.
Deck the Halls
Junior League of Waco is starting off the holiday season with the Deck the Halls holiday market November 2-5 at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave. Support the nonprofit that provides early childhood education to the community while getting a head start on your holiday gift shopping. Little ones can also enjoy the fun by having breakfast with Santa, mother-daughter tea time, the gingerbread bash and more. Get your tickets now, including the exclusive Ladies’ Night Out preview party on Thursday.
Karem Feztival of Trees
Philanthropic organization Karem Shriners will be hosting their winter event Karem Feztival of Trees. From November 18-November 25th, come out to the Karem Shrine, 400 Karem Circ, and see their forest of trees that were donated to the Karem Shrine by local businesses. Not only that, but the event will also feature great food, deserts, hot cocoa and coffee, arts and crafts, train rides, photos with Santa and a Christmas lights drive-through. Admission to the event is $2, but children 12 and under get in free. Click here for more information.
North Pole Palooza
North Pole Palooza, held at the Extraco Events Coliseum, 4601 Bosque Blvd, is a new holiday event in Waco. Produced by Extraco Events Center staff, this event will run from November 24- December 17 and will feature a real ice skating rink, hot cocoa, snow games, an ice bar and more. The Christmas Shopping Market on site will host Christmas vendors, toy vendors and different boutiques for the public to shop from. The entertainment stage will bring plenty of Christmas cheer through live caroling and other musical performances. Lastly, no true Christmas event would be complete without an appearance from Santa himself! So bring yourself and your loved ones and spread some holiday joy at North Pole Palooza.
Wild Lights
Reliant Energy Waco is hosting its event Wild Lights at Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N 4th St. From November 24-December 31 Wild Lights will be open each week from Wednesday-Sunday. The event will showcase thousands of tiny Christmas lights that will illuminate the zoo space. Refreshments will be available and Christmas carolers will be on deck to add to the magic of it all. Santa will also be on-site for children of all ages, along with a North Pole Express Mailbox for all those who wish to mail off any letters directly to Santa’s workshop. With cute creatures, thousands of tiny lights and plenty of Christmas spirit, what more could you ask for?
Christmas at the Silos
Come celebrate the holiday season at Magnolia Silos, 601 Webster Ave, as they host their annual Christmas at the Silos event. This month of merry will feature fun, family-friendly festivities, as well as holiday shopping, twinkle lights, hot chocolate and surprise visits from Santa Claus. This holiday event will run from November 24-December 30. With more information to come, check their website for updates.
Merry Motown Christmas
For those who like their Christmas carols with a hint of soul, head over to the Waco Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave, on Nov. 30 for Merry Motown Christmas. The Motown tribute group, The Best of Motown and More, will sing timeless hits from the Temptations, Drifters, Four Tops, Coasters and others. With great costumes and even better choreography, The Best of Motown and More will have you dancing and jiving all night. Click here to purchase tickets.
Waco Wonderland
Head over to Heritage Square, located at 311 Austin Avenue in downtown Waco for the 11th annual Waco Wonderland Festival. This free event, sponsored by City of Waco and other community partners and organizations, will run from Dec. 1-3. Numerous attractions will be featured, such as the tree lighting ceremony, snow tube hill, wonder wheel, petting zoo and live music. The Mistletoe Vendor Market is a must-see and will feature a variety of local vendors on site that will be selling art, jewelry, clothes and plenty of Waco’s best food and drink merchants. The event will also feature The Santa House, where all festival goers will have the chance to meet Santa and take photos in his hand-crafted wooden house. For more information, visit their website.
Christmas on the Brazos
The Historic Waco Foundation is celebrating their annual Christmas on the Brazos event on December 2. From 6:30-9:30 p.m., the Johnson Taylor House, 1705 North 5th Street, will be decked out for a night of great food and Christmas cheer. Head inside to their Pape Gardens for their sit-down dinner, which will be provided by University High. More details will be provided at a later date, so check their website.
Christmas Lights in the Village
Reliant Energy Waco is partnering with the Mayborn Museum Complex to present their fourth annual Christmas Lights in the Village event. On December 8-10 and 15-17, head over to the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village, 1300 S University Parks Dr, and walk through their enchanting historic village. Enjoy their petting zoo, Christmas train and get a chance to sit and talk with Santa Claus. Click here for more information.
Breakfast with Santa
Hohoho, guess who’s coming to town? Historic Waco is back and hosting their annual Breakfast with Santa event on December 9. From 9 a.m.-12 p.m., head over to Lee Lockwood Library, 2801 West Waco Drive, to grab some delicious food and fun photos with Santa Claus himself. Activities and crafts will be available, as well as a vendor market. Tickets start at $5, and will be available for purchase either online or at the door. More information will be available later on, so check back to their website.
