Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is making several appearances all weekend, so if you haven’t had your picture taken with him, now is your chance! The Christmas season is in full-swing with a variety of holiday-themed things to do in Waco and tons of live music in store as well. As always, we want to know what you’re up to so tag us @WACOAN and use our hashtag, #WacoWeekend, for a chance to be featured in Monday’s recap.
All Weekend
Learn what Christmas is all about as you watch Charles Dickens’ timeless tale “A Christmas Carol” brought to life at the Jubilee Theatre. Join the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future as they take Scrooge on a journey to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets cost $7 for children ages 3-11, $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Call 753-4900 for details. Tickets are available for purchase at missionwaco.brushfire.com.
Join the Brazos Theatre for its annual Christmas Radio Show Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a holiday reception of mulled wine and hors d’oeuvres. Then, the show begins at 7:30 p.m., featuring two Christmas classics: “Miracle on 34th Street” and “A Christmas Carol.” For admission prices and more information, visit brazostheatre.com.
The Central Texas Area Model Railroaders invite you to hop aboard the Mayborn Express! This mini-train will delight everyone from the very young to the young at heart. Admire the Mayborn Museum’s special Christmas display that features the past and the present as well as elaborate scenes of bridges, trestles, cities and towns. Grab your conductor hat and operate the small train track or enjoy the large G-scale train layout. Visit maybornmuseum.com for more information.
Thursday, December 14
Don’t watch the holiday favorite “Home Alone” at home alone. Grab your friends or family and enjoy Holidays at the Hippodrome. Watch Kevin McCallister booby-trap his house after his family accidentally leaves for a trip without him. Show times are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $3. For details, visit wacohippodrometheatre.com.
Delicious food and great company, what’s not to love? Cultivate 7TWELVE will host Dinner with Milo at 7:12 p.m. This farm to table event evokes a feeling of community while enjoying scrumptious food prepared with help from local farmers. Large platters invite everyone to converse with others at the table. Dinner costs $75. Visit waco7twelve.com to sign up and learn more.
Friday, December 15
Santa is testing the Waco Transit System (301 South 8th Street) to prep for his big night. Stop by from 1-4:30 p.m. for the 6th annual Santa at the Station. Snap a picture with Santa or get your face painted. This year, the Texas Best Entertainment/Mobile DJs and Uplighting will provide all your favorite holiday music. Remember to make the most of this free event. To learn more, visit wacotransitsystem.com.
Saturday, December 16
Start your morning with good food and cheer at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. Grab some friends and see if you can decide what your absolute favorite part is. The market is located at 500 Washington Ave and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
No family Christmas portrait is complete without a picture with Santa, and your furry friends are no exception. Grab your pet of any age or breed, a leash and proof of vaccination before heading to meet Santa Claus at Fuzzy Friends Rescue. While this event is free, a $5 donation will guarantee you an official picture with Santa. This event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out Fuzzy Friends Rescue’s Facebook page for a full list of requirements for your pets.
Grab your kids and your roller blades, Santa is coming! Skate Country Waco presents Skate with Santa from 2-6 p.m. Don’t forget to get a picture with Santa while you’re gliding around. Admission costs $9. For details, visit skatecountrywaco.com.
The Susanna Wesley House invites you to its annual Santa on the Porch. Chat with Santa Claus while sipping hot cocoa and snacking on Christmas desserts. To enhance the holiday spirit, Christmas tunes will fill the air and Christmas light decorations will be on display. This is a free, come-and-go event from 4-6 p.m. at 1703 Sanger Ave. The Susanna Wesley House is part of the Missional Wisdom Foundation. Visit missionalwisdom.com to learn more.
Waco Civic Theatre proudly presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” When a couple tries to put on a Christmas pageant while also dealing with some difficult children, hilarious mayhem ensues. Performances will begin at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $8. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, visit wacocivictheatre.org.
Sunday, December 17
Whether you’re visiting Waco or you’ve spent your entire life here, check out the Walking Tour: Waco Downtown History Walk. For two hours, enjoy a leisurely stroll downtown where your guide will narrate the stories of Waco’s history, legends and lore. Learn more about this great city and discover eating and shopping recommendations from your expert guide. Meet at the McLennan County Courthouse parking lot around 1:45 or 1:50 p.m. to check in before the walk begins at 2 p.m. A $15 donation is suggested. Dogs are welcome. For the exact meeting location and for more details, call 313-2488 or visit Facebook.com/wacowalkingtours.
A little Christmas cheer is at the heart of the Waco Civic Theatre’s “The Most Wonderful Show of the Year.” Spend your afternoon with this Christmas show featuring singing and dancing to some holiday favorites. Tickets cost $5 for children and $15 for adults. The performance will begin at 2:30 p.m. Visit wacocivictheatre.org to purchase tickets.
And don’t forget about the sports action happening this weekend! Show your support for the Men’s Basketball team as the Baylor Bears face Savannah State. The game begins at 2 p.m. in the Ferrell Center.
Live Music
Thursday
• Pat McKee and Trammell Kelly (Jazz), DiamondBack’s, 6 p.m.
• “Piano Man” Russell Boyd, The Backyard, 9 p.m.
Friday
• The Ballous Cats (Eclectic), Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon, 8 p.m.
• Dave Wild Trio (Christmas Jazz), Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro, 8 p.m.
• Amy Hooper (Rock/Country), Kissing Tree Vineyards, 7 p.m.
• Randall King (Country), The Backyard, 8:30 p.m., $10-15
• Divad Nedloh (Rock), La Fiesta, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
• DJ JoJo, The Backyard, $5 for anyone under 21 after 7 p.m.
• Red Watterson and Joe LeBlanc (Jazz), Kissing Tree Vineyards, 7 p.m.
• Tim & Jessica (Folk), La Fiesta, 7:30 p.m.
• Bruce Carbonara (Sinatra-style), Valley Mills Vineyards, 8 p.m.
• Landon Bullard (Country), Melody Ranch, 10 p.m.
Sunday
• Sing-along of Handel’s Messiah, Seventh & James Baptist Church, 3 p.m.
• John Dempsy and Oliver White (Americana), The Backyard, 1 p.m.
