Merry Christmas, Waco! In addition to gatherings of family and friends, there are plenty of fun events going on this weekend and lots of opportunities to check out some live music. Be sure to tag us @wacoan and use our hashtag, #WacoWeekend so we can be a part of the fun, too. Enjoy!
All Weekend
Need new ornaments for your Christmas tree? Stanton Studios is the place for you with the Blow Your Own Christmas Ornament workshop. Choose from dozens of color and design combinations to create a truly unique ornament. And of course, they always make great gifts. Appointments are available both Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 800/619-4882 to reserve your spot for this festive event!
Take a trip to the North Pole via the Waco Hippodrome Theatre as they present “The Polar Express” Friday through Sunday for Holidays at the Hippodrome. Enjoy the family-friendly movie with popcorn or hot cocoa brought right to your seat. Tickets cost $3. Check wacohippodrometheatre.com for the full list of showings and to purchase tickets.
Thursday, December 21 – Saturday, December 23
Get in the holiday spirit with the Paper for Pours Charity Drive. Bring paper towels, facial tissue and toilet paper to Balcones Distillery and receive a $5 discount at the bar. Donations go to Caritas of Waco to help those in need this holiday. Each customer is limited to one discount per day. This charity drive will occur Thursday through Saturday from 2-7 p.m. Visit facebook.com/BalconesDistillery for more information.
Thursday, December 21
Bring the kiddos by the Mayborn Museum Complex for Santa’s Magic Bells Puppet Show at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Santa’s magic bells are missing, and his hyper elf, Ringle, must find them. After the show by Ware House Puppets, enjoy various holiday-themed, interactive activities throughout the museum. Tickets cost the price of admission to the museum. For details, visit maybornmuseum.com.
Christmas spirit is bigger than any Grinch—just ask Cindy Lou Who. The Waco Hippodrome Theatre presents the live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Showtimes are at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $3 and are available at wacohippodrometheatre.com.
Head over to Cameron Park Zoo for the holiday favorite movie, “The Polar Express” from 5-7 p.m. Admission for the movie costs $5 for nonmembers. Members get in free with a current membership or temporary pass and photo ID for entry. All exhibits will be closed since the movie will take place at night. Visit cameronparkzoo.com for more information.
Friday, December 22
The Mayborn Museum Complex will host Christmas Songs and Stories. Learn about the story of Martin Luther and the first Christmas tree as well as the story behind the Christmas hymn, “Silent Night.” This 30-minute event will take place in the Village Church at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. To learn more, visit facebook.com/MaybornMuseumComplex.
Saturday, December 23
Skate to your heart’s content and help fill Santa’s bag with toys at the 10th annual Jingle Jam at Gnarly’s Skate Shop from 12-5 p.m. Donations will go to children in the community. Throughout the event, participate in various competitions, including Best 3 Trick Line and a game of S.A.N.T.A. Admission is one new toy donation. For details, visit facebook.com/gnarlys.shop.
Cheer on the Midway panthers against the CY-Fair Bobcats at the 6A-Division II Football State Final. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Pregame activities begin at 6 p.m. Catch the game live on the radio at 1660 AM. For details about tickets and for more information, visit midwaypanthers.org/2017/12/17/6a-division-ii-state-final-information.
Calling all Charlie Brown fans! If you want a live Peanuts Christmas, then make your way to Valley Mills Vineyards. The Dave Wild Trio presents Charlie Brown Christmas Songbook. Listen to the Dave Wild Trio’s renditions of Vince Guaraldi’s classic compositions. Enjoy a glass of VMV’s world-class wine and hang out at the Christmas Party in your Christmas attire — be it an ugly sweater or pajamas with a Santa hat. This free event begins at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 24
Wrap last-minute presents, celebrate your Christmas Eve traditions, sing Christmas carols and go to sleep early so Santa can deliver his presents.
Monday, December 25
Merry Christmas! Celebrate with those you love, open presents, spread holiday joy, eat delicious food and top it off with a holiday movie.
Live Music
Thursday
• Pat McKee and Trammell Kelly (jazz), DiamondBack’s, 6 p.m.
• Live Music, The Grape, 7 p.m.
• The Brazos Brothers (eclectic), Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro, 7 p.m.
• “Piano Man” Russell Boyd (pianist), The Backyard, 9 p.m.
Friday
• Live Music, The Grape, 7 p.m.
• Donna Beckham (country/rock/blues), Kissing Tree Vineyards, 7 p.m.
• Eric and Thomas Unplugged (country), La Fiesta, 7:30 p.m.
• Dustin Terral (acoustic), Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon, 8 p.m.
• Billy Holt Band (country/dance), The Backyard, 9 p.m.
Saturday
• Pat McKee and Trammell Kelly (jazz), Kissing Tree Vineyards, 7 p.m.
• Tim Allen’s Bluestime (blues/blues rock), Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon, 8 p.m.
• Jarrod Dickenson (Americana/soul/rock), Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, 8 p.m., $10
• Los Roachez (rock/pop), The Backyard, 9 p.m.
• Jon Wolfe with Bubba Westly (country), The Melody Ranch, 9:30 p.m., $10
