Happy Holidays, Waco! We have plenty of live music plus some great events for you, including “The Most Wonderful Show of the Year,” North Pole Express and a Michael Hix Christmas party. Let us know what you’re up to by tagging @wacoan and using our hashtag, #WacoWeekend. You just might be featured in Monday’s Waco Weekend Recap. For more events, head over to our website at wacoan.com or check out our magazine at magazine.wacoan.com. Enjoy!
Throughout the Weekend
Don’t miss any of the fantastic holiday events happening around Waco throughout December. Waco Wonderland kicked off the celebration November 30 through December 2, but that was only the beginning. Downtown Waco celebrates the holidays with food, fun and cheer all month long. Check out wacowonderland.com/downtown-in-december for a full list of events happening downtown during December.
Can you feel the magic in the air? Experience the delightful production of “The Most Wonderful Show of the Year,” presented by Waco Civic Theatre. The Christmas variety show is great fun for the whole family. Singers, dancers and more will perform a wide array of numbers. Tickets cost $5 for children and $15 for adults. Shows are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit wacocivictheatre.org.
Kiddieland Waco invites you to its own North Pole Express. Enjoy train rides, cocoa, snacks, Christmas lights and readings of “The Polar Express” each hour. The event will take place Friday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. Train rides cost $3 per person. Children age 4 and under ride free with a paid adult. Visit facebook.com/kiddielandwaco to learn more.
Thursday, December 20
Have a glass of wine and spend a relaxing evening listening to Ryan Paul Davis. He will fill the room with good music covering blues, roots and Americana. Watch him perform at The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro from 6:30-9:30 p.m. For more information about the artist, visit facebook.com/ryanpauldavismusic.
Live Music
• Evan Klaras & Greg Bashara (jazz), Balcones Distillery, 5 p.m.
• Pat McKee & Trammell Kelly (jazz), DiamondBack’s, 6 p.m.
• Lauren January & Nate Rodriguez (Americana), La Fiesta, 7 p.m.
• Johnny Joe Ramos (country), The Backyard, 8 p.m.
Friday, December 21
Stand up and cheer on the Baylor Bears! The Baylor Men’s Basketball team will play the Oregon Ducks. Catch the game at the Ferrell Center at 6 p.m.
Join Waco Hippodrome for an unforgettable Michael Hix Christmas Party. Dubbed as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” Hix will fill you with holiday spirit. The show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets cost between $20 and $35. Visit wacohippodrometheatre.com for details.
Grab a friend and head to Big’s Mayberry Tavern for some kickin’ music by Mike Gilbert. His shows are a medley of good ol’ Texas music and ’90s country with a dash of ’70s singer-songwriters. The music will start at 8 p.m. Visit facebook.com/mikegilbertmusic to learn more about the artist.
Analog Waco invites you to The Darkest Night of the Year, an experiment in confessional storytelling. Embrace the stories told on the night of the winter solstice. The free event starts at 8:30 p.m. at Cultivate 7twelve. For additional information, visit facebook.com/analogwaco.
Live Music
• Live Music, Taste by Kissing Tree Vineyards, 6 p.m.
• Dave Wild & Chuck Jennings (Christmas jazz), Kissing Tree Vineyards, 7 p.m.
• Live Music, The Grape, 7 p.m.
• Dirty Echoes (pop), La Fiesta, 7 p.m.
• Towne Adams Band (country/Americana), Waco Winery, 8 p.m.
• Dustin Terral (country), Papa Joe’s, 8 p.m.
• People’s Choice Band (country), Smiley’s Country Club, 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 22
You don’t want to miss the last Waco Downtown Farmers Market of 2018! Hit the vendors, try their delicious food and maybe buy some last-minute gifts. No matter what you do, you’re sure to have a good time. The farmers market will be located at 500 Washington Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The one, the only Holly Tucker will perform A Holly Tucker Christmas at Kissing Tree Vineyards. Hear Tucker sing her top hits, favorite gospel songs and Christmas songs. The intimate concert will be from 7-10 p.m. Tickets cost $75 and include a five-course meal. Visit facebook.com/kissingtreevineyards to purchase tickets.
Live Music
• Live Music, Taste by Kissing Tree Vineyards, 6 p.m.
• DJ Magnum, The Hightop at the Hippodrome, 7 p.m.
• Brazos Brothers Band (rock), La Fiesta, 7 p.m.
• Bruce Carbonara (jazz), Sip & Swirl, Valley Mills Vineyards, 8 p.m.
• Michael Saldana (country), Waco Winery, 8 p.m.
• Kayla Ray & The Standards (country), Papa Joe’s, 8 p.m.
• The Steve Smith Group (classic rock/country/blues), Big’s Mayberry Tavern, 8 p.m.
Monday, December 24
Merry Christmas Eve, Waco! Have you checked everything off your list? Buy and wrap presents? Check. Decorate the house and tree? Check. Bake cookies? Check. Sing Christmas carols? Check. Or maybe you have your own set of traditions that bring you joy. Whatever the case may be, try going to bed before Santa makes his appearance.
Tuesday, December 25
The day is finally here! Try not to be a Grinch, because Christmas came just the same. Stay in your cozy pajamas while opening presents or watching a holiday movie. Fill your stomach with scrumptious food and spread good cheer. Celebrate the day with family or friends and enjoy the holiday season.
