Holidays Events in Waco
There really is nothing like the holiday season. The nights get longer, the food gets
yummier and the cocoa gets warmer while the weather gets colder. Add all of that up
and you have the magical months of November and December, when memories are
made and the long year comes to a wonderful, soothing end.
Yes, nothing comes close to the festive energy of the last two months of the year. And
there really is nothing like spending that truly special time in Waco, Texas. While the
city isn’t known for becoming a winter wonderland (usually), it has a slew of marvelous,
family-friendly events all around town. From skating to Christmas music and eating
with Santa Claus to partaking in a 5K run and spending Thanksgiving with family and
new friends, there is something for everyone in Waco. Just one holiday season in Waco
will make you happy to call this town your ho-ho-home.
Here’s all the things that will give reason to be festive deep in the heart of Texas this
year.
Deck the Halls Story Time with Santa - November 6
You can’t celebrate Christmas without Santa Claus and this year, Santa is coming early.
The Junior League of Waco is once again hosting Deck the Halls Story Time with ol’
Saint Nick himself running the festivities. This family-friendly event is unlike any other:
kids gather around in their best Christmas pajamas and listen to a brand new book read
aloud before using reindeer food stations to create something yummy for Rudolph and
the rest of his flying flock who will be arriving in just a few weeks. Is there anything
better than watching a bunch of kids get into the holiday spirit and enjoy themselves?
No, there is not and Story Time with Santa proves it.
Waco Turkey Trot - Thursday, November 25
A 5K marathon isn’t easy. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and energy. But the
feeling you have after finishing a 5K is unlike anything else. Waco residents and guests
will be able to enjoy that rush of adrenaline and pride as they push through the Waco
Trukey Trot. This annual tradition finds runners from all over Texas and the country
coming together on Thanksgiving afternoon to run or walk the epic course.
Yes, it'll be an exhausting - and rewarding - experience but you won’t walk away emptyhanded.
Aside from the positive emotions you’ll feel, you’ll also leave the marathon with
a free donut. That should go perfectly with your Thanksgiving dinner!
The Big Christmas Expo - November 20
Shopping, food, the best of Waco entertainment - there are few events as good as the Big
Christmas Expo. This is the greatest place to find local businesses, snacks, vendors, and
rare holiday finds. Whether you’re trying to find that unique Christmas present or
decorations for your home, you’ll find it at the Big Christmas Expo. Plus, there are
round-the-clock giveaways to make you feel even merrier. Best of all, this entire holly
jolly event is free when you RSVP so make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.
Family Paint Night - Painting with a Twist - Wednesday,
November 24
If you’re looking for a new, novel way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Waco this year, you
need to make sure to attend Family Paint Night at Painting with a Twist. Gather up your
group and let them decorate their very own canvases or ceramic turkeys. You will be
creating new memories and family heirlooms while sharing in the warmth and laughter
of others. People forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving far too often. Sitting down
with your loved ones and having a blast together is a great way to remember the reason
for this cheerful holiday.
Homestead Fair 2021 - November 26-28
Ring in the joy of the holiday season with this truly one-of-a-kind Central Texas
experience! The Homestead Fair is an outstanding way to see DIY demonstrations, shop
for new hand-crafted home goods, enjoy wonderful local musicians and partake in
seminars about creating community and refining home-making skills. The Homestead
Fair is a splendid way to connect with fellow Texans interested in your favorite hobbies
as the most cheerful season of the year rolls around.
Christmas on 5th Street - December 2
Experience the bright lights and joyous atmosphere of the holiday season with Baylor’s
Christmas on 5th Street. The beautiful trail of lights will take you all over downtown and
through the iconic and gorgeous Baylor campus. As you wander through some of the
most beautiful sights of Waco, you will also have a chance to skate on an ice rink, enjoy
holiday-themed face painting, dine at local food trucks, and even ride in a horse-drawn
carriage. It doesn’t matter if it’s still bright and sunny and 80 degrees outside, this oneof-
a-kind Waco event will definitely make it feel like Christmas.
Christmas Lights in the Village - December 11
The Mayborn Museum is bringing back its wildly successful Christmas Lights in the
Village and that’s a cause for serious celebration. You and your friends and family can
take a walk through a historic village featuring thousands upon thousands of lights, an
authentic petting zoo, Santa Claus, and so much more. This spectacular night time event
was incredibly popular last year and there is little doubt it’ll sell out quickly this time.
Cameron Park Zoo Holiday Scavenger Hunt - December 11
Search for clues and learn about your favorite lovable animals at Waco’s very own world
famous Cameron Park Zoo. For just $20, your team can enter the event and let the
raucous, wild fun begin. Explore the entire zoo in a mad-cap, fast-paced scavenger hunt
that also comes with a free stuffed animal and an ample bar filled with adult beverages
to make the proceedings just a bit more fun. Best of all, the money raised will benefit the
Education Department and will go towards the brand new Cameron Park Zoo Education
Building.
Lights of West - November 19 through December 31
While there are many Christmas light displays throughout all of Waco (including, yes,
an incredibly popular one at the Magnolia Silos) few come close to the glory and beauty
of Lights of West. This unique display of Christmas cheer is only a few years old but it’s
already become a mainstay for so many families. Expect to see a long line waiting to get
in every single night. Featuring more than 100 scenes, 70 Christmas trees, and over one
million lights, this is a Texas experience you won’t soon forget. For just $35, your entire
family can drive through the vibrant winter wonderland while sipping on hot cocoa or
enjoying a delicious snack (all provided at the beginning of the drive for just a few
bucks). Turn up the holiday music, roll down your windows, and feel the Christmas
spirit wash over you.
