It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Waco!
Snow days and red-nosed reindeer may be rare in Central Texas, but Christmas cheer is abundant all around. Whether you’re booking a getaway for the holidays or are a local looking for a festive way to spend the day, Waco is teeming with the tradition and nostalgia of the season.
From our very own event at the Silos to unforgettable experiences like lights at the zoo, we invite you to celebrate the holiday season with us here in our hometown.
Christmas at the Silos
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (at the Silos). Every corner is already glowing with the wonder of the season, from evergreen wreaths and velvet bows to twinkling lights and silver bells.
Get your wishlists ready, because Santa Claus himselfOpens in new tab is coming to town from 12-5pm every Friday and Saturday this season. You can also send him a letter at one of our North Pole-bound mail boxes. Mrs. Claus will be around too, making appearances December 6, 7, 13, and 20 for a holly jolly storytime hosted inside of The Old Church.
This year, we’ve added even more Christmas cheer to the grounds, including our brand-new holiday shop for seasonal decor, gift wrap, and more. Magnolia Market also got a very merry makeover! This winter, we’re exploring the theme of reflection: looking back in order to see a clearer way forward. Our flagship store is dressed in the nostalgia and wonder of the season, reflecting beloved traditions through handcrafted displays and a curated collection of products. Explore the scenery—and get inspired to foster festivity at home—anytime in the Market through February. Or, read more about how our team brought the install to life and shop the collection right here online.
Psst… Try our holiday menu items at Magnolia Table, Press, and Baking Co. starting November 26.
Festive Fun in Waco
Once you’ve made your list, checked it twice, and crossed off gifts for the loved ones in your life—it’s time to explore! Here are a few standout events being offered in Waco this year:
North Pole Palooza
November 24-December 17, 2024
Select evenings through mid-December, the Extraco Events Center is hosting an immersive Christmas experience—with attractions like ice skating, gingerbread house building, a petting zoo, and an ice bar.
The Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour
November 29-December 29, 2024
The Waco Trolley takes the guesswork out of late-night-Christmas-light drives. Join in on a 90-minute tour of the best displays in the area (plus free hot cocoa) for up to 27 people.
Wild Lights
November 29-31, 2024, Thursday-Sunday from 6-9pm
Enjoy the largest light display in Waco…while at the zoo! Our local, award-winning natural habitat zoo is home to more than 300 animal species—and over 3 million Christmas lights around the property.
Waco Hippodrome Theatre
December 1-24, 2024
Waco’s long-standing source for live entertainment, the Hippodrome hosts holly jolly performances throughout the month of December each year—including shows like Christmas with Elvis, nativity concerts, and a one-of-a-kind comedy show, “The Nuttier Cracker.”
Christmas on 5th
December 5, 2024 (time TBA)
One of Baylor’s most-loved annual traditions, Christmas on 5th welcomes the season with free offerings like a holiday marketplace, petting zoo, live music, food trucks, photo opportunities, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Downtown Tree Lighting + Waco Wonderland
December 6, 2024 from 5-10pm, December 7, 2024 from 10am-10pm, December 8, 2024 from 12-6pm
Kick off the first night of Waco Wonderland with the annual tree lighting ceremony (at 7pm, Dec. 6) in the heart of downtown. Find food trucks, photo ops, fireworks, and more! The next two days of the event are packed with family fun—from a festive parade to a ferris wheel and (artificial) snow tubing.
A Dr Pepper Christmas
December 8, 2024 from 6-9pm
Celebrate the season with America’s oldest major soft drink. Admission is free to explore the museum (or snow machine) during this time, or check out their event-only offerings like Holiday Make-A-Soda and hot Dr Pepper.
Christmas Lights in the Village
December 13-15 and 20-22, 2024 from 6-8:30pm
Experience a 1890s Christmas village inside the Mayborn Museum. Here you can catch a ride on the Christmas train, pick up seasonal snacks from local food trucks, and write cards to Central Texas senior citizens.
The Nutcracker
December 14, 2024 at 7pm and December 15, 2024 at 2pm
Presented by the Waco Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Frontier, this full-length production brings a treasured Christmas tradition to Waco Hall.
However you choose to spend your time in our hometown, we hope you take the opportunity to eat, drink—and be merry. Happy Holidays!
