Winter in Waco

How to Holiday in Waco, Tx

Waco is a wonderland during the holiday season, so if you need any excuses to grab the whole family and go get into the spirit of things, start now. Even those just visiting in the winter are in for a treat – this city offers a ton of festive things to do around Christmastime! If you missed out on the whimsical Waco Wonderland downtown celebration there is still so much to do to get into the holiday mood!

Christmas lights done right-

Waco Trolley can take you on the best tour of Christmas Lights in Waco, Texas. Their Waco Christmas Lights Tour features a 28-person trolley that is perfect for any amount of guests.

Driving around and looking at Christmas lights is an excellent pastime for many families and The Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour lets you see the best Christmas lights displays in the greater Waco area. The nostalgic Waco Trolley bus is decorated in a Christmas-style theme, and each guest is welcome to complimentary hot cocoa. The Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour is perfect for families, friends, holiday parties, and even corporate events. This tour is seasonal and is offered during the last weeks of December. By sitting back and relaxing on the trolley for the full 90 minutes, you can let them do the driving so that everyone can enjoy the scenery.

If you would prefer to do the driving-

Most Wacoans have driven along Highway 84 near McGregor and would probably recognize Roger and Lana Schmidt’s home. The couple has been decorating their home since the early 2000s. Over the last 20 years, it’s expanded to include hundreds of thousands of lights, along with dozens of blow-ups and hand-made decorations. They were even showcased on America’s Great Christmas Light Fight a few years ago. It’s estimated that thousands of people come to see their lights every year, which are on until early January. The Schmidts collect donations for Fuzzy Friends— with last year’s totaling more than $10,000. If you would like to go check out the impressive holiday light display, they are located at 20 Oak Creek Circle in McGregor.

Don’t forget the drinks -

Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits bar has turned into a Christmas wonderland. It’s called Spirit of Cheers! With an all new menu including the Howdy Santa, Lucky Cat Claus, and Yule Ball Butterbeer + many more you won’t want to miss out on this. Everything has been wrapped and holiday-a-fied to match the aesthetic of the season. Walk through a life size gingerbread and into a magical wonderland. Also, check out their delicious seasonal coffee drinks that are sure to warm up your heart.

SPIRIT OF CHEERS HOURS
Mon - Thurs: 5p - 12a
Fri - Sat: 3P - 1A
Sun: 3P - 12a

Christmas with the city-

Travel the world without leaving Waco by participating in the City of Waco free Holidays Around the World program. Stop by our City community centers on December 13, 14, 19 and 21 to experience interactive displays, featuring holiday traditions from across the globe. Enjoy cultural crafts and activities at each station, learn fun facts, and fill your passport with stamps as you go.

How it works:

1. Pick up your free passport at any of our three community centers (Bledsoe-Miller, Dewey or South Waco).

2. Stop by each center on December 13, 14, 19 and 21 to "visit" their featured countries. Note: Countries will be different at each location.

3. Fill your passport with stamps as you "travel" through each country.

4. Earn an exclusive "Holidays Around the World" ornament after you've completed your journey at each site.

For program hours and additional info, visit: https://fb.me/e/2c1gIRlfz

Silo Shopping-

It’s a month of merry at the Silos from NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 30, 2022! We’ve got all sorts of fun planned to keep you in the Christmas spirit. Bring your loved ones and let’s delight in the holiday season together.Cross a few items off your shopping list and take in all the holiday-themed festivities at Magnolia Market. Get something from the on-site food trucks and stick around for a screening of a timeless holiday movie in the evening, which you’ll need to purchase a ticket for. If you’re a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines or you’re looking for a fun way to spend part of your holidays in Waco, don’t miss Christmas at the Silos.

Support Small Business-

With the holiday spirit around every corner and people out shopping everywhere, this seems like the perfect time to show a little love to Small Waco businesses. Most of our shops, eateries and other businesses are small and locally owned.

Cottontail Jones - 1025 Austin Ave. +

Cottontail Jones was born in 2016 out of the desire to open a unique one-of-a-kind business in Waco combined with the owner's obsession with kids' clothes. They have carefully curated unique clothing, toys, and accessories from all over the world. Their clothing lines are simple, organic, well-crafted items that can be used for years to come. They also have an online store in addition to their Austin location.

Cactus Rose - 930 Austin Ave.

From traveling to Argentina as a flight attendant and falling in love with floral leather products Cactus Rose owner, Martha, decided to take her passion for women's clothing and leather goods to the next level. From what started as a traveling booth at horse shows, rodeos, and country fairs across the country has bloomed into a unique, stylish boutique in Waco. Cactus Rose is the perfect combination of boho and western styles that caters to today's stylish women-regardless of age. Located only blocks away from Magnolia, you can find an array of purses, jackets, shoes, boots, and signature clothing brands handpicked by Martha. Due to popular demand, you can still find Martha taking Cactus Rose on the road to stay involved in the rodeo and livestock community. Come in and we know you will fall in love with this style as much as Martha did.

Simply Irresistible - 1018 Austin Ave.

A locally owned shop featuring gifts & home décor including farmhouse, primitive, industrial, and vintage finds. A wide variety of clothing and jewelry is available Pretty in Pink Flamingo Boutique - 611 Washington Ave. + The owner's love of flamingos and fashion have come together in one of downtown Waco's most charming buildings. The shop is located in the newly renovated Curry Office Supply Building only blocks away from Magnolia. The building survived the tornado in 1953 and two fires and is well loved by Waco residents. When renovating, much of the original charm of the building was attempted to keep. Pretty in Pink Flamingo carries a wide selection of women's apparel from dresses to athletic wear, shoes, jewelry and accessories, as well as children's clothing, home decor, and gifts even for Fido. Stop by and see why this boutique is truly a unique, chic boutique.

Sparrow-Waco - 930 Austin Ave.

Sparrow is a vintage treasure hunt with vendors spaces that are filled with random weirdness. Each vendor shows off personality through unique style, inventory, and products. We specialize in gifts, furniture, handmade goods, local artisan creations.

Mainstream Boutique - 600 Franklin Ave.

Mainstream Boutique of Waco is a locally owned franchise boutique. Our Mission: Empower, strengthen, and celebrate the women of our community. Cameron Trading Company - 618 Austin Ave. + Two floors of antiques, collectibles, vintage, shabby chic, and more.

Twisted Sisters Shoetique - 710 Austin Ave.

A boutique with unique and fashion forward wardrobe. Always bringing in new upcoming styles.

Cultivate 7Twelve– 712 Austin Ave.

Cultivate’s main gallery features art exhibitions that rotate monthly to showcase the work of Waco’s many talented artists. All artwork in the exhibitions is for sale, and 65% of the proceeds return to the artist. Purchasable goods made by local artists and artisans are also featured in our retail space at the front of the gallery. These unique works make perfect gifts for friends and family. If you’re looking to expand your artistic abilities, Cultivate 7Twelve hosts weekly figure drawing, as well as occasional workshops.

For more check out Wacotodo.com