This holiday season, Waco, TX, becomes a winter wonderland bursting with festive activities and heartwarming experiences. From the enchanting Waco Wonderland, where downtown is transformed into a winter oasis complete with an ice skating rink, to Santa’s Wonderland, a sprawling attraction that offers hayrides through millions of lights, there's something magical for everyone.
Additionally, Fort Worth's Parade of Lights captivates with its dazzling floats and vibrant atmosphere, bringing together the community in a spirited celebration. Whether you're a local or visiting, Waco's Christmas events promise unforgettable moments filled with holiday cheer.
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The Top Christmas Events in Waco
See these and even more events listed below!Waco Other Holiday Activities
Waco Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink in the heart of Texas
Description:
Waco Wonderland transforms downtown into a winter oasis, complete with an ice skating rink that defies the Texas heat. Glide across the ice under twinkling lights, surrounded by the city's historic architecture. This annual tradition began in 2014, quickly becoming a cherished part of Waco's holiday season. Visitors can also enjoy a towering Christmas tree and snap photos with Santa. The event celebrates Waco's community spirit, bringing together locals and tourists alike for frosty fun in an unexpected setting.
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Nearby Events
Santa’s Wonderland (College Station)
What to Expect:
Texas-sized Christmas experience with hayrides and live music
Description:
Santa's Wonderland sprawls across acres of Texas countryside, offering a distinctly Lone Star take on holiday cheer. Hop aboard a hayride through millions of lights, serenaded by the twang of live country music. This expansive attraction boasts the largest Christmas village in the state, a nod to Texas's "everything's bigger" ethos. You'll encounter life-sized gingerbread houses and can even roast s'mores over open fire pits. The event pays homage to Texas heritage with cowboy-themed decorations and activities throughout.
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Fort Worth Parade of Lights (Fort Worth)
What to Expect:
Texas's largest illuminated holiday parade
Description:
Fort Worth's Parade of Lights illuminates the city with Texas-sized brilliance. As the largest holiday parade in the Southwest, it features over 100 dazzling floats adorned with a million twinkling bulbs. The parade winds through downtown, showcasing Fort Worth's blend of cowboy culture and modern flair. Spectators line the streets, bundled against the crisp night air. This beloved tradition began in 1983 and has grown to attract visitors from across the state. Keep an eye out for the iconic 50-foot Christmas tree that serves as the parade's grand finale.
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Christmas in the Park (Temple)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a historic park
Description:
Christmas in the Park transforms Cameron Park into a luminous wonderland. This drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their vehicles. The winding roads of Waco's oldest public park become a canvas for intricate light displays. Established in 1910, Cameron Park's natural beauty serves as a stunning backdrop for the holiday lights. Tune your radio to a special station for synchronized music as you cruise through the glowing scenes. The event showcases local artistry with handcrafted displays unique to Waco.
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Zach Theatre’s A Christmas Carol (Austin)
What to Expect:
Modern, musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale
Description:
Zach Theatre breathes new life into Dickens' timeless story with a contemporary, musical twist. This vibrant production infuses the classic tale with pop, rock, and soul music, creating a fresh experience for audiences of all ages. The theatre's intimate setting allows for immersive staging, bringing Victorian London to life in the heart of Texas. Zach Theatre, founded in 1932, is Austin's oldest professional theatre company. Witness Scrooge's transformation set to toe-tapping tunes and dazzling choreography in this uniquely Texan take on a holiday staple.
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Zach Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
Peppermint Park (Houston)
What to Expect:
Interactive candy-themed holiday attraction
Description:
Peppermint Park bursts with saccharine charm, offering a candy-coated holiday experience. This confectionery wonderland features larger-than-life candy sculptures and interactive exhibits that engage all five senses. The air is perfumed with the sweet scent of peppermint. Visitors can create their own candy canes or decorate gingerbread houses in hands-on workshops. The park pays homage to Texas's rich candy-making history, featuring displays about local confectioners. Explore a maze made entirely of candy wrappers and snap photos in front of a towering chocolate fountain.
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Dickens on Main (Boerne)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration in historic downtown
Description:
Dickens on Main transports visitors to 19th-century London in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Boerne's charming Main Street becomes a living tableau of Dickensian England, complete with costumed characters and period-appropriate decorations. The air resonates with the sounds of carolers and street performers. Visitors can participate in Victorian-era games or watch demonstrations of traditional crafts. This event, inspired by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," began in 1999 and has since become a beloved local tradition. Stroll through the historic district, marveling at the beautifully preserved architecture adorned for the season.
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Grapevine Christmas Spectacular (Grapevine)
What to Expect:
Elaborate light and sound show on historic Main Street
Description:
Grapevine, the "Christmas Capital of Texas," dazzles with its Christmas Spectacular. The historic Main Street becomes a canvas for an intricate light and sound show, with buildings serving as projection screens for animated holiday scenes. This technologically advanced display seamlessly blends with the town's vintage charm. Grapevine's rich history, dating back to 1844, provides a unique backdrop for this modern spectacle. Visitors can ride the North Pole Express, a vintage railroad decked out in holiday splendor. The event showcases Grapevine's commitment to preserving its past while embracing innovative celebrations.
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Grapevine Christmas Spectacular
Trail of Lights (Austin)
What to Expect:
55-year-old Austin tradition with over 2 million lights
Description:
Austin's Trail of Lights illuminates Zilker Park with a dazzling display of over two million bulbs. This 55-year-old tradition has evolved into a mile-long walking trail featuring more than 70 displays and lighted tunnels. The event pays homage to Austin's eclectic culture with locally-inspired exhibits and live music performances. Visitors can spin under the iconic Zilker Tree, a 155-foot-tall structure made from a moonlight tower. The trail showcases Austin's commitment to sustainability, utilizing energy-efficient LED lights throughout the displays.
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Johnson City Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)
What to Expect:
Small town transformed into a glowing tribute to LBJ
Description:
Johnson City's Lights Spectacular bathes the hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson in a warm glow. The entire courthouse square becomes a radiant tribute to the 36th president, with over a million lights adorning the historic buildings. This small-town celebration began in 1989 and has since become a beloved Hill Country tradition. Visitors can explore the illuminated Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters, a nod to LBJ's role in rural electrification. The event blends holiday cheer with historical significance, offering a unique perspective on Texas political history.
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Johnson City Lights Spectacular
Christmas Stroll (Georgetown)
What to Expect:
Historic downtown Georgetown transformed into a Victorian-era Christmas village
Description:
Georgetown's Christmas Stroll transports visitors to a bygone era, transforming the most beautiful town square in Texas into a Victorian Christmas village. The event showcases the city's well-preserved 19th-century architecture, adorned with period-appropriate decorations. Costumed characters roam the streets, bringing history to life. Visitors can ride in horse-drawn carriages or watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. The Stroll, which began in 1980, celebrates Georgetown's rich heritage while fostering community spirit. Sample roasted chestnuts as you admire the intricate details of the Williamson County Courthouse, the centerpiece of this charming celebration.
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Old Town Christmas Festival (Leander)
What to Expect:
Celebration of pioneer Christmas traditions in historic Waco
Description:
The Old Town Christmas Festival in Waco offers a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. Set in Heritage Square, this event recreates a pioneer Christmas, complete with historical reenactments and traditional crafts. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air. Visitors can try their hand at candle dipping or watch blacksmiths forge period-accurate decorations. This festival, established in 1995, honors Waco's rich history dating back to its founding in 1849. Experience the simple joys of a 19th-century Christmas, far removed from modern commercialism.
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Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)
What to Expect:
Two-mile drive-through light experience with animated displays
Description:
Prairie Lights transforms Lynn Creek Park into a glowing spectacle spanning two miles. This drive-through experience features four million lights and hundreds of custom-designed displays. Animated scenes bring holiday stories to life, creating a dynamic visual journey. The event, which began in 2005, has become a staple of Grand Prairie's holiday season. Visitors can pause midway through the drive to explore the Holiday Village, complete with concessions and carnival rides. Prairie Lights showcases the creativity of local artists who design many of the unique displays.
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Santa’s Ranch (New Braunfels)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with Texas-themed exhibits
Description:
Santa's Ranch offers a distinctly Texan take on holiday lights. This drive-through experience spans over a mile, featuring more than 1.5 million lights arranged in whimsical displays. Texas pride shines through with exhibits showcasing the state's icons and history. The ranch, which opened in 2003, has become a cherished Hill Country tradition. Visitors can tune their radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. Keep an eye out for the 50-foot-tall Christmas tree and the animated recreation of Natural Bridge Caverns, a nod to local landmarks.
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Holiday in the Park (Arlington)
What to Expect:
Six Flags theme park transformed into a winter wonderland
Description:
Holiday in the Park reimagines Six Flags Over Texas as a winter paradise. Millions of twinkling lights adorn the park's iconic rides and attractions, creating a dazzling contrast to the thrilling coasters. This event, which began in 1985, offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and adrenaline-pumping excitement. Visitors can enjoy seasonal shows, including a nightly tree-lighting ceremony. The park pays homage to Texas's diverse holiday traditions with themed areas representing different cultures. Brave the Texas Chiller, a 200-foot free-fall drop tower, for a heart-pounding view of the illuminated landscape.
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Austin’s German Christmas Market & Festival (Austin)
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas market in the heart of Texas
Description:
Austin's German Christmas Market Festival brings a slice of European tradition to the Lone Star State. This event recreates the charm of traditional German Weihnachtsmärkte, complete with wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts and authentic cuisine. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked strudel and mulled wine. Visitors can enjoy live performances of German folk music and dance. The festival, which began in 2015, honors Austin's German heritage dating back to the 1840s. Try your hand at making traditional ornaments in craft workshops or sample Glühwein while browsing unique holiday gifts.
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Austin’s German Christmas Market & Festival
Christmas Wine Affair (Fredericksburg)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed wine tasting tour of Texas Hill Country wineries
Description:
The Christmas Wine Affair offers a sophisticated twist on holiday celebrations. This self-guided tour allows wine enthusiasts to explore the picturesque Texas Hill Country while sampling festive vintages. Participating wineries deck their tasting rooms with holiday decor, creating a cozy atmosphere for sipping and socializing. The event showcases the region's burgeoning wine industry, which dates back to the 1970s. Visitors can enjoy special holiday-inspired wine and food pairings at each stop. Learn about the unique terroir of the Hill Country and how it influences the local wines. This adults-only affair provides a refined alternative to traditional holiday activities.