It's a Wonderful Life(and weekend in Waco) 🎄

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, and just like the Griswold family Christmas tree, we’re packing your inbox with the best local news and events.

I want your input! The Waco Buzz community continues to grow, with over 3,000 of us reading each edition. I believe an informed community is an engaged community, and that’s what we’re building. Waco isn’t boring, and the Waco Buzz is here to shine a light on all the great things happening. We value your feedback—please fill out the quick poll at the bottom and leave a comment. We’ve updated the format for events and live music, so let me know what you think. Your thoughts will help guide what we do next!
-Sam

In today’s Waco Buzz:

• Salvation Army needs help – Find out how you can make a difference this season.

• “Where are we?!” 📷 – Join the fun and share your best guesses for today’s mystery location!

• Live Music around Waco this weekend 🎸 – Check out our revamped guide to the local music and events!

• Open House 🏠 – Discover a stunning home up for sale in Waco, complete with key details for you to make your guess on the price.
  
  Let’s get to it!

Buzzworthy News

🌳 Waco’s Downtown Revitalization
Waco is gearing up for the redevelopment of the Barron Branch District (downtown along the river), bringing new walking paths, a plaza, and an amphitheater. The project, slated for 2025, will also restore Barron’s Branch as a flowing waterway and attract private investment. Expect a transformed downtown in the years to come!
Read More

🍽️ Salvation Army Christmas Lunch Needs Help
The Salvation Army of Waco is seeking volunteers and pie donations for its Christmas lunch on December 25, which will serve 300-400 people in need. They need at least 40 frozen pies to make the event a success.
Discover more or sign up to volunteer here.

🎓 Baylor Ranked Among Top Colleges for Future Leaders
Baylor University has earned a spot on TIME’s list of the 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders, ranking No. 61 nationally. Baylor’s emphasis on leadership development through its business and law programs helped secure the recognition.
Read More

Where are we? 📸

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

So many holiday festivities and markets, so little time. 🎅 🛍️

Friday

🎅🌟 Santa at the Silos: Snap a festive photo and soak in the holiday vibes. — Magnolia Market at the Silos, 12 PM

🛷🎄 Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour: Hop on for a magical ride through Waco’s holiday lights. Early tour at 6 PM; late tour at 8:30 PM. — 6500 Woodway Dr | Tickets here

✨🌌 4th Annual Wild Lights: The zoo comes alive with dazzling lights and festive fun. — Cameron Park Zoo, 6 PM

🎨🍷 Wheel-Throwing Workshop: Channel your inner artist and craft something beautiful. — Black Oak Art, 6 PM

🕯️🎶 Friday Game Night: Cozy up with games, coffee, and wine. — Lighthouse Coffee & Wine, 7 PM

📻🎭 Christmas Radio Show - Miracle on 34th Street: Enjoy a heartwarming holiday classic brought to life as a vintage-style radio play at Brazos Theatre. Starts at 7:30 PM.

🎭✨ It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical: A heartwarming holiday classic, live on stage. — Waco Civic Theatre, 7:30 PM | Tickets here

🎤🎧 Karaoke: Unleash your inner rock star. — Chapter 11, 9 PM

Saturday

🛍️🎉 Sendero Provisions Annual Warehouse Extravaganza: Shop exclusive deals and unique finds at Sendero’s biggest event of the year! Starts at 9 AM at 5496 N State Hwy 6.

🍅🛍️ Waco Downtown Farmers Market: Start your morning with fresh finds and local goodies. — 9 AM

🎅🍳 Brunch with Santa: Enjoy a festive meal with the big guy himself. — Milo, 10 AM

🎅🛍️ Santa at the Silos: Experience the magic of the season with festive photo ops and holiday cheer at Magnolia Market. Starts at 12 PM.

☕️🌟 Free Coffee Tasting & Cupping Event: Treat your taste buds to a coffee adventure. — Lighthouse Coffee & Wine, 2 PM

🎄🥤 A Dr Pepper Christmas: Celebrate the holidays with crafts, games, and a visit from Santa at the Dr Pepper Museum. Starts at 4 PM.

🎄🎅 Christmas Carol Paddle on the Brazos: Sing along on a festive paddle adventure. — Bledsoe-Miller Park, 6 PM. Tickets here

🎭✨ The Nutcracker: A timeless ballet that’s perfect for the season. — Waco Hall, 7 PM

🍺🎲 Hops & Hot Rods: Beer, classic cars, and good vibes. — Bare Arms Brewing, 6 PM

🎄🛷 Drive Thru Nativity (FREE): Experience the Christmas story from the comfort of your car. — Columbus Ave Baptist Church, 6 PM

🎭✨ It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical: Another chance to catch this beloved story. — Waco Civic Theatre, 7:30 PM | Tickets here

🎤🎧 Karaoke: Keep the party going. — Chapter 11, 9 PM

Sunday

🎭✨ The Nutcracker: Last chance to catch the magic. — Waco Hall, 2 PM

🎅🥛 Milk and Cookies with Santa: Bring the kids for festive treats and photos. — Harley-Davidson of Waco, 4 PM

🎤🎸 Open Mic: Show off your talent or enjoy the local scene. — Cricket’s Grill & Draft House, 5 PM

🎄🛷 Lights of West Christmas Light Park: Drive through a dazzling winter wonderland. — Lights of West, 6 PM

🎄🛷 Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour: Final tours of the weekend. Early tour at 6 PM; late tour at 8:30 PM. — 6500 Woodway Dr | Tickets here

Ongoing

✨🦌 4th Annual Wild Lights: Make memories with nightly zoo lights and holiday cheer. — Cameron Park Zoo, 6 - 9 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night

🎄🌟 Christmas Lights in the Village: Stroll through a historic holiday wonderland. — Mayborn Museum, 6 - 8:30 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night

OPEN HOUSE
_{We’ll give you a few facts about the listing and you guess the price.}

Historic 1920’s Colonial Home with Guest House

• 4 Bed 2.5 Bath 2,950 Sq Ft

• Character-filled colonial with updated bathrooms, built-ins, and spacious living areas, including a sunroom and rare basement for extra storage or customization.

• Expansive double lot with a large yard, electric gate, and a 920 sq. ft. guest house offering rental income potential.

• Recent updates include plumbing, water, and gas lines (2024) and a new roof (2022).

💭 Guess the Price? Scroll down to the end of this email to find out!

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday
Cambria Hotel | Dave Innis in Concert | 6:30 PM
For Keeps | Christmas Jazz Night | 7:00 PM
Waco Hippodrome | He Rules the World | 7:00 PM
Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar | Sami Brown | 8:00 PM
Barnett's Whiskey House | Texas Country Dance Night | 8:00 PM
Tandem Rooftop Bar | EDM Night | 9:00 PM

Saturday
Slow Rise | Cody Lee Stone | 6:30 PM
Camp Fimfo | Live music by a local artist | 7:00 PM
Waco Hippodrome | He Rules the World | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Waco Ale Co. | Stephany Chavira & Jaden Oliver in Concert | 7:00 PM

Sunday
Lakeside Bar | Song Swap & Open Mic Night with Michael Saldana | 6:00 PM
Hotel Herringbone | Maya Piata

Monday
Waco Hippodrome | Michael Martin Murphy’s Cowboy Christmas | 7:30 PM

Baylor Sports 🐻🐻

No Baylor sporting events are happening this weekend. Baylor Women’s Basketball has a couple more games before Christmas break, but most sports pick back up shortly after the holidays. Check out this incredible dunk by VJ Edgecombe that made it to SportsCenter’s Top Plays this week.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with someone who thinks “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a Christmas movie.