🎄The Weekend Before Christmas in Waco

Good morning, Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that appreciates a holiday miracle, like finding a close parking spot at H-E-B on a Saturday, hitting every green light on Valley Mills, or grabbing a warm cookie from Milk Bottle Cookies before they sell out.

Let’s get to it!
— Sam Harper

Kids are officially out of school, the holiday spirit has fully arrived, and the city is packed with live music, markets, and a few last good chances to shop local this weekend. It’s one of those sweet-spot weekends to get out and enjoy Waco before things slow down and the Christmas movie marathons fully take over.

One local nonprofit is quietly changing lives, one bed at a time. Sleep in Heavenly Peace Waco has delivered more than 1,500 beds since 2022, including 644 beds this year alone, to children who were previously sleeping on floors. Right now, more than 260 kids are still on the waiting list, with about 70 new requests coming in every month. This Christmas Eve, volunteers are rolling out Operation Sugar Plum, delivering 90 beds in one morning to families across the Waco area. For many kids, a bed is their entire Christmas wish. It’s a powerful reminder that small acts, like showing up with tools and time, can make a real difference right here at home.

👉 Read the full story from KXXV and learn how to get involved

Ranch House Pet-Med offers your pets comprehensive wellness care, advanced diagnostics, dental treatment, and surgery ranging from routine procedures to specialized orthopedic treatments. You can find them online, by phone at 254-544-1458, or at 149 Dosher Lane, Waco, 76712.

Looking for a Christmas gift that comes with tail wags and puppy kisses?

Meet Pita, a 2-month-old mixed breed with a black-and-white coat and big “first Christmas ever” energy. She’s tiny, curious, and still learning how the world works. One part mischief. One part melt-your-heart. Pita’s the kind of gift that doesn’t fit under the tree but somehow becomes the best one there.

👉 Meet Pita at the Humane Society of Central Texas and see if she’s your family’s newest tradition.

Possibly the most Waco holiday drink, inspired by Dr. Nog at One Day Bar

You’ll need:
• Chilled egg nog
• Dr Pepper
• Ice
• Optional: cinnamon stick or nutmeg

How to make it:

🥃 Make It Adult:
Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon.
Creamy. Fizzy. Slightly unhinged. Surprisingly good.

Big-box cabinets were then. This is Kustombilt.
Cookie-cutter kitchens. Limited choices. Cheap finishes that don’t last. That’s the old way. Since 1977, Kustombilt Cabinets has been crafting custom cabinetry that fits your space—and your life—perfectly. From 3D design previews to hand-built, high-quality materials, we turn your ideas into lasting style and everyday comfort.*

This week we’re looking at a Keys Creek classic at 417 Keys Creek Dr.

Inside you’ll find:

• 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3,440 sq ft on a rare double lot
• Custom Austin stone home with soaring 17-foot ceilings and a dramatic entry
• High-end finishes throughout including travertine floors and Cantera iron front doors
• Open layout built for entertaining with grand living room, wet bar, and built-in surround sound
• Large covered patio overlooking a peaceful meadow with mature oak trees and professional landscaping

👉 Take your best guess at the listing price, then peek at the photos and answer here

Spotlight: Special Strong Greater Waco

Special Strong Waco provides adaptive, inclusive fitness for kids, teens, and adults with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges. Training is personalized. The environment is welcoming. The focus goes way beyond workouts. It’s about strength, mobility, confidence, emotional regulation, and independence.

What makes this special for Waco is how it shows up locally. Special Strong partners with local gyms, rec centers, and church spaces. This allows athletes to train in places they already know and trust, removing barriers and opening doors for families who often struggle to find the right fit.

Owner Liz Trujillo brought this program to Waco during a season of deep purpose and calling. In a short time, Waco has become home, and the community’s openness has helped this mission take root fast. More athletes are being served. More families feel seen. More spaces are becoming truly inclusive.

If you’re a parent, a caregiver, or a local gym or community space looking to be part of something meaningful, this is one to know about.
Learn more or connect: specialstronggreaterwacocentral.com

🎈Friday:

The Plaza Market @ Hotel Herringbone - 11 AM

Heart of Waco Holiday Fest @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 1 PM

Storytime: The Polar Express @ Barnes & Noble - 5 PM

Christmas Lights in the Village @ Mayborn Museum - 6 PM

December Wine Club Christmas Dinner: Harmony Home Collective @ Valley Mills Vineyards - 6:30 PM Tickets

Men’s Basketball: Baylor vs Alcorn State @ Foster Pavilion - Tickets from $9

Christmas in the Land of Oz @ Waco Civic Theatre - 7 PM Tickets

FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC
Steve Dansby @ The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro - 6 PM
Joe Augeri @ Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp - 6 PM (Classic Rock)
Gordon Pyle @ The BLVD Steakhouse - 6:30 PM (Piano / Easy-Listening)
Kelly MacGregor & Frank Exum @ Segovia Wine Bar - 7 PM
Zachary Hill & Mark McCallister @ Uncle Worm's Smoke House - 7 PM
Johnny Bustamante & The Yacht Crew @ Lounge '93 - 7:30 PM
Max, Lynnette, Shawna & Steven @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM
Darrell “D-Rail” Ray @ Encore Rooftop Bar - 8 PM
Mitchell Crain @ Barnett's Whiskey House - 8 PM
Sami Brown & Morgan Lee Powers @ The Will - 8 PM

🎈 Saturday:

Cars & Coffee @ Black Rifle Coffee Company - 9 AM

Waco Downtown Farmers Market Holiday Market @ Bridge Street Plaza - 9 AM

Eastside Holiday Market @ Brotherwell Brewing - 11 AM

Christmas Sip-N-Shop-N-Relax @ Grandaddy Willow - 12 PM

Kids Winter Crafts @ Art Center Waco - 2 PM $10

Christmas in the Land of Oz @ Waco Civic Theatre - 2 PM & 7 PM Tickets

Avengers Live @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 7 PM $12.50

Zak Mirz: Kid at Heart Magic Show @ Waco Hippodrome Theatre - 7:30 PM Tickets

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
Darrell “D-Rail” Ray @ Slow Rise on the Brazos - 6 PM
Gordon Pyle @ The BLVD Steakhouse - 6:30 PM (Piano / Easy-Listening)
Towne Adams @ Barnett's Whiskey House - 8 PM
Sami Brown Christmas Show @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM
Booger Boiles Band @ The Will - 8 PM
Cam Allen @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8:30 PM

🎈Sunday:
Yoga & Mimosas @ Element Hotel - 9:30 AM

Sip, Shop & Sleigh @ The Will - 11 AM

Men's Basketball: Baylor vs Southern @ Foster Pavilion - 12 PM Tickets from $9

Christmas in the Land of Oz @ Waco Civic Theatre - 2 PM Tickets

🎉 Mayborn Museum Noon Year’s Eve Bash - Dec 31
Ring in 2026 without staying up past bedtime. The Mayborn is throwing a family friendly countdown at noon with balloons, music, and hands on fun for the kids.

🎳 New Year’s Eve at Main Event - Dec 31, 2–6 PM
If your crew wants to keep the fun rolling, Main Event has you covered.
One adult ticket includes food, all-day activities, arcade credit, and a bonus kid ticket. Kids under 2 get in free. One family will win FREE laser tag for all of 2026, which feels like a strong way to start the year. Grab tickets here.

🎰 Vegas-Style New Year’s Eve at AC Hotel - Dec 31
The AC Hotel is bringing Vegas to downtown Waco with casino tables, live music, a DJ, prizes, and midnight tacos. Party runs 7:30 PM–1 AM.
21+ | $85 per person. Dress sharp.

✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best.

🎓Your Plan. Your Way. Your Breakthrough Starts Here.
Discover 140+ degrees and certificates at McLennan Community College—without the burden of debt. Whether you’re starting college or changing careers, MCC makes it simple with guidance, financial aid, and support every step of the way. Your future starts now in Waco at MCC.

💧 Need a boost? IViT Hydration & Wellness offers IV therapy and wellness treatments to help you feel better, recover faster, and boost energy. Waco Buzz readers get $35 off by clicking the link.

💪Move better. Recover Faster. Live Stronger. Waco Bodymend is a world class space built for everyday movers, athletes, and anyone who wants to feel their best. From red light therapy and PEMF to alterG anti gravity treadmill sessions & home to CrushCycle Waco, we combine science backed recovery with your training that fits your life. Click the link to the get the exclusive offer for Waco Buzz readers.

🏗️ From Waco landmarks to new local favorites, Arise Construction builds projects that last — combining precision craftsmanship with a reputation for getting it done right, on time, and with integrity.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your neighbor who puts up inflatable Christmas decorations across their yard.

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