❄️Your New Year’s Eve plans, made simple

Good morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter helping you make better New Year’s Eve plans than your couch.

Let’s get to it!

— Sam Harper

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This in-between week always feels a little strange. Christmas is packed away, New Year’s hasn’t hit yet, and Waco weather can’t decide if it’s shorts or a jacket kind of day. It’s a slower stretch. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing.

If you’re starting to think about how you want to ring in 2026, you’re not alone. Whether that means staying close to home, celebrating with friends, or heading out for a full New Year’s Eve night, there are plenty of options around town. I put together a full list of things to do on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday) so you can make a plan without scrambling at the last minute.

One more thing before we get into it. Last week I asked you about learning interesting topics from local experts in 2026 and the verdict was clear. More than 150 of you said you’d come out, with Waco history topping the list of requested topics. That’s enough to move this from idea to plan. I’m thinking of calling the series Social Studies. The goal is simple: thoughtful, engaging talks from professors and local experts inside bars and coffee shops. No classrooms. No boring PowerPoint slides. Just interesting ideas, a drink in hand, and a room full of curious neighbors. I’m starting conversations with speakers, venues, and dates now. You’ll be the first to know when it’s set.

🏠 More Homes on the Way
On the growth front, there’s more good news worth noting. A new master-planned community called West Lake Village is in the works near Lake Waco, not far from Helberg Barbecue, which feels intentional. The development would span nearly 600 acres and include more than 1,200 homes, with a big emphasis on parks, trails, and outdoor space to make it feel like a true neighborhood.

Zooming out, West Lake Village is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Between Cordova Springs, the Riverway development off MLK, Shady Acres Bungalows near Airport Drive, and several other projects, thousands of new homes are currently planned or underway across Waco. The signal is pretty clear. People want to live here, raise families here, and put down roots here.

✈️ Flight Deal of the Week

Looking for warm weather after the Waco winter shuffle? Right now you can grab roundtrip flights to Miami for around $222. A quick weekend escape, beach vibes, Cuban coffee, and patio weather in January isn’t a bad idea.

Check dates and grab it while it’s live.

Sprouts is Officially Coming to Central Texas Marketplace 🛒
The former Joann Fabrics space at Central Texas Marketplace is becoming a Sprouts Farmers Market. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for late 2026. Based on recent openings in similar markets, a store this size typically employs between 80 and 100 people. Sprouts is known for fresh produce, bulk foods, and a strong focus on natural and organic groceries. And yes, we’ll say it quietly. This feels like one more step toward the Trader Joe’s conversation.

About That Trader Joe’s Rumor 🏬
Speaking of that, many people have asked about the former Big Lots space on Waco Dr and whether it would become a Trader Joe’s. That one was just talk. The building was just painted IKEA blue and is officially becoming a Canales Furniture location.

Christmas Tree Recycling 🌲
If you’ve got a real Christmas tree, the City of Waco is hosting Chipping of the Green this Saturday, Jan. 3, from 8 AM to noon at Cobbs Recycling Center (4201 Trice Ave). Parks & Recreation will mulch trees on site. All decorations must be removed before arrival, and City staff will help unload.

Can’t make it Saturday? Natural Christmas trees can also be placed at the curb during any green week in January. Set it out before 7 AM on your regular pickup day, decorations removed.

City of Waco: 2025 Year in Review 📽️
The City released a short Year-in-Review video highlighting projects and work completed across Waco in 2025. It’s a quick snapshot of how the city changed over the past year and what moved forward.

Need a ride Wednesday night?🚍
If you’re heading out for New Year’s Eve, Waco Transit is offering free rides from 6 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 31 through 3 AM on Thursday, Jan. 1. Rides can be scheduled by calling 254-750-1620. Group rides are allowed if pickup and drop-off are at the same location.

Free vehicle tows will also be available on New Year’s Eve by calling Tow King at 254-666-5484.

Noon Year’s Eve | 12–1 PM
Location: Mayborn Museum
Description: A kid-friendly countdown with a balloon drop at 12 PM. All the New Year’s fun without the late night.

Family New Year’s Eve | 2-6 PM | Tickets
Location: Main Event Waco
Description: Games, food, and prizes for families looking to celebrate early and wear the kids out.

🍽️ Dinner-first (celebrate, then decide what’s next)

Curated NYE Dinner + Late-Night Celebration | Dinner at 7 PM, Party Follows
Location: J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House
Description: Start the night with a ticketed, chef-driven five-course New Year’s Eve dinner with optional pairings. After dinner, stay for the free New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music all night and a champagne toast at midnight.

Jazzy New Year’s Eve Dinner | 5–10 PM | View Menu
Location: Pignetti’s
Description: A three-course New Year’s Eve dinner with live jazz and a sparkling wine toast.

A Trip to the Strip: Vegas-Style | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Location: AC Hotel Downtown Waco | Barcelona Ballroom
Description: DJs, casino-style fun, raffles, and a midnight countdown. This event also serves as a fundraiser benefiting Creative Waco.

Midnight City: NYE | 8 PM | Tickets
Location: Hotel Herringbone
Description: A party with piano lounge vibes, live music in the Plaza, rooftop firework views at Lucky Buck’s, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dress to impress.

Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve | 8 PM | Tickets
Location: Bertie’s on the Rooftop, Hotel 1928
Description: A Gatsby-style rooftop party with live swing music, chef-curated bites, and raffle prizes. Tickets include $10 off dining.

New Year’s Eve Bash | 8 PM | Tickets
Location: The Will
Description: Fireworks, buffets, drinks, and a packed dance floor to ring in the New Year.

Adult Prom: NYE Edition | 7 PM | Tickets
Location: Twisted Sisters Patio Bar
Description: Prom night energy, but for adults. Dress up and dance it out.

NYE Live Music Party | 9 PM | Tickets
Location: Backyard Bar Stage & Grill
Description: Sloppy Joe Band & Friends rock their way into the new year.

A quick heads-up for longtime Wacoans:

For the first time in more than 20 years, Fuzzy Friends’ Barkin’ Ball has moved from NYE to January 23, 2026. Grab tickets here.

🏀 Men’s Basketball (9–2)
In their final game of 2025, the Bears defeated Arlington Baptist 124-61 at Foster Pavilion yesterday afternoon. Last week they made national headlines with the midseason addition of James Nnaji, a 7-foot-1 center with pro experience overseas. While he never officially played in the NBA, his size and presence should make an immediate impact for the team. The Bears get a measuring-stick game Saturday at 1 PM in Fort Worth against TCU, a good early test before the schedule ramps up.

🏀 Women’s Basketball (11–3, #13)
The Bears head back out on the road this week with two real tests. First up is a Wednesday afternoon matchup in Stillwater against Oklahoma State at 2 PM. Then it’s straight to Ames for a Sunday showdown with Iowa State at 2 PM.

🏀 Youth Basketball Clinic
Looking for something active during Christmas break? Former WNBA player and Baylor assistant coach Sophia Young is hosting a Holiday Girls Basketball Clinic for 3rd–8th grade girls, including beginners and first-timers. The clinic runs Monday–Wednesday, December 29–31, from 9:30–11:30 AM at Crestview Church. The focus is on fundamentals, confidence, and having fun on the court.
Learn more and register

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Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, pass it along to the friend you’ll be counting down with on New Year’s Eve.

Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways to get more involved:

1. Promote your business or event to 23,000 Waco locals across our channels.

2. Dinner Club: Meet dozens of other locals (recent movers and life long Wacoans) over dinner which happens once a month. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.

3. Waco Buzz Job Board: The best place to find open roles at growing companies in Waco with opportunities in media, marketing, sales, communication, tech, and engineering.