Celebrate the countdown to the holidays by exploring Downtown Waco’s vibrant culture, food and shops—one day at a time!

On the first day of holiday cheer, Downtown Waco brings to you…an Advent calendar to ensure festive fun all month long! As we embark on this countdown to Christmas, join us in celebrating the joy and wonder of our vibrant community. Each day, we’ll reveal a new treasure waiting to be discovered, from local shops filled with one-of-a-kind gifts to heartwarming events that bring us all together. So gather your loved ones and prepare for 25 days of holiday spirit, as we unwrap the charm of Downtown Waco this season!

Day 1: Christmas at the Silos

Start the month off right, and celebrate at Christmas at the Silos! Join us at Magnolia Market for a festive transformation into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Explore the Christmas Market featuring local artisans and seasonal treats, and don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa! With activities for all ages, Christmas at the Silos is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit in Downtown Waco!

Day 2: Art Gallery Stroll

Unwrap the art scene in Downtown Waco! Dive into local galleries and find murals throughout downtown. Support and appreciate the creative art community in the heart of the city this Christmas! Read our latest blog to see our list of recommended galleries!

Day 3: Historic Waco Foundation Tours

On the third day of the holidays, step back in time with the Historic Waco Foundation! While school is not in session, the learning has just begun as you and your kids explore beautifully restored homes decked out for Christmas!

Day 4: Local Brews

Raise a glass to Downtown Waco’s vibrant brewery scene! This season, explore the local breweries serving up unique craft beers, including holiday specials brewed with festive spices and seasonal flavors. Sip your way through the specialties of Brotherwell Brewing, Pivovar, Southern Roots Brewing Co. and Waco Ale Co.!

Day 5: Sweet Treats

Behind this door, tempt your taste buds with a roundup of the best dessert spots in Downtown Waco. Stop by Splendid Oaks Chocolates, Milk Bottle Cookies, Hey Sugar Candy, Nightlight Donuts or Silos Baking Co. for a special sweet treat this holiday season!

Day 6: Waco Wonderland

On the sixth day of the holidays, Downtown Waco wants you to experience the magic of Waco Wonderland at Heritage Square! Celebrate the 12th Annual Waco Wonderland Festival, where the holiday spirit comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music and joyful cheer. Explore the enchanting Santa House, where little ones can share their holiday wishes with Santa himself! Plus, shop local at the Mistletoe Market, featuring handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and unique treasures from talented artisans.

Day 7: Cocoa Crawl

Downtown Waco invites you to indulge in the beloved Cocoa Crawl tradition! Warm up your taste buds as you stroll through the charming streets of downtown, stopping at our local restaurants and shops to sample a variety of rich, original hot chocolates. Bring your friends, share your favorites and vote for the best hot chocolate in town! However you take your hot chocolate, this Cocoa Crawl is the perfect way to celebrate the season while enjoying the cozy ambiance of Downtown Waco.

Day 8: Holiday Make-A-Soda

Get ready to fizz with excitement at the Dr Pepper Museum for a Holiday Make-a-Soda! Join us for a fun and interactive experience where you can create your own festive soda flavors using a variety of delicious syrups and mixers. Perfect for all ages, this hands-on activity lets you unleash your creativity and craft a holiday drink that’s uniquely yours.

Day 9: Coffee Shops

Take a cozy break with a coffee shop tour of Downtown Waco! Whether you’re looking to recharge with a bold espresso or sip on a warm holiday latte, Downtown Waco has a perfect spot for you. Enjoy seasonal favorites at Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, Lighthouse Coffee and Wine, Magnolia Press, BRÛ Artisan Coffee Works, Fabled Bookshop & Cafe, Street Dog Cafe, Glory Bell Coffee or One Day!

Day 10: Escape to the North Pole

Escape to the North Pole with Waco Escape Rooms this holiday season! Gather your friends and family for a festive team-building adventure where you’ll work together to solve Christmas-themed puzzles and help Santa and his elves in the workshop. If you’re a first-time escape artist or a seasoned pro, it’s the perfect way to add some holiday fun and challenge to your season. Will you make it out before time runs out?

Day 11: He Rules the World at The Waco Hippodrome

Mark off day 11 by going to see He Rules the World with friends and family at The Waco Hippodrome! This family-friendly concert event blends captivating songs, narration and stunning imagery to tell the Nativity story in its entirety. Perfect for all ages, this contemporary live performance brings the holiday spirit to life in a joyous celebration of faith and community.

Day 12: Unique Dining Experiences

On the twelfth day of the holidays, treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind dining experience at some of Downtown Waco’s most unique restaurants! Start with Red Herring, where imaginative cocktails and creative dishes bring a bold twist to modern Mediterranean cuisine. Then, transport your taste buds to Spain at Segovia, with authentic tapas, Spanish wines and an ambiance that feels straight out of southern Europe. Finally, cozy up at Opal’s Oysters, a charming spot offering delicious, thoughtfully crafted dishes with a family atmosphere. Enjoy the flavors, savor the atmosphere and celebrate the season with an unforgettable dining experience in Downtown Waco!

Day 13: DIY Holiday Decor

Unleash your creativity with a DIY holiday decor day! Visit Paper Crown for high-quality crafting supplies, including specialty papers, ribbons and festive embellishments. Then, head over to Gather to find unique seasonal accents and ornaments that add a special touch to any DIY project. Finally, stop by Repose for artisanal decor pieces that bring charm and warmth to your holiday creations. Whether you’re making ornaments, garlands or wreaths, these shops have everything you need to craft decorations that will make your home feel extra cozy and festive. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday crafting and bring the spirit of Downtown Waco home with you!

Day 14: Host an Event

Elevate your seasonal celebrations by hosting an unforgettable event at one of Downtown Waco’s premier venues! For a cozy, intimate gathering, The Den offers a warm atmosphere with just the right blend of elegance and comfort. If you’re looking to go big, The Palladium provides a stunning, versatile space perfect for larger parties. For a customizable experience, Anthem Stories offers a stylish, contemporary venue that can be tailored to any holiday theme. Whether it’s an office Christmas party or a festive get-together with friends, these spaces will bring your holiday event to life with flair and sophistication.

Day 15: Architecture Appreciation

Take a stroll through Downtown Waco and admire its rich architectural history! Start at the iconic ALICO Building, a towering landmark from 1910 that stands as one of the oldest and tallest buildings in Texas. Next, visit the Waco Hippodrome, a beautifully restored theater from 1914 that combines classic charm with modern touches. Marvel at the Praetorian Building, known for its intricate brickwork and historic presence. This self-guided tour is perfect for anyone who appreciates design, history and a bit of holiday magic woven into Waco’s downtown charm!

Day 16: Dichotomy Spirit of Cheers

For those craving a taste of the North Pole without leaving Waco, Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits has you covered with their festive “Spirit of Cheers” pop-up! Every day, this cozy hotspot transforms into a holiday paradise, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling decorations and a menu of seasonal drinks served in charming, holiday-themed mugs. Whether you’re sipping a wintery cocktail or a festive coffee, the atmosphere is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Day 17: Pet-Friendly Spots

On the seventeenth day of the holidays, bring your furry friend along for some festive fun at Downtown Waco’s pet-friendly spots! Start with brunch or lunch at Street Dog Cafe, where your dog can enjoy pet-friendly treats while you savor a delicious meal. Then, stop by Milo’s patio for cozy outdoor dining where both you and your pet can relax. Finally, warm up with a holiday coffee at Lighthouse Coffee, where pets are welcome on the spacious patio as you sip and enjoy the scenery. Downtown Waco is a great place to celebrate the season with your four-legged friends by your side!

Day 18: Shopping Favorites

Discover Downtown Waco’s best shopping destinations! From unique boutiques to specialty shops, downtown has something for everyone on your list. Explore artisan goods, vintage finds, holiday décor and one-of-a-kind gifts. Visit our Shopping page to browse all the amazing stores in Downtown Waco and plan your shopping spree. Support local businesses this season and find treasures that make holiday gift-giving extra special!

Day 19: Sign Up for Emails

Make sure you’re the first to know about all things Downtown Waco by signing up for our emails! Get updates on upcoming events, special offers and exclusive content delivered right to your inbox. Whether you’re looking for holiday activities, dining deals or shopping inspiration, our emails are the best way to stay connected and make the most of the season. Don’t miss out—sign up today and let the holiday cheer come to you! Enter your email address at the bottom of this page!

Day 20: Find Last-Minute Gifts

Finish up your shopping with perfect last-minute gifts from Downtown Waco! Head to Fabled Bookshop & Café for beautiful books, cozy reads and unique gifts for any book lover on your list. Then, stop by Simply Irresistible for stylish accessories, jewelry and décor items that make thoughtful and elegant presents. Finally, explore Spice Village—a collection of over 40 boutiques under one roof—for everything from fashion to home goods and quirky finds. These spots are a treasure trove of unique items, making it easy to find something special in a pinch!

Day 21: Holiday Workshop at Paper Crown

On the twenty-first day of the holidays, get crafty at Paper Crown! Join one of their festive holiday workshops to create beautiful, handmade decorations or holiday gifts. With high-quality supplies and expert guidance, Paper Crown’s workshops are perfect for all skill levels. Make personalized ornaments, wreaths, holiday cards and more in a cozy, creative environment.

Day 22: Read & Sip at Fabled

Unwind and treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation at Fabled Bookshop & Café. Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle by grabbing a cozy spot with a good book and a warm drink. Whether you’re diving into a new novel, revisiting a holiday favorite or simply browsing the shelves, Fabled’s peaceful atmosphere is the perfect escape.

Day 23: Vintage Christmas Shopping at Antique Shops

Take a step back in time and explore vintage treasures for your Christmas shopping! Start your journey at Studio Grocery, where you’ll find a curated collection of vintage charm and modern flair, offering everything from stylish apparel to home goods with a nostalgic twist. Then, head to Falcon & Owl, where antique decor, unique vintage finds and gifts that tell a story are waiting for you. Finally, make your way to Coming Home to Waco, a shop filled with vintage treasures, locally made gifts and timeless holiday décor.

Day 24: Christmas Lights

On the twenty-fourth day of the holidays, wrap up your Christmas countdown with a magical tour of Downtown Waco’s Christmas lights! Stroll through the streets and admire the dazzling holiday displays, from twinkling lights on historic buildings to festive decorations in shop windows. Stop by Heritage Square, where you’ll find a winter wonderland of lights, or take in the sights at the Waco Suspension Bridge. It’s the perfect way to soak in the holiday spirit and reflect on the magic of the season. Grab some hot cocoa, bundle up and let the lights lead you into a joyous Christmas Eve.

Day 25: New Year’s Prep

Take the day to reflect, relax and prepare for the celebrations ahead. Whether you’re picking up party essentials from local shops, finding the perfect outfit at a boutique or grabbing a festive bottle of bubbly from one of our local stores, there’s no better place to get ready for New Year’s Eve. Whatever your New Year’s traditions may be, Downtown Waco has everything you need to start the next chapter with joy and excitement. Visit our Events page to discover all the exciting activities happening downtown.

From festive events and unique shopping experiences to cozy coffee shops and family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of magic in the heart of Waco. If you’re making memories with loved ones or finding the perfect gift, Downtown Waco is the place to celebrate all the joy this season brings.