The Waco area has 11 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime in Waco on November 18 to Wild Lights 2026 in Waco, which runs through December 30. 2 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Texas, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 11 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Waco for 2026, in Waco
- First: Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime, Waco, November 18. Runs latest: Wild Lights 2026, Waco, through December 30
- Free: Waco Wonderland and Waco Wonderland Parade
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Texas Christmas train rides page.
Waco Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 11 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Waco
- Season
- November 18 to December 30, 2026
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday lights, story time with Santa and holiday parade
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Waco Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime in Waco on November 18; the last runs to December 30. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty StorytimeWaco · Nov 18
- Christmas at the SilosWaco · Nov 27 to Dec 5
- Wild Lights 2026Waco · Nov 27 to Dec 30
- Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family StorytimeWaco · Dec 3
- Waco WonderlandWaco · Dec 4 to Dec 6
- Waco Wonderland ParadeWaco · Dec 5
- Frost: A Holiday Cirque ExtravaganzaWaco · Dec 6
- Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family StorytimeWaco · Dec 10
- Christmas at the MaybornWaco · Dec 12
- Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty StorytimeWaco · Dec 16
- Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family StorytimeWaco · Dec 17
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Waco? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Waco
11 confirmed events for kids in Waco, soonest first.
Waco: Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime
Holiday story timeWaco-McLennan County Library · Waco
- Host
- Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710
- When
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On November 18, 2026, Crafty Storytime at a Waco library branch features Story Stage presenting an original story called Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas, written by author and playwright Trent Clifford. In the play, Piglet loves to paint, and the rest of the description is cut off on the Destination Waco listing.
Crafty Storytime combines a story with a hands-on craft. The listing shows the ZIP code 76710 and does not give a start time or price. Confirm details with the Waco-McLennan County Library. This is an early season holiday option that falls the week before Thanksgiving, which suits families who want a Christmas themed story before the December rush begins.
Parent tip: No start time is shown, so check with the library before you go.
See dates and details from Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)Waco: Christmas at the Silos
Holiday lightsMagnolia · Waco
- Host
- Magnolia (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Magnolia Silos, 601 Webster Avenue, Waco, TX 76706
- When
- Fri November 27 and Sat December 5 (5 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Evening event ticketed, price not listed
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Magnolia says Christmas at the Silos begins on November 27 with train rides, seasonal craft workshops, photos with Santa and more festive fun at its Waco campus. The page does not list an end date, so check Magnolia's events page for the full run.
On Saturday, December 5, A Merry Magnolia Christmas Celebration kicks off the holiday season with a full day at the Silos. Regular seasonal activities run until 4 pm, then the campus reopens at 5 pm for a special ticketed evening that includes a holiday concert, photos with Santa, live snow, free Christmas train rides and a fireside s'mores lounge. Destination Waco also highlights Christmas at the Silos as part of its Dec 3 to 6 holiday weekend, alongside Waco Wonderland downtown.
Parent tip: The December 5 evening needs a ticket, so buy ahead. Magnolia says mid-week visits tend to be quieter.
See dates and details from Magnolia (opens in a new tab)Waco: Wild Lights 2026
Holiday lightsCameron Park Zoo · Waco
- Host
- Cameron Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N 4th Street, Waco, TX 76707
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly, last entry 8 pm), 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- $10 child, $13 adult ($8 and $11 for members)
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wild Lights at Cameron Park Zoo is billed as Waco's largest holiday light show. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, and continuing through December 30, 2026, more than 3 million twinkling lights transform the zoo's inner loop each evening from 6 to 9 pm, with last entry at 8 pm.
Santa spreads holiday cheer to children of all ages from November 27 through December 23, 6 to 9 pm. The animals are tucked in for the night during the event. Tickets are $13 for non-member adults and $10 for non-member children, or $11 and $8 for members. Discount nights offer $10 tickets for military on December 4, first responders and hospital staff on December 11, and educators plus zoo members on December 18. Tickets are sold online through the zoo.
Parent tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time. Discount nights are Dec 4, Dec 11 and Dec 18.
See dates and details from Cameron Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)Waco: Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime
Story time with SantaWaco-McLennan County Library · Waco
- Host
- Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This Waco library branch's Family Storytime begins with big giggles over a silly Santa tale and song. After that, Santa rolls in aboard Waco Transit's Holly Jolly Trolley and takes families on a happy loop around the library. Destination Waco dates the listing December 3, 2026.
The listing goes on to describe Santa's next move, but the text on the page stops short, so the whole schedule is not confirmed. No ticket price appears. The trolley ride is presented as one piece of the storytime outing. The tourism listing offers only the ZIP code 76710 and no start time, so ask the Waco-McLennan County Library which branch hosts it and when it starts.
Parent tip: Destination Waco shows no start time or branch, so phone the library to check before you drive.
See dates and details from Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)Waco: Waco Wonderland
Holiday paradeFreeCity of Waco and partners · Waco
- Host
- City of Waco and partners (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Heritage Square, 300 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
- When
- Fri December 4 (5 to 10 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 9 pm) and Sun December 6 (noon to 6 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Free admission, ride wristbands sold separately
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Waco Wonderland returns to Heritage Square for its 14th year on December 4 to 6, 2026. Admission is free. Friday runs 5 to 10 pm with a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks at 7 pm. Saturday opens at 10 am with the parade and runs until 9 pm, and Sunday runs noon to 6 pm.
Children can meet Santa at the Santa House and take a free photo, drop a letter in the North Pole Express mailbox, and visit a free Holiday Craft Station presented by McLennan Community College. A snow tube hill and a kiddie snow tube hill, a Ferris wheel and a trackless train need a wristband, which gives unlimited rides for one day. Riders age 1 and older need a wristband, and the tube hill requires a height of 42 inches. A market, food trucks and a stage with live holiday entertainment round out the weekend. Heritage Square and City Hall are lit through early January.
Parent tip: Free parking is available in the visitor garage at 401 Franklin Ave, entered from 4th Street. Leashed dogs are allowed, but the website advises against bringing them to the Friday night fireworks.
See dates and details from City of Waco and partners (opens in a new tab)Waco: Waco Wonderland Parade
Holiday paradeFreeCity of Waco and Creative Waco · Waco
- Host
- City of Waco and Creative Waco (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Austin Avenue, 11th Street to 3rd Street, Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Waco Wonderland Parade is hosted in partnership with Creative Waco and kicks off the Saturday of the Waco Wonderland festival, on December 5, 2026, at 10 am. The route travels down Austin Avenue from 11th Street to 3rd Street.
Expect festive floats, dazzling displays and beloved holiday characters. When the parade ends, families can walk over to Heritage Square, where the 14th annual Waco Wonderland festival is already under way with a Santa House, a craft station for young children, a market, food trucks and snow tube hills. Watching the parade is free. Parking in downtown Waco can fill up on festival weekends, so the festival site recommends checking the downtown parking map before you head out.
Parent tip: Bring a folding chair or blanket for small children and plan to stay for Heritage Square afterward.
See dates and details from City of Waco and Creative Waco (opens in a new tab)Waco: Frost: A Holiday Cirque Extravaganza
Holiday showWaco Hippodrome · Waco
- Host
- Waco Hippodrome (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waco Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, price not listed
- Ages
- Created for audiences of all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Frost, a holiday cirque show, arrives December 6, 2026, at 724 Austin Avenue in downtown Waco. The listing promises top-level artistry, jaw-dropping acts in the air, sparkling visuals and lively music, mixing graceful dance with daring acrobatics.
It is pitched to audiences of every age and as a night your whole family will talk about for years. Destination Waco gives neither a start time nor a ticket price, so use the venue's ticket link to find out both. That Sunday falls during Waco Wonderland weekend, so families who are downtown for the festival might add the show.
Parent tip: The tourism listing lacks a start time and ticket prices, so confirm both before you plan the day.
See dates and details from Waco Hippodrome (opens in a new tab)Waco: Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family Storytime
Holiday story timeWaco-McLennan County Library · Waco
- Host
- Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Waco Library, 901 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Family Storytime on December 10, 2026 is a Christmas themed session at a Waco library branch. Children hear Christmas stories and festive songs, then get an exciting visit from the Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck, part of a seasonal tradition in which Waco Fire brings holiday cheer around the city.
Kids will also get to make a Christmas craft, according to the listing, though the description is cut off after that point. The Destination Waco page shows only the ZIP code 76704 and no start time, and it lists no price. Confirm the branch, start time and any age guidance with the Waco-McLennan County Library before you go. A firetruck visit is a hit with younger children, so arriving a little early is a good idea.
Parent tip: The listing shows no start time or branch name, so check with the library first.
See dates and details from Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)Waco: Christmas at the Mayborn
Santa visitMayborn Museum Complex, Baylor University · Waco
- Host
- Mayborn Museum Complex, Baylor University (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mayborn Museum Complex, 1300 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Included with general admission
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Mayborn Museum Complex invites families to Christmas at the Mayborn on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Holiday fun is spread throughout the museum and its historic village, and the listing mentions trains, Santa Claus and other family friendly activities.
Events take place between 10 am and 2 pm. All of the activities are included with the price of general admission, so there is no separate ticket for the holiday programming. Mayborn Museum members and Baylor University students receive free admission. The museum sits on South University Parks Drive near the Baylor campus, which makes it an easy stop for families already visiting Waco for the December holiday weekends. The listing does not give an admission price, so check the museum website before you go.
Parent tip: Plan to arrive early, since the holiday activities end at 2 pm.
See dates and details from Mayborn Museum Complex, Baylor University (opens in a new tab)Waco: Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime
Story time with SantaWaco-McLennan County Library · Waco
- Host
- Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Waco Library, 901 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For this special Ho Ho Ho Crafty Storytime on December 16, 2026, families enjoy a puppet show called Santa Cures a Cold and find out Santa's cold remedy during the busiest time of the year. The Crafty Storytime series pairs a story with a hands-on craft, and the listing says kids will take part in an activity, though the description on the page is cut off.
The Destination Waco calendar gives the ZIP code 76704 but no start time and no price. Confirm the branch and time with the Waco-McLennan County Library before heading out. The puppet show and the Santa theme make this a good pick for preschool and early elementary children in the week before Christmas.
Parent tip: Call the library to confirm the branch and start time, since the tourism listing does not show them.
See dates and details from Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)Waco: Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family Storytime
Holiday story timeWaco-McLennan County Library · Waco
- Host
- Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East Waco Library, 901 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026
- Cost
- Price not stated
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
At this Family Storytime on December 17, 2026, the librarians read the beloved story The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. In addition, Waco Solid Waste brings a Polar Express themed truck for families to see, a fun way to connect the book to the city's holiday outreach.
The listing on Destination Waco is cut off after that point, so any further activities are not confirmed. It shows the ZIP code 76704, no start time and no price. Check with the Waco-McLennan County Library for the branch, time and age guidance. The event includes a book reading, which makes it a good match for children who enjoy picture books and vehicles. The truck is a themed display, not a train ride.
Parent tip: Confirm the branch and start time with the library before you go.
See dates and details from Waco-McLennan County Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Texas Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Arlington, TX, Plano, Corpus Christi and Midland. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonWaco Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Waco in 2026?
We confirmed 11 Christmas events for kids in Waco for 2026 on each host’s own page: Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime in Waco (November 18), Christmas at the Silos in Waco (November 27), Wild Lights 2026 in Waco (November 27), Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime in Waco (December 3), Waco Wonderland in Waco (December 4), Waco Wonderland Parade in Waco (December 5), Frost: A Holiday Cirque Extravaganza in Waco (December 6), Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family Storytime in Waco (December 10), Christmas at the Mayborn in Waco (December 12), Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime in Waco (December 16) and Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family Storytime in Waco (December 17). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Waco, Texas?
For families in and around Waco, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime (Wed, Nov 18, price not stated); Christmas at the Silos (Begins Fri, Nov 27; ticketed evening Sat, Dec 5 from 5 pm, evening event ticketed, price not listed); Wild Lights 2026 (Nightly, Nov 27 to Dec 30, 6 to 9 pm, $10 child, $13 adult ($8 and $11 for members)); Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime (Thu, Dec 3, price not stated); Waco Wonderland (Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 10 pm; Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 9 pm; Sun, Dec 6, noon to 6 pm, free admission, ride wristbands sold separately); Waco Wonderland Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am, free); Frost: A Holiday Cirque Extravaganza (Sun, Dec 6, ticketed, price not listed); Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family Storytime (Thu, Dec 10, price not stated); Christmas at the Mayborn (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 2 pm, included with general admission); Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime (Wed, Dec 16, price not stated); Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family Storytime (Thu, Dec 17, price not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Waco section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Waco?
Yes. 2 of the 11 events here are free: Waco Wonderland in Waco and Waco Wonderland Parade in Waco. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Waco this December?
Santa appears at Christmas at the Silos in Waco (November 27), Wild Lights 2026 in Waco (November 27), Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime in Waco (December 3), Waco Wonderland in Waco (December 4), Christmas at the Mayborn in Waco (December 12) and Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime in Waco (December 16). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Waco?
Holiday story times on this page: Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime in Waco, Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime in Waco, Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family Storytime in Waco, Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime in Waco and Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family Storytime in Waco. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Waco on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Wild Lights 2026 in Waco (through December 30).
How much is Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime in Waco?
Price not stated. Story Stage Presents Winnie-the-Pooh Pinecone Christmas Play at Crafty Storytime is on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at West Waco Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas at the Silos in Waco?
Evening event ticketed, price not listed. Christmas at the Silos is on Fri November 27 and Sat December 5 (5 pm), 2026 at Magnolia Silos. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Wild Lights 2026 in Waco?
$10 child, $13 adult ($8 and $11 for members). Wild Lights 2026 is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly, last entry 8 pm), 6 to 9 pm at Cameron Park Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime in Waco?
Price not stated. Santa Arrives by Waco's Holiday Trolley at Family Storytime is on Thursday, December 3, 2026 at West Waco Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Waco Wonderland in Waco?
Free admission, ride wristbands sold separately. Waco Wonderland is on Fri December 4 (5 to 10 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 9 pm) and Sun December 6 (noon to 6 pm), 2026 at Heritage Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Waco Wonderland Parade in Waco?
Free. Waco Wonderland Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am at Austin Avenue, 11th Street to 3rd Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Frost: A Holiday Cirque Extravaganza in Waco?
Ticketed, price not listed. Frost: A Holiday Cirque Extravaganza is on Sunday, December 6, 2026 at Waco Hippodrome. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family Storytime in Waco?
Price not stated. Waco Holiday Cheer Firetruck visits Family Storytime is on Thursday, December 10, 2026 at East Waco Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas at the Mayborn in Waco?
Included with general admission. Christmas at the Mayborn is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm at Mayborn Museum Complex. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime in Waco?
Price not stated. Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa visits Crafty Storytime is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026 at East Waco Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family Storytime in Waco?
Price not stated. Waco Solid Waste's Polar Express visits Family Storytime is on Thursday, December 17, 2026 at East Waco Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Waco?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Waco Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
