“Oh baby it’s Chriiiistmaaaas, all over again…” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers comes to mind every year when the holiday season rolls around.
Here we are again with the busiest time of the year! I truly cannot believe it. As moms, we try to do all the things for our kids: shopping, Christmas parties, visiting Santa, decorating, making cookies, or leaving town to visit local or in-state events like North Pole Palooza, Santa’s Wonderland in College Station or the The Gaylord Texan’s ICE exhibit. Whatever it may be, it’s pedal to the metal in December so why not throw in Christmas light hopping, too?!?
Christmas lights are the magic touch to this season of the year, if you ask me. There’s something so special about them; gives you the warm fuzzy feeling inside! I remember as a child going to Johnson City to see Christmas lights. If you haven’t ever been, GO. It’s magical, truly. I also LOVE the San Antonio River walk, too. Take a boat ride at night with all the lights-you and your kids won’t regret it. Wherever you go, you’ll have memories for a lifetime. Can’t travel? You’re in luck, I’m about to take you down Reindeer Road to all the fun stops in the Waco area!
- Lights of West: NOW open DAILY 6pm-10pm. Drive thru admission is $35 per vehicle with up to 8 passengers in one vehicle or $55 per vehicle with 9 or more passengers. **Daily trailer rides ages 2-15, $10 per child and $15 per adult (2 and under are free). Santa is available for photo opportunities on December 1, 2, 8, 15, 16, and 18-24th. Merchandise and concessions available.
- BLORA in Belton (Nature in Lights): NOW open through December 31st, 5:00-11pm. Enjoy a 5 ½ mile drive with radio station 91.9 FM; $20 per car; $35 limos/RV’s; $55 passenger van; $80 47+ bus. **You are able to stop at Santa’s village for vendor booths, crafts, and photos with Santa too! Bonus, they are open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Lee’s Lights: Located on Appaloosa Trail in Woodway-there are snowballs to throw, trails to walk through, music to listen to, a wall to write your Christmas wish list on, and a fun photo backdrop for pictures! Lee’s lights is a great hit for a quick walk through, but if I’m being honest you’ll end up spending so much time here.
- Wooded Crest Drive: Don’t have time or don’t want to stop and get out? Check out this entire street who goes ALL in! They’ve been coordinating for years and have made a name for themselves! Located in Woodway, right off HWY 84. Grab some hot cocoa and crank that Christmas music because I’m betting you’ll drive the street two or three times!
- Oak Creek Circle in McGregor: This spot hit the map when this family won the Great American Light Fight in 2018. Whether you prefer to drive or walk through, it’s not something you want to miss! Your kids will ask to go back. Be sure to have those phones charged because there are many photo opportunities.
- 2737 Proctor Avenue: Another Clark Griswold Christmas spirit fix is located right here! This corner of the street also won the Great American Light Fight in 2017! There is a smorgasbord of Christmas lights-you’ll want to park and walk up to see all the beauty that lies here.
- Deerwood Drive off Hillcrest: Hats off to another street in Waco that goes ALL in together with decorating! Take a ride through a different part of Waco and soak in all that Christmas cheer!
- Wild Lights at Cameron Park Zoo: NOW open through December 31st- Wednesday through Sunday 6-9pm. Christmas week they will be open all days on the 18th-23rd. $15 for adults, $12 for children, 2 and under is free – member rates available! **Local food trucks will be present! Enjoy warm beverages, sweet treats or yummy dinner. Animals will not be on exhibit!
- Christmas Lights in the Village: December 8th-10th & 15th-17th, 6:00-9:00pm, $12 admission for adults and children, while it is only $8 for museum members and Baylor students. **Thousands of lights to see on your relaxing stroll through the historic village at the Mayborn Museum. Visits with Santa, a petting zoo, a train ride, food for purchase, local vendors and more will be available!
That’s a wrap! If you have any new hot spots in town, please contact Waco Moms! We would love to include new places on our list every year-the more the better! Cheers to this holiday season, moms!
Check out other posts such as Waco Charities to Give to this Holiday Season and Experience Based Gift Ideas here!
