Waco Insider #202
New Year's Eve, The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming—A Christmas Story, and The PACC Winter Performing Arts Camp
Sure, things have quieted down since Christmas Day has come and gone, but that’s just because the big day—New Year’s Eve—arrives next Tuesday night. And as usual, you’ve got a whole slew of options to choose from.
Want an authentic honky-tonk roadhouse experience? Look no further than the Nolan Pick Band at historic Elk Hall or Rodney Pyeatt at Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon. Maybe something a little more elegant? There’s always the Cambria Hotel, which is ringing in the new year with the Royal Dukes Band. Or, head over to Hotel Herringbone for its “Champagne Supernova” celebration with Suede and That Bad. And if you want to help out a good cause, there’s the perennial Barkin’ Ball to benefit Fuzzy Friends Rescue at BASE at Extraco Events Center.
Check out your New Year’s Eve options.
Every other Saturday afternoon, Barnes & Noble hosts storytime in the kids’ department, and this week features Lemony Snicket’s The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming—A Christmas Story, the tale of an irate latke at Hanukkah who escapes being cooked in a hot frying pan. He encounters different Christmas icons—holiday lights, a candy cane, and a pine tree—that he tries to educate about the customs of Hanukkah. Needless to say, mayhem and hijinks ensue!
Things kick off at 1 pm with special guest reader Maura Jortner and include giveaways, activities, and a lesson on playing dreidel.
Looking for something to keep the kids busy next week? Or maybe you’ve got some free time of your own to fill? The Performing Arts Community Center has got you covered with its Winter Performing Arts Camp for all ages—starting at age 4 through adults—to learn about theatre, music, dance, and film.
By the end of the week, each group will have completed a theatre play, a musical piece, a dance, and a short film. Whether you—or your camper—love to be in the spotlight or prefer backstage work, there's a place for everyone.
Upcoming Events
Events subject to change. Visit Waco Insider for complete event and ticket details, venue info, and newly added/updated listings.
Have an event you’d like listed? Visit our event submissions page.
Thursday, December 26
Thirsty Thursday | Pivovar | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Lights of West Christmas Light Park | Lights of West | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (early tour) | 6500 Woodway Dr | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
4th Annual Wild Lights | Cameron Park Zoo | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Gift to the Community | WM Dentistry | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
$25 Steak Night | Barnett's Whiskey House | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
KRIS with a K Music Bingo | Waco Ale Co. | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (late tour) | 6500 Woodway Dr | 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, December 27
Homeschool Skate Day | Skate Waco Bellmead | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (early tour) | 6500 Woodway Dr | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
4th Annual Wild Lights | Cameron Park Zoo | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Gift to the Community | WM Dentistry | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Darrell "D-Rail" Ray | Uncle Worm's Smoke House | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Board Game, Chess & Puzzle Night | The Performing Arts Community Center | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Gordon Pyle | Cambria Hotel | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Outdoor Om with Farm Friends | Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Michael Saldana | The Tipsy Lion Bar & Grill | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Bird & Friends Cosmic Unity Improv | Brazos Theatre | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Chris Perez | Mynar's Bar | 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Kristen Taylor | The Will | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Megan Urby & Cody Ellinger | Tokio Store | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (late tour) | 6500 Woodway Dr | 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Trent Cowie with Joel Wood | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Eric & Thomas Unplugged | BIG's Mayberry Tavern | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Karaoke | Chapter 11 | 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Freaky Friday with DJ Euby | Freight Bar | 10:00 pm – 1:30 am
Saturday, December 28
Waco Downtown Farmers Market | 500 Washington Avenue | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Storytime: The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming—A Christmas Story | Barnes & Noble | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
New Year Double Feature: Frozen Singalong & It's A Wonderful Life | The Performing Arts Community Center | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Christmas Gift to the Community | WM Dentistry | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
4th Annual Wild Lights | Cameron Park Zoo | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (early tour) | 6500 Woodway Dr | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Gordon Pyle | Cambria Hotel | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Pre-New Year's Eve Party with Texas Latino | Waco Missions | 7:00 pm – 12:30 am
Zachary Hill & Mark McCallister | Waco Ale Co. | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Acoustic Open Mic Night with Michael Saldana | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
DJ Sweetest T | Marie's Wine Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Collin James Band After-Christmas Party | Last Chance Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour (late tour) | 6500 Woodway Dr | 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Don Crum Trio | Papa Joe's Texas Saloon | 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Karaoke | Chapter 11 | 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
DJ Wyatt | Freight Bar | 11:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday, December 29
Sunday Outdoor Market | The Will | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
25% Off New Whiskeys | Barnett's Whiskey House | 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Seltzer Sunday | Freight Bar | 4:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Open Mic | Cricket's Grill & Draft House | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Song Swap & Open Mic Night with Michael Saldana | Lakeside Bar | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
4th Annual Wild Lights | Cameron Park Zoo | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Gift to the Community | WM Dentistry | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Service Industry Night with DJ Eddie Rose | The Will | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Daikaiju | Truelove Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Monday, December 30
Holiday Skate Camp | Skate World Waco | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Winter Performing Arts Camp | The Performing Arts Community Center | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
$5 Pints & Burgers | Barnett's Whiskey House | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
4th Annual Wild Lights | Cameron Park Zoo | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Gift to the Community | WM Dentistry | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Karaoke Mondays | The Crying Shame | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Manic Monday | Freight Bar | 7:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Slap Stix Trivia Night | Lakeside Bar | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday, December 31
Holiday Skate Camp | Skate World Waco | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Winter Performing Arts Camp | The Performing Arts Community Center | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
New Year's Eve Dinner | Pignetti's | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Caviar Bumps & Champagne Bubbles | Segovia Wine Bar | 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cocktails with Jen | Hemingway's Watering Hole | 5:00 pm – midnight
New Year's Eve Bash with The Bill & Phil Show | BIG's Mayberry Tavern | 5:00 pm – 12:30 am
Free Uber, Lyft & Cab Rides | The Zimmerman Law Firm | 5:00 pm – 10:00 am
Roaring New Year's Eve Bash | Hotel 1928 | 5:00 pm – midnight
Fire & Ice New Year's Eve Masquerade with Hooligan & The Johnny Joes | Barnett's Whiskey House | 5:30 pm – 1:00 am
4th Annual Wild Lights | Cameron Park Zoo | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Gift to the Community | WM Dentistry | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
New Year's Eve with Burn the Wicked | Last Chance Bar | 7:00 pm – midnight
Johnnie Bradshaw & The Out of The Blue Band | Geneva Hall | 7:00 pm – midnight
2024 Barkin' Ball | BASE at Extraco Events Center | 7:30 pm – midnight
New Year's Eve Party with Rodney Pyeatt | Papa Joe's Texas Saloon | 8:00 pm – 12:30 am
The Ballou's Cats | American Legion Post 273 | 8:00 pm – midnight
'90s Throwback New Year's Eve with the Nolan Pick Band | Elk Hall | 8:00 pm – midnight
2025 New Year's Eve Party | Southern Roots Brewing Co. | 8:00 pm – 12:30 am
Wish Upon a New Year | Freight Bar | 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friends & Community New Year's Eve Bash with Frank Exum | Marie's Wine Bar | 9:00 pm – 12:30 am
New Year's Masquerade Party with the Collin James Band | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar | 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Champagne Supernova New Year's Eve with Suede & That Bad | Hotel Herringbone | 9:00 pm – midnight
7th Anniversary Fundraiser | Cultivate 7twelve | 9:30 pm – 12:30 am
Ring in New Year's Eve 2025 with the Royal Dukes Band | Cambria Hotel | 9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Wednesday, January 1
New Year's Day Champagne Brunch | Barnett's Whiskey House | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Winter Performing Arts Camp | The Performing Arts Community Center | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
College Game Day! | The Will | noon – midnight
Coming Next Week
First Friday Sip ‘n’ Skate, Morgan Lee Powers, and Reflections of The Carpenters.
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