  As 2025 wraps up, let's take a moment to celebrate the amazing progress that we've achieved together. Thank you to our incredible city employees for making Waco a city to believe in. You are truly the best employees in Texas.
Watch the video to hear all the highlights directly from our team. We can't wait to build on this success in 2026. Happy New Year, Waco!
 City of Waco offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25 for Christmas and on Thursday, January 1 for New Year’s Day.
- On Wednesday, December 24, gray waste carts and blue recycling carts will be collected as usual.
- Residents with a Thursday, December 25 trash pickup day will have their gray waste carts and blue recycling carts collected earlier the day before on Wednesday, December 24.
- Residents with a Thursday, January 1 trash pickup day will have their gray waste carts and green yard waste carts collected earlier the day before on Wednesday, December 31.
 G’day, mates! Cameron Park Zoo has two new red kangaroos — Dr. Roolittle and Ladybug. Dr. Roolittle is already showing off his big-boy bounce, while Ladybug is taking her sweet time scoping out the place. Joining our new kangaroo friends is Julian, a Bennett’s red-necked wallaby.
Hop on over to Cameron Park Zoo before the end of the year and give them a proper Texas howdy! Our new friends are located next to Penguin Shores and the Herpetarium.
 Celebrate the beauty of the nature with the 2026 Lake Waco Wetlands Calendar! Each month features breathtaking photographs from talented local photographers, capturing the unique wildlife and scenery of Lake Waco Wetlands. A big thank you to everyone who shared their work and helped highlight this incredible ecosystem.
Calendars are free and are available while supplies last at:
- Lake Waco Wetlands
- All four Waco-McLennan County Libraries
- Waco City Hall
- Waco Welcome Center
 A direct flight might look cheaper, but the total travel cost is what matters. Check out the new Fly Waco Savings Calculator to reveal the true time and money savings from choosing your local Waco Regional Airport. We did the math for you!
Why Fly Waco?
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Zero Drive Stress: No need to drive hours to and from a major airport.
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Low Parking Fees: Eliminate expensive parking fees and time-consuming shuttle services.
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Easy Check In: Arrive at least one hour before your flight departure.
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Fast Security: Enjoy shorter TSA lines.
 Starting January 1, 2026, the City of Waco will implement an annual adjustment to utility rates for all customers. For the average residential customer, this change will result in an increase of less than $6.00 per month on their City of Waco utility bill.
Waco City Council approved these adjustments in September as part of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and are necessary to maintain high-quality, reliable utility services for the community.
 Beginning January 2, 2026, Waco-McLennan County Library locations will close one hour earlier on evenings that are currently open until 9 p.m. New evening hours will end at 8 p.m.
Updated hours will be posted at each location and on the Waco Library website.
 The Streets & Traffic division of Public Works is looking for hardworking people to join the team and keep the city safe, clean, and thriving! Be a part of building a better Waco!
We’re hiring:
- Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL
- Street Maintenance Worker
- Traffic Signal Technician – CDL
Ready to build Waco’s future? Apply today!
 Holiday cheer took a fun, creative turn at Dean Highland Elementary School. Students designed festive holiday cards for our local heroes at the Waco Fire Department. To celebrate their hard work, their teachers selected one winner from each grade to receive a special ride to school in a real fire engine.
Thank you to the teachers who helped bring this idea to life. We’re excited to start this new tradition and look forward to sharing it with kids in different schools each year.
 Call (254) 750-1620 to schedule a free ride to and from your New Year's Eve destination! The reservation line is now open.
Help keep the streets safe for everyone this New Year's Eve and let Waco Transit System be your designated driver! Free rides are available from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Must be within the Waco urbanized area.)
 As you are getting ready to plan your New Year's Eve parties, we would like to remind you that fireworks are illegal in the city limits of Waco.
Sparklers are not considered fireworks and are okay to purchase and use.
Don't risk a fine of up to $2,000 and/or jail time. Your safety is our primary concern! Let's end the year, right!
 New Year's Eve might be a blast for us, but loud noises can be scary for our furry friends.
- Create a safe haven with their bed, blankets, and favorite toys.
- Muffle the noise with a TV or speaker.
- Stay home with them if you can or find a trusted sitter.
- Get up to date photos and check their microchips and IDs (just in case).
 Tis the season for... cleaning up? The City of Waco Solid Waste team is here to help you clear out the holiday clutter the right way!
- Recycle most wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and packaging in your blue bin, unless it has metal, wax, velvet, or glitter.
- Natural wreaths, mistletoe, holly, and other natural decorations can go in your green bin. Make sure to remove any artificial pieces.
- If you're getting rid of an artificial tree, you can schedule a curbside bulky waste pickup at waco-texas.com/solidwaste.
- Natural Christmas trees can mulched at the Chipping of the Green event or left on your curb on any green bin week.
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