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These days, it seems like everybody loves New Braunfels, TX. From its utterly charming take on German culture to its beloved cypress-lined waterways, this little Hill Country town is about as idyllic as it gets.
So, whether you’re headed to New Braunfels for the day or you’re a local looking to spice up your calendar, leave the research to us: here are 10 of the best things to do in New Braunfels this November!
Image courtesy of Wurstfest
1. Celebrate the Wonders of Wurstfest
It’s the most wonderful time of the year here in New Braunfels: Wurstfest! Join your friends and neighbors in this beloved “10-day salute to sausage” by wearing your finest lederhosen or dirndl and partaking in a pitcher of German beer and some traditional sausage. (To see what’s in store, check out this list of 16 Instagrams That Prove Wurstfest Is Actually The Best!)
When: November 2-11 (Check the schedule here)
Where: Wurstfest Grounds, 120 Landa St
2. Tee Off At The Golf Course
Another fun Wurstfest tradition is the WurstOpen Golf Tournament. For $75 per player, you can enjoy a day of golf, lunch, and prizes (along with two tickets to Wurstfest!). The tournament format is a two-person team scramble flighted by low handicap.
When: November 10, 8:00 AM
Where: Landa Park, 180 Golf Course Rd
Image Courtesy of the Kanu Rennen Facebook Page
3. Compete in a Canoe Race
Combining two of New Braunfels’ favorite things (German heritage and water sports), Kanu Rennen (German for “canoe race”) is a competition worth training for. Whether you’re participating in the race or cheering on the canoes, head out to Cypress Bend Park to enjoy the fun! All ages and canoe skill levels are welcome.
When: November 3, 11:00 AM
Where: Cypress Bend Park, 503 Peace Ave
4. See The Wurstfest Drama
It isn’t Wurstfest season without the Circle Arts Theatre putting on some wacky, sausage-related show! This year’s quirky show is called “Wurstbusters,” a parody of the hilarious 80s classic with a meaty twist. Be prepared for zombie versions of turkey legs and funnel cakes, as well as a rumored appearance by the “Stay Puft Sausage Man” and other wacky characters. The Circle Arts Theatre will put on a performance every night of Wurstfest, so be sure to catch one!
When: November 2-11 (Performance times here)
Where: Circle Arts Theatre, 124 Elizabeth Ave
5. Browse The Rubber Stamp Festival
We love interesting hobbies, and the New Braunfels Rubber Stamp and Paper Arts Festival offers a festive glimpse into one such niche! The New Braunfels Civic Center will be decked out with art stamps, cardmaking, scrapbooking, paper supplies, and more. Plus, the festival will include classes and demonstrations. Check out the website for tickets and more information.
When: November 9-10, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S Castell Ave
Image Courtesy of the New Braunfels Half Marathon
6. Run (or Walk!) a Half Marathon
Looking to work off all that Halloween candy? The New Braunfels Half Marathon will take place at the Stars and Stripes Drive-in on November 10! Whether you’ve trained all year for this or you’re simply cheering on those who have, this event is always inspiring. Every participant will get a swag bag and a finisher’s medal, and all skill levels are encouraged to run!
When: November 10, 8:00 AM
Where: Stars & Stripes Drive-in Theatre, 1178 Kroesche Ln
7. Watch Downtown Light Up For the Holidays
The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting ceremony is a traditional free event to get all the neighbors in New Braunfels together for some holiday cheer. Plus, the kids get to welcome Santa Claus into town as he strolls in under thousands of twinkling LED lights covering the main plaza! Make sure to get there around 6:00 PM for a good spot.
When: November 16, 6:00 PM
Where: Downtown Main Plaza
8. Shop for German Christmas Goodies
The Weihnachtsmarkt (pronounced vie-nocks-market) is a New Braunfels Christmas market that replicates the charm of the outdoor markets in Germany (but inside the New Braunfels Civic Center). This three-day market supports the Sophienburg museum with over 60 merchants and artisans offering unique German trinkets just in time for Christmas.
When: November 16-18, 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Where: New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S Castell Ave
Image Courtesy of Gruene Historic District
9. Take Pictures With Cowboy Kringle
If you are a native to New Braunfels, you know you have to get a picture with Cowboy Kringle himself! A quirky combination of Christmas and Texas culture, this Gruene tradition will take place in the breezeway between The Grapevine and Gruene General Store in Historic Gruene on November 17th and 18th. Plus, a portion of the profits from photos taken on November 17-18 will go to Communities in Schools of South Central Texas.
When: November 17-18 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM & 12:00- 5:00 PM)
Where: Gruene General Store, 1610 Hunter Rd
10. Eat BBQ For A Cause
Kookin’ for Kids is a BBQ Cookoff to provide underprivileged, abused, or neglected children with gifts for Christmas. Sign up here to be a registered cook, or simply show up and enjoy all the good food our friends will be cooking. (Pro Tip: On Friday, there will even be a fajita category!)
When: November 30-December 1, 6:00 PM
Where: Rockin’ R River Rides, 1405 Gruene Rd
