As if New Braunfels weren’t charming enough, this little Hill Country town seems to take on an extra special glow during the holiday season.
If you’re looking to infuse a little more holiday magic into your life this November and December, check out these 18 holiday events in the New Braunfels area!
Image Courtesy of Santa’s Ranch Facebook Page
1. Santa’s Ranch
When: November 2 - December 30 (6:00 PM-10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday & 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday) Where: 9561 I-35 North
What better place to admire an entire Hill Country landscape of glittering Christmas lights (1.5 million, to be exact) than from the comfort of your own car? Turn on your favorite holiday tunes, grab a bag of kettle corn and a cup of hot cocoa and cruise through “one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state” at “Santa’s Ranch.” This Texas favorite runs from November 2nd through December 30th.
2. Photos with Cowboy Kringle
When: November 17-December 22 (View times here)
Where: 1612 Hunter Rd (the breezeway between The Grapevine and Gruene General Store)
Nothing screams “Hill Country Christmas” quite like Gruene’s very own version of Santa Claus: Cowboy Kringle. To snap a classic photo with this New Braunfels legend, head to the breezeway between The Grapevine and Gruene General Store. Click here for times and here for pricing and package information!
Image Courtesy of the Weihnachtsmarkt Facebook Page
3. Weihnachtsmarkt
When: November 16-18, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave
It might be tough to pronounce (hint: vy-noks-markt), but Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the easiest New Braunfels events to enjoy. Hosted by the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, this three-day, German-themed Christmas market offers goods from over 60 merchants and artisans (think: collectibles, ornaments, holiday decorations, apparel, jewelry, and gifts). The market opens at 10:00 AM daily for your holiday perusal.
4. Gruene Turkey Trot
When: November 22, 8:00 AM
Where: In front of Gruene Hall (1281 Gruene Rd)
Looking for a little pre-turkey workout? Gruene’s annual Turkey Trot is the perfect spot to “get your sweat on” while hanging out with the rest of the New Braunfels community. This 5K run/walk (and quarter-mile “kid’s' turkey chase” kicks off at 8:00 AM on Thanksgiving Day (November 22nd) and benefits Comal Cops for Kids.
Image Courtesy of the Christkindlmarkt Facebook Page
5. Christkindlmarkt
When: November 30 to December 1, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: New Braunfels Conservation Society, 1300 Church Hill Dr
Another chance for a German-flavored shopping experience, Christkindlmarkt is a traditional open-air Christmas market that feels kind of like a European carnival. Head to the New Braunfels Conservation Society to enjoy food, drink, German-inspired craft beer, handcrafted Gluehwein, German music, singing and dancing, a rock-climbing wall, bungee trampolines, educational activities, face painting, and photos with a Hill Country Santa and Mrs. Claus!
6. The Christmas Wine Affair
When: November 30 to December 16
Where: View list of participating wineries here
A festive cheers to Texas wine! Featuring over 40 participating locations, the Texas Wine Trail’s “2018 Christmas Wine Affair” is an invitation to explore local wineries and vineyards. Each participant will receive a “Tasting Passport” that includes a full complimentary tasting at each participating winery (usually decked with a warm fireplace and cozy holiday displays).
Image Courtesy of the Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade Facebook Page
7. Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade
When: December 1, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Downtown New Braunfels, Main Plaza
Welcome in the holiday season with the rest of the New Braunfels community at the Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade! Starting in Prince Solms Park (at 5:00 PM) and ending at Bridge Street, this event is the perfect way to kick off a festive December.
8. Gruene Christmas Market Days
When: December 1-2, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Gruene Historic District (in front of Adobe Verde on Hunter Road)
It’s Gruene Market Days, but with a Texas twist! On December 1st and 2nd, head to the Gruene Historic District and get a head start on your holiday shopping. With nearly 100 vendors offering tons of holiday goods (from food to decor).
Image Courtesy of the 2016 Gruene Pony Express Ride Facebook Page
9. Gruene Pony Express Ride
When: December 1,10:00 AM
Where: Gruene Historic District, 1281 Gruene Rd
As if Gruene didn’t feel historic enough, December 1st will celebrate the 17th Annual “ Gruene Pony Express Ride,” an event that harkens back to the old-school method of delivering Christmas greetings. At 10:00 AM, members of the Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels will carry a "Christmas Greetings" message from the Governor of Texas and set up a pop-up post office next to Gruene Outfitters. This is the only day of the year you can have your mail postmarked "Gruene, TX"!
10. Gruene Town Lighting
When: December 1, 5:00 to 6:30 PM
Where: Downtown Historic Gruene
Watch Gruene light up for the holidays! On December 1st in everyone’s favorite little historic district, Cowboy Kringle will ride into town on horseback and perform the honors. Celebrate with live music, festival food, and wine. Take the opportunity to spend the evening enjoying Gruene’s cozy restaurants and local boutiques!
Image Courtesy of the NBRW Christmas Tour of Homes
11. Christmas Tour of Homes
When: December 1, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Preview homes here
Peek into someone else’s festive living room on December 1st at the annual NBRW Christmas Tour of Homes from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This year will feature tours of six gorgeous New Braunfels area homes, as well as a refreshment stop and commemorative ornament.
12. Christmas at the Caverns
When: December 10-11, 17-23 (See park hours here)
Where: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd
Putting an adventurous spin on holiday cheer, Natural Bridge Caverns will transform into an underground wonderland during Christmas at the Caverns! Featuring glittering lights, caroling, a countryside trek, and a “Christmas Village” (among other holiday attractions), this event will also help support the work of the San Antonio Food Bank.
Image Courtesy of The Grapevine
13. Bah Humbug
When: December 2nd, 1:00 PM
Where: The Grapevine, 1612 Hunter Rd
A delightfully unique version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, “Bah Humbug” is “A Christmas Carol” with a hilarious twist: all the roles are played by one award-winning stage actor. Thanks to numerous costume changes and special effects, Damian Gillen will transform from Scrooge to Tiny Tim and back again in this imaginative performance.
14. Jingle Bell Run + Walk
When: December 8 (Registration at 7:30 AM, Race at 8:00 AM)
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
What better way to work off all that holiday party food? The Jingle Bell Run + Walk will help you get in shape and support a local charity at the same time. This year will benefit St. Jude’s Ranch, which cares for children and families who have been affected by trauma, abuse and neglect. (Plus, post-race goodies include a sausage wrap and a cup of hot chocolate!)
Wassail Fest Image Courtesy of the New Braunfels Farmers Market
15. Wassail Fest
When: December 6, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Downtown New Braunfels, 110 Main Plaza
What would the holidays be without Wassail Fest? A New Braunfels tradition, this celebration of cinnamon-y goodness will feature music, shopping, twinkling holiday lights, and (of course) plenty of (free!) wassail.
16. Gospel Brunch With a Texas Twist: Christmas Edition
When: December 9, 10:30 AM
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
Combining everyone’s favorite things (brunch and Christmas tunes) Gruene Hall’s “Gospel Brunch With a Texas Twist: Christmas Edition” will be led by Bret Graham, one of Gruene Hall’s favorite country musicians, and a buffet catered by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Purchase tickets here!
17. Caroling on the Plaza
When: December 14, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Downtown New Braunfels, Main Plaza
On the second Friday of December, the sounds of Christmas will waft through the streets of Downtown New Braunfels, featuring traditional Christmas Carols in English, German and Spanish, as well as special music from Comal County Schools and local musicians.
Image Courtesy of Gruene Hall’s Official Facebook Page
18. Two Ton Tuesday Christmas Show
When: December 18, 6:00 -7:00 PM (swing dancing lessons) & 8:30 -10:10 PM (show)
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
A total Gruene classic, Two Ton Tuesday will host a special Christmas Show on December 18. Shine up your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of deliciously festive music!
And, if you’re thoroughly charmed by New Braunfels’ holiday spirit (or you’re simply ready to relocate), we’d be honored to be the ones to help guide you through the whole process, from connecting with a lender to signing the closing papers. Plus, we’ve created an exclusive guide just for the New Braunfels buyer! Let us know how we can help your search for the right home as seamless as possible.