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 December!
1. Head to a Gatsby Holiday Ball
Take a swanky trip to the 1920s this month via Swing Junction’s Annual Swing Junction Holiday Gatsby Ball! Dress up in your finest flapper gear head to the ball, which will feature a live band, performances, and (obviously) lots of great dancing. Music will be performed by Vic’s Hot Six Jazz Band. Doors open at 6:30 PM!
When: December 7, 7:30 – 11:00 PM
Where: Swing Junction at American Legion, 410 W. Coll Street
Image Courtesy of the 2016 Gruene Pony Express Ride Facebook Page
2. Send Some Old-School Snail Mail
The Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels is coming back to the Historic Gruene District for their traditional Pony Express Ride! Riders will arrive carrying Christmas greetings from the Governor of Texas, and a temporary post office will be set up to mail Christmas cards with a 2018 commemorative stamp of Gruene.
When: December 1, 10:00 AM
Where: Gruene Historic District
3. Run The Jingle Bell Race
If you’re going to go for a run this month, why not make it a run for a good cause? The Jingle Bell 5K Run will benefit the children of SRJC Texas, and awards will be given to the top finishers in each group. Want to be extra festive? Wear some jingle bells around your outfit for the run! Sign up here.
When: December 8, 7:30 AM
Where: Rockin’ R River Rides, 1405 Gruene Rd
Image Courtesy of the Natural Bridge Caverns Facebook Page
4. Experience Christmas at the Caverns
The Natural Bridge Caverns are going all out this December with a holiday celebration in the caves. Christmas at the Caverns includes caroling, campfires, hayrides, a maze where visitors have to rescue reindeer, zip lines, a ropes courses, and more! This event will also help support the work of the San Antonio Food Bank.
When: December 10-11, 17-23 (See park hours here)
Where: Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd
5. Sing Christmas Carols with Disney Princesses
The McKenna Children’s Museum is inviting all your favorite Disney princesses to the museum for an afternoon of Christmas caroling! Free to the public, this event is great to bring the little kids and the big kids who still enjoy singing those holiday songs. Group photos will be offered after the show!
When: December 11, 4:00 PM
Where: McKenna Children’s Museum, 801 W San Antonio St
Image Courtesy of the Grand Ol’ Christmas Show Facebook Page
6. Catch a Christmas Variety Show
A tribute to the live radio broadcast Christmas shows of the old days, the Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is a nostalgic peek into Christmas past! The show will feature Blue Water Highway, along with other Texas entertainers. Get your tickets for one of the nights now before it all sells out!
When: December 5 & 7, 6:30 PM
Where: Brauntex Theatre, 290 W San Antonio St
7. Experience The Nutcracker
Crossing off all of the iconic Christmas to-dos? The Nutcracker must be at the top of the list! Head to the Brauntex Theatre from December 21-23 to watch this classic ballet come to life. Catch a matinee or an evening show, but don’t forget to buy those tickets early as this is a holiday favorite!
When: December 21-23, 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Where: Brauntex Theatre, 290 W San Antonio St
Wassail Fest Image Courtesy of the New Braunfels Farmers Market
8. Enjoy Some Tasty Wassail
What would the holidays be without Wassail Fest? This celebration is dedicated to the iconic drink of the season. Eat great food, enjoy live music and entertainment, and of course, sample a bunch of great wassails.
When: December 6, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Downtown New Braunfels, 110 Main Plaza
9. Have Breakfast With the Grinch
The Grinch is returning to New Braunfels for the second year in a row so you can have Breakfast with the Grinch! Bring your cameras so the kids can get photos with the mean green one himself. Enjoy a plate of pancakes, a side of snide, and (who knows) maybe even some green eggs and ham!
When: December 15, 8:00 AM
Where: Landa Haus, 360 Aquatic Cir
10. Watch a Movie in the Park
What better way to start the holiday from school than by seeing the Polar Express in the park? Bundle up and bring some blankets as you head to the dance slab at Landa Park for a screening of the film. Be sure to bring some cash for holiday drinks and train rides!
When: December 22, 6:30 PM
Where: Landa Haus, 360 Aquatic Cir