New Braunfels residents love that the town provides so much to see and do while still maintaining a great culture and small town feel. This month is no exception; there is a wide variety of different “things” happening in and around town! No need to research, we’ve come up with a list of the best fun things to do in New Braunfels in January.
1. Build Homes for a Cause
Image courtesy of pinterest.com
If you’re available on Martin Luther King Jr Day, consider doing something special with your time. We recommend volunteering on a job site with the Comal County Habitat for Humanity. HFH partners with families in need to build homes that will withstand storms on the outside and sustain family life on the inside. Don’t be shy no experience, tools, or construction skills are necessary! Simply show up excited and ready to help. For more information on how to participate, go to the Comal County Habitat for Humanity website.
When: Monday, January 16
Where: Habitat for Humanity Comal County,
2. Shop in Gruene
If you love small-town life, you’ll adore Gruene, TX! As a tiny, historic town nestled in the heart of New Braunfels, Gruene has a charm and character all its own. The area is renown for its music, food, and Texas Hill Country feel. Why not take some time this month to get over there? We recommend shopping at a few of the specialty stores like Fickle Pickle, Gruene Antique Company, Dancing Bear, The Gruene Haus, and Gruene Outfitters. The full list of stores is available on the Gruene website, with descriptions of each. Bring a jacket - it is January, after all!
When: Store hours vary
Where: Gruene Rd
3. Take a Polar Plunge
Image courtesy of nydailynews.com
You may have heard of those insane people who jump into the river during the dead of winter...probably followed by the thought, “What kind of crazy do you have to be to do that?!” In my opinion, the “polar plunge” may be a symbolic way to wash away the past and be cleansed for the future, especially after a year like 2016. Make your way to either two of our beautiful rivers with some friends and get that adrenaline going as you jump into the water! The beautifully funny irony is that these Texas temperatures are still showing highs in the mid-70s, so you might actually enjoy it (plus, the Comal is spring-fed).
When: Daytime
Where: Comal River or Guadalupe River
4. Spend First Friday at Fischer Park
The kids are back in school, and work is resuming after the holidays, but family time should still be in full swing! Spend the evening this Friday at Fischer Park for some playground fun, outdoor air, and a movie on the big screen. Feel free to bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks, and cuddle up for a showing of The Nut Job (rated PG). More food and drinks will be available for purchase from Taco Palenque on site.
When: Friday, January 6 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Fischer Park Amphitheatre, 1935 Hilltop Summit Rd
5. Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke
Image courtesy of musicofnewbraunfels.com
Freiheit Country Store (which sits on the east side of I-35) may look like just an abandoned building to the unsuspecting eye...but to those in the know, this 19th-century establishment houses good food and lots of music. If Freiheit isn’t hosting a show, they’re probably running a serious karaoke jam sesh. In my opinion, this is one of the most fun places to sing your heart out in New Braunfels. Bring your friends and sing “Strawberry Wine” at the top of your lungs!
When: Open until 10:00 PM on weekends, 9:00 PM on weekdays
Where: Freiheit Country Store, 2157 FM1101
6. Participate in Wine Classes
If you’ve always wanted the inside scoop on what makes for a good wine, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards is offering a special 10th anniversary class schedule this year, beginning with January’s class “10 Insider Tips Every Wine Lover Should Know”. You will learn some principles about wine and proper wine tasting that will change the way you drink and appreciate each glass. Learn swirling, sniffing, slurping, tasting, and get all the answers to your vino questions! Register on the website for your spot in the class.
When: Saturday, January 21 @ 10:30 AM
Where: Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, 1741 Herbelin Rd
7. Play a Game of Family Dodgeball
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Look...we understand the holidays were tough for some people. Maybe your brother wouldn’t pass the potatoes or kept stealing the television remote to watch more football while you were holding back tears during It’s a Wonderful Life. Thankfully, The City of New Braunfels is hosting a family dodgeball night to encourage a little friendly competition! Release all of that post-holiday tension in a friendly round of dodgeball. Pre-registration is required, so call 830-221-4370 to register and get ready to play!
When: Friday, January 13 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Landa Recreation Center, 164 Landa Park Dr
8. Have a Lazy Day Brunch
There aren’t many things better than sleeping in on a Saturday and slowly making your way to a nice, long meal. New Braunfels is full of amazing cafes and restaurants to fulfill this dream. One local favorite is the Buttermilk Cafe, which boasts amazing pancakes and breakfast plates for the whole table to enjoy (plus plenty of coffee while you wait). Or, if you’re looking for some breakfast tacos that are out of this world, Granzin’s is your place. Barbecue meats with eggs and cheese…mmm.
9. Taste Delicious Food at the Silver Flavor Fest
The McKenna Event Center is hosting the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation’s Silver Flavor Fest, a “Best of the Chefs” tasting event. A group of local chefs (made up of our senior living neighbors) will create their best dishes for everyone to sample! The event will include live music, good food, and a silent auction later in the evening.
When: Thursday, January 12 @ 6:00 PM
Where: McKenna Event Center, 801 W San Antonio St
10. See a Concert at Gruene Hall
Image courtesy of gruenehall.com
Historic Gruene Hall is a mainstay of nightlife in New Braunfels. This month, acts like Trombone Shorty, Josh Abbott, American Aquarium, and Hayes Carll will take the stage to rock the dust off the walls. Don’t sleep on purchasing tickets! Due to the caliber of artists that choose to play here, shows often sell out. Find tickets and times on the Gruene Hall website.
When: Showtimes vary
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd
11. Visit the Farmers Market
Each Saturday, Boerne hosts a farmer’s market for everyone to shop for fresh farm-to-market products. Local farmers and vendors (75 of them!) grab produce on Friday to sell at the market, just like the old days. Produce availability includes grass-fed meats, eggs, bacon, pantry items, skin care, home and laundry care, baked goods, and food hot and ready to eat!
When: every Saturday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Where: New Braunfels Farmer’s Market, 186 S Castell Ave
12. Learn How to Speak German
Image courtesy of thegermanz.com
If you’ve lived in New Braunfels for any length of time, you are well aware of the area’s German heritage. Here’s your chance to learn the language of the town! The New Braunfels German American Society offers beginner and intermediate German classes starting this Thursday, January 5th for the next ten weeks. Classes are from 6:30-7:45 PM, for more information, call 830-660-0437
When: Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 PM
Where: Elks Lodge, 353 Seguin Ave
13. See a Show at the Brauntex
This month, the Brauntex is offering a diverse set of stage performances. The Oak Ridge Boys will take the stage later in the month, and legend Chubby Checker and the Wildcats will perform some toe-tapping songs next Friday. A showing of the Birth of the Blues will commemorate its 75th anniversary, and a performance of The Lion King Jr will bookend the month of events. Get your tickets here for a fun night at the theater!
When: Showtimes vary
Where: Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W San Antonio
14. Go to a Local Brewery
Image courtesy of guadalupebrew.com
Lucky for us, the New Braunfels Brewing Co and Guadalupe Brewing Co call New Braunfels home. Each week, NBBC releases a new beer (including a peanut butter one this week!), and Guadalupe Brewing has an impressive tasting room that includes some of their award-winning brews. Don’t miss out on an afternoon of tasting amazing local beer!
15. Cruise Down River Road
If you want to enjoy the weather and nature of the Hill Country, take a drive down beautiful River Road. As it winds and moves parallel with the Guadalupe River, roll the windows down and feel the faux winter air blow through your fingers. This is one of my favorite ways to decompress after a long week or busy weekend.