When most people think about a Guadalupe River vacation, they imagine floating along the river on a hot summer day while slathered from head to toe in sunscreen. It’s no secret that summer trips to New Braunfels are a blast, but you might be surprised to learn that fall and winter Hill Country vacations can be just as fun. During the months of November and December, the City of New Braunfels and Historic Downtown Gruene pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday festivities! It would be impossible to cover them all, but keep reading for a few of our favorite holiday events near New Braunfels, Texas.
Upcoming Holiday Events Near New Braunfels
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 – JANUARY 2, 2022 | SANTA’S RANCH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY
Put on your finest pajamas, load up the kinfolk, and drive on down to Santa’s Ranch for a magical mile of winding country roads, sparkling Christmas lights, animated displays, homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks.
(6:00 PM-10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday & 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday)
Where: 9561 I-35 North
NOVEMBER 17-DECEMBER 22 | PHOTOS WITH COWBOY KRINGLE
A Hill Country vacation isn’t complete without a visit to Gruene, Texas. During the holiday season, the quaint little town is especially enchanting! Get your picture taken with Gruene’s own brand of Santa, Cowboy Kringle. Mr. Kringle welcomes children, families, adults, and fur babies to snap a photo this holiday season. Book online in advance to secure your time slot with Cowboy Kringle.
DECEMBER 4 | GRUENE TOWN LIGHTING
On December 4, Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback to light up Gruene for the holidays. The Gruene Town Lighting is full of magic and cheer complete with live music, festival food, and beer/wine for the grownups. Shop Gruene’s 30+ stores, cozy up to a fireplace for dinner at the Gristmill, head over to Mozie’s for a warming cocktail, or stop by the Hall for the evening show.
DECEMBER 4, 5 | CHRISTMAS 2021 GRUENE MARKET DAYS
Historic Downtown Gruene’s Christmas market is the perfect venue to purchase unique holiday gifts for friends and family of all ages. The outdoor market features more than 100 artisan vendors showcasing uniquely crafted items, handmade gifts, and local Texas salsas, jams, and jellies.
DECEMBER 4, 5, 11, 12, & 18-23 | CHRISTMAS AT THE CAVERNS
Celebrate Christmas unlike anywhere else in the world! Holiday festivities at the Natural Bridge Caverns include; listening to the echo of carols in Texas’ largest underground cavern, taking pictures with Santa Spelunker Claus, and rounding up reindeer in an outdoor maze. As the sun sets behind a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, take a stroll through a trail of lights, roast s’mores, enjoy games, music, and more.
Natural Bridge Caverns Website
Thanks to dazzling twinkle lights, Cowboy Santas, and Texas-sized decorations, it’s easy as pie to have a very merry Christmas in the Texas Hill Country! When you stay at Rio Guadalupe Resort you’ll enjoy easy access to all the best holiday events. Our Resort features cabin rentals, full hookup RV campsites, and kayak rentals on 1/4 mile of Guadalupe River frontage.
