Holiday Happenings Near Treeside Resort
November 8, 2021
There are a TON of holiday events going on in New Braunfels and Gruene throughout November and December. From tree lightings to shopping to fantastic shows, the New Braunfels area has you covered for Christmas. So dust off your ugly Christmas sweaters and head to these awesome family-friendly events.
These are just the highlights of fun things to do in New Braunfels for the holidays.
Festival of the Trees – November 16 – 18
Located at The Bar @ Villa at Gruene, this annual event is family-friendly to kick off the season. View over 30 decorated trees and wreaths available for purchase via silent auction. Walk through a winter wonderland and have the kids’ photo taken with Santa. Proceeds go directly to support Meals on Wheels and the Comal County Senior Center.
Gruene Christmas Market Days and Town Lighting– November 20 – 21 and December 4 – 5
With almost 100 vendors, peruse uniquely crafted items and sample Texas-style food from 10am – 5pm. Cowboy Kringle will be on hand for photo ops. Admission is free. Then on December 4, watch as Kringle rides into town on horseback and lights Gruene for the holidays. There will be live music, festival food, and beer/wine for purchase.
Christkindlmarkt – December 3 – 5
Come get your German on! This open-air Christmas market comes complete with food, drink, German-inspired craft beer, handcrafted Gluehwein (mulled wine), German music, dancing and singing, and vendors galore. There will be fun activities for the kids, as well, so bring the whole family. Admission is FREE.
Christmas Traditions Field Trip Show – December 3
Need something for the kids to do this holiday season? Bring them to Christmas Traditions at the New Braunfels Convention Center. Starting at 10:30am, they will be enthralled with a fun Christmas dance show, a visit with Santa, and have the opportunity to go on a Christmas scavenger hunt. It all starts with a read of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with Santa himself. Tickets are only $5 per person.
Bah Humbug – December 4
At 1pm at The Grapevine in New Braunfels, experience a Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but with a twist! See one actor play every single beloved role in this classic story of compassion and hope. Damian Gillen is an award-winning stage actor who transforms into the myriad of characters in this amazing performance. See website for show times and tickets.
Christmas Market Days – November 20 – 21 and December 4 – 5
Located at the Gruene Historic District, get a head start on your holiday shopping with nearly 100 vendors! You are sure to find something for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life.
Schlitterbahn’s Hill Country Christmas – Weekends November 26 – December 19
This waterpark is known by many to be the world’s best waterpark during the summer months, but come the holidays? It transforms into a holiday extravaganza filled with an amazing spectacle of over 1 million lights! Attractions include dazzling shows, festive food, and unique shopping. This event goes on every weekend beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving through Dec. 19. Tickets are $15 per adult and $13 for kids 3-11 and seniors 55+.
29th Annual Jingle Bell Run – December 11
Get active before the holiday feasting begins with this 5K run/walk and Kid’s K event to benefit St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. Held at the Gruene Historic District. Due of covid guidelines, this event is held both virtually and in-person. There are awards to be won in several categories. See the Athlete Guild website for detailed information and entry fees.