😮There's SO MUCH Happening in New Braunfels This Weekend

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Happy Friday, New Braunfels! The weekend has officially arrived, and it’s packed with live music, festive markets, and all kinds of community fun. Whether you’re planning a night out, a family hang, or you just want the inside scoop on what’s happening, we’ve got the goods.

Newman & Company is celebrating the season with a special 12-day holiday event focused on rejuvenation, beauty, and wellness. From December 8 through December 20, guests can enjoy 20% off gift certificates, making it the perfect time to treat yourself or give a thoughtful, experience-driven gift to someone special.

Gift certificates can be purchased in person at 125 Elliot Knox Blvd, by phone at (830) 620-8444, or online at newmancmpy.com using promo code HOLIDAY20. It’s a limited-time opportunity to give (or get) a little extra glow this holiday season.

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Snap holiday photos with your furry friends at Sophie’s Gasthaus

Get ready for the cutest Christmas event of the season — Christmas Pet Pics with Santa is back at Sophie’s Gasthaus, and the porch is getting a full holiday glow-up for your four-legged (or shell-wearing) friends. On Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, families can bring their pups, cats, bunnies, turtles — truly all friendly pets — for a charming photo session with Santa himself.

Photos are just $20, with a portion of proceeds going to the Humane Society, and each session includes a ticket for a special holiday giveaway. One lucky winner will score a free night stay at Sophie’s Gasthaus. Enjoy warm drinks, pastries, and a festive come-and-go atmosphere perfect for easing into the holiday weekend.

Shop, snap photos, and soak up the spirit at the 4th Annual Grinch Market

The Grinch is back — and he’s ready for photos, pranks, and plenty of holiday cheer. The 4th Annual Grinch Market takes over Freiheit Country Store on Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, turning the space into a lively holiday marketplace filled with small-business vendors, last-minute gifts, and festive fun.

Guests can snap a photo with the Grinch, sip a cold drink, and stroll through the vendor yard for unique treasures. It’s the perfect event for shoppers who love supporting local makers while soaking in the holiday vibes. Vendors can still apply online, and shoppers are welcome to drop in anytime.

SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town

Friday
🎮 Video Game Club for Teens & Tweens at New Braunfels Public Library
⚔️ New Braunfels Renaissance Faire at Church Hill Drive
🎤 Tiffiny Dawn at Krause’s Café
🎄 Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
🎨 A Bright Christmas at Painting With A Twist
🎵 The Isaacs Christmas at The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

Saturday
🏃 Holidays in Gruene: Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk
🎅 Photos with Cowboy Kringle in Historic Gruene
🎸 Bradley Thomas at Gruene Hall
🎵 Monte Good at Krause’s Café
🎁 Traders Village Christmas
🧶 Knit-A-Long Group at New Braunfels Public Library

Sunday
🎵 Elysha LeMaster at Krause’s Café
🎶 Dawn & Hawks at Gruene Hall
📸 Pictures with Krause Klaus at Krause’s Cafe
🎸 Phoenix Saloon Fun with School of Rock New Braunfels
🎤 Phil Luna at Krause’s Café
✨ Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns

Theres More Can You Believe It GIF by VCG Construction

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Membership includes access to a bonus weekend email with exclusive stories you won’t find in our weekday newsletter, digital guides, occasional member-only freebies (like free passes to Santa’s Ranch right now), and other surprises throughout the year. With affordable monthly and annual options, it’s a simple way to give back to a local brand you trust — and get a little more in return.

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WEATHER FORECAST 

Here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast:

Friday: High: 72º | Low: 60º | 20% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 72º | Low: 52º | 25% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 55º | Low: 37º | 15% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

Looking for something festive and fun to do this month? Painting With A Twist New Braunfels has a full lineup of holiday-themed paint sessions—perfect for date nights, outings with friends, family fun, or even company parties. There’s a class for every age and skill level. Just bring your favorite drink, grab your people, and get ready to create a holiday masterpiece. Spots fill quickly this time of year, so book your session now!

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BUZZ AROUND TOWN

🎶 Tickets Drop Friday for a Alabama at Whitewater Amphitheater

A big night of classic country tunes is headed for the Hill Country next June, and fans won’t want to miss it. Tickets for Alabama officially go on sale Friday at 10 AM, and excitement is already building. Keep an eye out — this one’s expected to move fast.

🚐 Lucky Brew Eyes a New Home in New Braunfels

Lucky Brew may be packing up soon after nearly nine months at its current spot, citing low traffic. The owner is searching for a drive-thru–friendly location with power access, and locals are stepping in with suggestions. If you know a good fit, now’s the time to help keep this beloved small business thriving.

🌊 Schlitterbahn Teases Its 2026 Opening Date

Schlitterbahn fans, get ready — the park has revealed its opening date for 2026. Early hints say the waterpark plans to make “big waves” next year when it opens for the season on May 2nd, stirring up plenty of excitement for the season ahead. More details are expected soon.

🏚️ Goodbye Billy’s Ice: A New Braunfels Era Ends

Demolition has begun at the former Billy’s Ice, closing the book on a legendary 16-year run of live music, charity events, and community nights. While a pawn shop is rumored to take its place, nothing will replace its impact on New Braunfels nightlife. Thankfully, the spirit lives on at Bobby’s Ice, opened by the same owners.

🍔 UBP Burgers Preps for Its First Storefront

The wait is almost over — UBP Burgers says its long-anticipated brick-and-mortar location is aiming for a mid-January opening at 588 Business I-35. Until then, fans can still hit the food truck serving some of the city’s most-loved burgers. New year, new building, same elite smash-burger energy.

🍻 Faust Brewing Company Reopens (Sort Of) for 2025

Faust Brewing is giving fans one last round by reopening its tasting room Fridays–Sundays through the end of the year. They’ll be selling remaining beer inventory — plus cocktails — while supplies last. If you missed the farewell in October, this is your bonus chance.

🔥 Teen Charged with Arson in Burlington Fire

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with arson after a fire was intentionally set at the Burlington store on Creekside Way. Surveillance footage captured the incident, and the teen later confessed, according to investigators. He has been taken into custody, while a 14-year-old girl at the scene was interviewed but not charged.

🍟 Whataburger Opens Fourth New Braunfels Location on Dec. 15

Whataburger is expanding again, debuting a brand-new modernized location along SH 46 on December 15. Nearly 50 employees will staff the restaurant, which features a full dining room, drive-thru, curbside pickup, and refreshed 2020-style design elements. The first drive-thru and first dine-in guest will win Whataburger for a year — so expect an early-morning line.

Thanks!

And that’s today’s roundup! Appreciate you spending a bit of your day with us. We’ll return soon with more news and happenings from around New Braunfels.

Don’t forget that you can become a Plus member and get tomorrow morning’s exclusive Bonus edition with exclusive stories you won’t find elsewhere.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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