🍽️ Faust Hotel Update, Schlitterbahn Upgrades & More

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Happy Friday, New Braunfels! For those of you who celebrate, I hope you and your loved ones had an amazing Christmas yesterday. The big day might be behind us, but that doesn’t mean the fun has stopped. This weekend is packed with a lot of fun stuff to do for adults and kids alike, and we’ve rounded up what you need to know as you head into the days ahead.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL DEALS ARE HERE AND 2026 IS CALLING ✈️🌴

The holiday season is one of the best times to lock in incredible travel deals for 2026, and Royce Staley with Cruise Planners can help you make the most of them. From cruises and all-inclusive resorts to once-in-a-lifetime getaways, Royce has access to exclusive offers and perks you won’t find booking on your own.

As a local travel advisor backed by the nationwide Cruise Planners brand, Royce combines personalized service with industry-level buying power. He handles the planning, finds the best value, and helps turn your dream trip into a stress-free reality.

👉 Click here to learn more and start planning today.

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with The New Braunfels Life? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

13 NEW SMALL BUSINESSES THAT OPENED IN NEW BRAUNFELS THIS YEAR

A look at the local shops shaping the city

As New Braunfels continues to grow, it’s easy to focus on what’s coming next, but this year also brought a wave of locally owned businesses that are already making an impact. From boutiques and restaurants to play studios, coffee spots, and specialty shops, 2025 proved that small businesses are still at the heart of what makes this city special.

We put together a roundup highlighting 13 locally owned businesses that opened their doors this year, each adding something unique to the community. Whether it’s a refillery helping residents live more sustainably, a family-run dessert spot downtown, or a new hangout for golfers and gamers alike, these businesses are helping shape New Braunfels one storefront at a time.

Click to explore all 13 new businesses and support local.

A NEW RESTAURANT IS COMING TO THE FAUST HOTEL

Wilhelm & Werner brings European-inspired dining to downtown

As renovations near completion at the historic Faust Hotel, a new dining experience is beginning to take shape. Wilhelm & Werner, a Texas brasserie with European influences, will open inside the hotel ahead of its official spring debut, adding another exciting destination to downtown New Braunfels.

The restaurant will offer seating for up to 130 guests and feature “heritage-inspired” food and beverages, blending classic influences with a modern touch. Along with the restaurant, plans include a speakeasy-style bar in the basement and a refreshed lobby bar serving the Magnolia Patio, creating multiple spaces for locals and visitors to gather.

SNEAK PEEK AT THIS WEEKEND👀

Here’s What’s Going On Around Town

Friday

🎶 Soul Sessions at Krause’s Café
🍽️ Mima’s Lutong Bahay at 13 Trees Coffee Haus
🎸 Matthew Ryan Band at Gruene Hall
🎤 Luke Leverett at Krause’s Café
🎶 Lick at The Phoenix Saloon
🎅 Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Light Show
🤠 Gary P. Nunn at Gruene Hall
🎸 Jake Bush at Freiheit Country Store
⛸️ Gruene Ice Rink
🎄 Christmas Sale at McKenna’s Children’s Museum Gift Shop

Saturday

🎵 Tasman Sharp Acoustic at Gruene Hall
🎶 Tony Taylor at Krause’s Café
🎸 Truck Stop Gamblers at Gruene Hall
🎤 The Klocks at Krause’s Café
🎶 3 Man Front at The Phoenix Saloon
🍌 Big Banana Car at Freddy’s Frozen Custard
⛸️ Gruene Ice Rink
🍺 Faust Brewing Co Pop-Up Event
🎙️ Frank Sinatra Tribute Night at Clubhouse on Castell
🎅 Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Light Show

Sunday

🎤 Michelle Kay at Krause’s Café
🎸 Lindsay Beaver at Gruene Hall
🎶 Kade Isakson at Krause’s Café
⛸️ Gruene Ice Rink
🎤 Sunday Funday Music at The Watering Hole
🎅 Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Light Show
🎸 Adam Johnson Band at Gruene Hall

SUPPORT LOCAL. GET MORE OF WHAT YOU LOVE.

The New Braunfels Life Plus is the easiest way to support the free, local content you read every day — while unlocking a few extra perks along the way. Plus members help make it possible for us to keep covering local news, events, guides, and stories for the New Braunfels community at no cost to readers.

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, 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.

👉 Join The New Braunfels Life Plus and support local today.

_{This is an advertisement.}

STEP INTO HISTORY WITH THIS COMAL RIVERFRONT ESTATE IN DOWNTOWN NEW BRAUNFELS

An 1881 Texas-German heritage home with rare river views

This new listing offers a rare chance to own a true piece of New Braunfels history. Built in 1881, this beautifully preserved Texas-German heritage estate sits on nearly 0.7 acres directly adjacent to the Comal River, blending historic character with one of the most sought-after locations in town.

The 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home spans approximately 2,624 square feet, featuring original hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, multiple living areas, and sweeping river and water views. All bedrooms are located upstairs, maintaining the home’s classic layout while offering elevated perspectives of the surrounding property and riverfront setting.

Click to learn more and explore this one-of-a-kind New Braunfels estate.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast:

Friday: High: 82º | Low: 66º | 15% chance of precipitation

Saturday: High: 82º | Low: 66º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunday: High: 81º | Low: 43º | 25% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

✨ DISCOVER ONE OF NEW BRAUNFELS’ TOP MED SPAS ✨

Newman & Company is a locally owned med spa offering a wide range of results-driven treatments, from facials and injectables to body sculpting, hormone therapy, and more. Their licensed team focuses on personalized care designed to help clients look and feel their best.

Click here to visit their website to learn more.

📍 125 S Elliott Knox Blvd | 📲 (830) 620-8444

_{This is an advertisement.}

BUZZ AROUND TOWN

🎬 Post-Christmas Fun today at The Courthouse*
If you’re looking for something easy and festive to do today, The Courthouse is hosting Family Hallmark Christmas from 10 am to 2 pm, featuring holiday movies and cartoons perfect for little ones. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to ease into the day after Christmas while keeping the holiday spirit going just a bit longer. Click here to learn more.

🌊 Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Plans Major Upgrades for 2026
Schlitterbahn is gearing up for a big comeback season. Park leadership has confirmed major enhancements ahead of 2026, including refreshed slides, upgraded restrooms and resort areas, and a brand-new attraction currently in development. The goal is a park-wide glow-up that makes the experience feel fresh from top to bottom.

🏠 Airbnb Activates Anti-Party Technology Ahead of New Year’s Eve
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Airbnb is rolling out its nationwide anti-party system, including here in New Braunfels. Using machine learning, the technology flags and blocks high-risk bookings to prevent disruptive gatherings. The move aims to protect neighborhoods, hosts, and guests during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

🚨 Driver Hospitalized After Rear-Ending School Bus in Guadalupe County
One person was hospitalized after striking a New Braunfels ISD school bus during a routine drop-off on FM 752. According to DPS, the driver of a Toyota Corolla hit the rear of the bus around midday. All students on the bus were unharmed, and the incident remains under investigation.

_{*Indicates paid advertisement}

Thanks!

That wraps up today’s newsletter. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a safe and happy long holiday weekend with family and friends.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team