🎄 Santa's Arrival + Academy Opens + Weihnachtsmarkt

November 19, 2025

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Hey there, happy Wednesday! We’ve got a fun mix of news, events, and holiday happenings in New Braunfels to make your midweek a little brighter. Let’s not waste any time and get straight into it all so you can plan some fun!

The Courthouse at Creekside is officially open, and it’s already one of New Braunfels’ top new hangouts. Inside the 25,000-sq.-ft. venue, you’ll find six indoor pickleball courts, four outdoor padel courts, a full-service restaurant and bar, live music, a giant screen with tons of TVs, and plenty of space to unwind. There are also dedicated kids’ play areas, making it a great spot for families, too.

📍 350 Dragoon Xing, New Braunfels, TX

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Your one-stop shop for sports, outdoor gear, and holiday shopping excitement!

After months of anticipation, Academy Sports + Outdoors has officially opened its doors at 159 I-35 South in New Braunfels. Right now, they’re technically in a pre-grand opening phase but are open daily with regular hours. This 43,000-square-foot store is the city’s first full-line Academy location, employing around 60 locals and offering a wide selection of sports and outdoor gear from popular brands like Nike, Adidas, YETI, Titleist, and more, alongside Academy’s own private-label lines.

To celebrate, they’re hosting a grand opening weekend from November 21–23 with free mystery gift cards, laser engraving, photos with Santa, in-store demos, and other surprises. Early shoppers can even get 20% off purchases by texting MVP395 to 22369.

Don’t miss it—click here to learn more and plan your visit!

Twinkling lights and Santa’s grand entrance!

Kick off the holiday season at Main Plaza on Friday, November 21 with sparkling lights, a dance performance by American Dance Co., holiday music, and a special address by Mayor Neal Linnartz leading the countdown to light up downtown.

Santa will make a grand entrance from the historic Comal County Courthouse balcony, and you can snap your free photos with him until 8:30 p.m. The evening also includes a holiday market with treats, gifts, and fun activities, plus a free shuttle from City Hall.

New Braunfels, this is one you don’t want to miss. Cameron Allbright is taking the Happy Cow Bar & Grill stage tonight at 6:30 pm, and it may be one of the last times you can catch him in such an intimate setting — and for free.

A hometown talent with a soulful voice and true Texas songwriting roots, Cameron’s debut album Any Part of Life is already making waves. He’s gearing up to open for the Randy Rogers Band and headline bigger shows across the state, but tonight, he’s back where it all started.

If you love discovering artists on the rise, grab dinner, grab a cold drink, and enjoy Cameron Allbright live while you still can.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

Here are some of the events we’re most excited about over the next few days:

WEDNESDAY

Cameron Allbright at Happy Cow Bar & Grill
Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Library
Family Storytime at Fischer Park
Lunchtime Live with Steven Vee at The Phoenix Saloon
Device Advice at New Braunfels Library
San Antonio Dutchmen at Krause’s Cafe
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels

THURSDAY
Mystery Discussion Group at New Braunfels Public Library
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
Books on Tap at Faust Brewing Company
Sunset Mountain Majesty at Painting With A Twist
Rustic Santa Claus at Painting With A Twist
Pool Tournament at Happy Cow Bar

FRIDAY
9th Annual BBQ Showdown at Traders Village
Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall
Pictures with Krause Klaus at Krause’s Cafe
Downtown Lighting & Santa’s Arrival at Main Plaza
Gus Miller & The Buzz Killers at Krause’s Cafe
Bright Forest at Painting With A Twist

New Braunfels has some of the hardest water in the country, and that can spell big trouble for your home. From ruining dishwashers and water heaters to drying out your skin and hair, hard water damage adds up fast.

That’s why we trust Aqua-Man Water Conditioning, a locally owned company that’s been protecting homes in the Hill Country for more than 30 years. They offer custom systems tailored to your needs — no gimmicks, just clean, soft water you can count on.

🔗 Learn more at aquamanwater.com

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Experience a German-style Christmas market with a Texas twist!

Step into the festive magic at Weihnachtsmarkt this Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. Explore handcrafted gifts, ornaments, décor, apparel, antiques, and specialty items from local artisans while enjoying the joyful holiday atmosphere.

🐝 Buzz Around Town

If you’ve been wanting to try Pash Nail Studio — the private, appointment-only spot known for medical-grade sanitation, non-toxic products, and one-on-one care — now’s your chance. For a limited time, New Braunfels Life readers get 10% off any service, an offer you won’t find anywhere else. Book online now or call/text (830) 312-3405 and mention The New Braunfels Life to claim your discount.

If a beach escape is calling your name, now’s your chance. Local travel advisor Royce Staley with Cruise Planners is giving away a 3-night stay for two at Dreams Cap Cana Resort & Spa — an all-inclusive tropical paradise. All you have to do is take a quick travel survey. Share your vacation preferences, hit submit, and you’re entered to win. Click here to fill out the survey and enter.

🍎 Student Meal Packs Available Year-Round
The New Braunfels Food Bank is reminding everyone that registered families with school-aged children can pick up a Student Meal Pack once a week—no appointment needed. One pack per child, simple walk-in service. Call 830-327-6000 for more info.

🚍 Free Training for New Rio Micro Transit System
Learn how to use New Braunfels’ new on-demand transit system, Rio, with free training sessions today Wednesday, November 19, at four locations. Check newbraunfels.gov/rio for details.

🅿️ Downtown Paid Parking Could See Changes
New Braunfels City Council is considering expanding parking exemptions for all disabled drivers, beyond just disabled veterans.

🥩 Texas Roadhouse Opening Set for December 8
Get ready for hand-cut steaks, ribs, and fresh-baked honey cinnamon-butter rolls at Texas Roadhouse’s new location at 3206 IH 35 N.

🥦 Sprouts Farmers Market Coming January 23, 2026
Fresh produce, natural groceries, vitamins, and more will be available at the new Sprouts store at 275 Creekside Crossing—perfect for local shoppers looking to eat well.

🚧 Comal County Brush Yard Temporarily Closed
The Brush Yard will be closed starting November 22 for about 10 working days while crews mulch existing brush piles. Fresh mulch will be back in the first week of December.

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WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 84º | Low: 70º | 25% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 79º | Low: 67º | 55% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 80º | Low: 64º | 50% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2

Basketball season is here and college and NFL football are inching closer to the playoffs, and DIRECTV STREAM is giving you 5 free days to watch all your favorite sports, including Spurs games, college football, NFL, ESPN, SEC Network, and more. Stream on any device and cancel anytime.

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Book your stay and plan your Texas Hill Country escape today! Reserve now on Groupon

Thanks!

That’s all for today’s email — hope something in here made your day a little easier (or a little more fun). If you liked this edition, pass it along to a friend who’d be into a daily hit of New Braunfels happenings too.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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