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- ⛸️ Gruene Ice Rink, Turkey Trot, & City Plan Updates
⛸️ Gruene Ice Rink, Turkey Trot, & City Plan Updates
Hey there, New Braunfels—hope your week’s rolling along nicely. Can you believe Thanksgiving is already tomorrow? Today’s lineup is stacked with holiday fun, local tradition, and a big-picture look at our city’s future.
Yesterday we launched our biggest Black Friday offer of the year, and the response has been incredible. If you missed the announcement, here’s your reminder: The New Braunfels Life Plus Lifetime Membership is officially back… but only through Cyber Monday.
This is your chance to lock in every Plus perk, forever — freebies to cool things around town, digital members-only guides, our Bonus Weekend Edition Newsletter, giveaways, insider alerts, and community perks like our free Santa’s Ranch passes (yes, we still have a few left!).
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, this is the moment. Once this Black Friday window closes, we don’t know if or when the Lifetime Membership will return.
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A festive winter tradition is back in the heart of Gruene
The Gruene Ice Rink is officially open for another season, bringing a true holiday vibe to one of New Braunfels’ most charming districts. The 100-by-40-foot rink offers plenty of room to glide, spin, or cling to the wall while enjoying cookies, cocoa, and the festive atmosphere of Gruene all around you.
No reservation is required to enjoy the surrounding area, but you’ll want one if you plan to skate—especially on weekends. And if the weather turns moody, you’ll be able to reschedule your session without a hassle.
Start your Thanksgiving with a community tradition that gives back
The Gruene Turkey Trot returns Thanksgiving morning for its 17th year, inviting runners, walkers, families, and little ones to kick off the holiday with something active, memorable, and meaningful. The event features a 5K run/walk through the iconic Gruene Historic District, plus the 1/4-mile Kids’ Turkey Chase—where children under 12 chase the Turkey Mascot to the finish line.
Both races start and finish right in front of Gruene Hall, creating a lively atmosphere from the very first stride. Proceeds support the Comal County Sheriff’s Green Santa Program and the New Braunfels Police Department Blue Santa Program, making it a morning that’s as charitable as it is fun.
Looking for a fun (and affordable!) holiday outing just a short drive from New Braunfels? Traders Village San Antonio is celebrating Christmas Weekends December 6–21, and Santa will be on-site every Saturday and Sunday from 12–4 PM in the Rides Area.
The best part? You can take your own photos — no photo package required. Every child deserves to see Santa without the extra cost.
Admission is free, parking is only $6, and the market is open every weekend.
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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
🧶 Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Library
🎨 Kids Camp: Joyful Lights! (Single Day) at Painting With A Twist
📚 Family Storytime at Fischer Park
🔬 Thanksgiving Week at the Science Mill
🎤 Garrett Talamantes at Gruene Hall
🎶 Lunchtime Live with Steven Vee at The Phoenix Saloon
THURSDAY
🦃 17th Annual Gruene Turkey Trot at Gruene Hall
🎄 Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
🎙️ Live Band Karaoke at Moonshine & Ale
🍻 Happy Thanksgiving at Pour Haus
FRIDAY
🤠 Photos with Cowboy Kringle in Historic Gruene
🎸 Heather Linn & The Deacons at Gruene Hall
🎵 Luke Leverett at Krause’s Cafe
✨ Magic in the Air at Painting With A Twist
🎄 Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
🛣️ Desert Highway at Krause’s Cafe
🏈 UT vs A&M Watch Party at The Courthouse
Get ready, New Braunfels — Newman & Company’s annual Black Friday BOGO Gift Certificate Sale is about to drop, and the savings are MASSIVE. From Thanksgiving Day at noon through Cyber Monday, you can buy a gift certificate and get half your purchase value FREE:
Buy $100, get $50 free.
Buy $500, get $250 free.
Buy $1000, get $500 free.
(Up to $5,000!)
Whether you’re planning a year of self-care or gifting glow to someone special, this is the moment to stock up on your favorite aesthetic and wellness treatments. You’ll be able to purchase online, in person, or by phone once the sale goes live — so mark your calendar now and be ready to jump on it the second it’s available.
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ENVISION NEW BRAUNFELS UPDATE BEGINS
The City launches the next phase of its long-term community plan
New Braunfels has kicked off the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, known as Envision New Braunfels. Originally adopted in 2018, the plan guides city leaders as they make decisions that shape growth, quality of life, and the overall future vision for the community.
State law updates and a review of the existing plan prompted this refresh—and that review showed that many of the original goals have already been completed or are nearing the finish line. The new update will refine those goals and outline the next set of strategies to support the evolving needs of New Braunfels residents.
If you want a say in the city’s future, now’s the time to jump in.
🐝 Buzz Around Town
If you’re looking for an easy, guaranteed-to-please holiday gift, Massage Heights New Braunfels just rolled out a deal worth jumping on. Now through the end of the year, when you buy 3 gift cards, you’ll get a FREE $50 promo card — perfect for treating yourself while you’re treating everyone else. Click here to visit their website.
Thanksgiving Trash Pickup Shifts for New Braunfels
Thanksgiving is shaking up the city’s entire trash and recycling schedule. There’s no collection on November 27, so Thursday routes bump to Friday. With holiday overflow expected, the city’s rolling out half-off excess bag tags through January 2nd, and most public facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving. Residents are urged to put bins out the night before for early pickups.
NBISD Plans $783K Investment in Five New Buses
New Braunfels ISD is moving toward purchasing five new buses using 2024 bond funds — two for general routes and three with wheelchair lifts for special needs transportation. If approved, the buses will arrive 90–120 days after the purchase order, marking the district’s second bond-funded fleet upgrade.
City Approves New Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
New Braunfels City Council has greenlit its fourth TIRZ, covering nearly 196 acres near Zipp Family Sports Park. Over 25 years, the zone is projected to generate around $5.1 million for infrastructure, parks, and economic development — helping spur growth in an area where private investment has been slow due to land challenges.
Working Cats Need Immediate Placement
The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area has 10+ feral working cats urgently needing outdoor placements. These cats thrive in barns, warehouses, and rural properties — not shelters. They’re vaccinated, fixed, and ready for homes where they can work and roam freely.
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WEATHER FORECAST
Wednesday: High: 64º | Low: 45º | 5% chance of precipitation
Thursday: High: 66º | Low: 48º | 5% chance of precipitation
Friday: High: 69º | Low: 61º | 25% chance of precipitation
Burn Ban: ON
Water Restrictions: Stage 2
🎄 Santa’s Ranch is back, and the lights are officially on! Drive through over a mile of glowing displays and 3 million twinkling lights as New Braunfels kicks off the Christmas season.
🌟 PLUS MEMBERS: We have a limited number of free passes and they’re disappearing fast. Check Saturday’s bonus email to claim yours. Join The New Braunfels Life Plus today, grab your free ticket while they last, and unlock a ton of other perks.
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A RUSTICALLY ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN THE HEART OF FREDERICKSBURG
If you’ve been dreaming of slipping away somewhere quiet, charming, and unapologetically Texan, here’s your sign: Cotton Gin Village in Fredericksburg isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a whole mood. From the moment you walk through the ivy-covered entrance, the world goes soft-focus. Think koi ponds with gentle waterfalls, fire-warmed stone cabins, tin ceilings, timber walls, and the kind of landscaping that makes you whisper “oh wow” even if you’re not usually a nature person.
Thanks!
That wraps up today’s update! We hope you found it helpful and fun.
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Until next time,
— The New Braunfels Life Team
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