🎄 Photos with Krause Klaus, Pony Express & More New Braunfels Fun!

December 03, 2025

Happy Wednesday, New Braunfels! You’re halfway through the week and inching ever so close to the weekend. There’s a ton of cool stuff happening all around town right now, so make sure you don’t skip anything below.

A week ago we asked if y’all would be interested in a custom New Braunfels Life Texan ice cube kit — and the response was overwhelming. So we made it happen.

Introducing the Limited Edition New Braunfels Life Bundle, a custom-branded rOks silicone tray paired with six Texas-themed inserts (boot, longhorn, cactus, star, horseshoe, and the state of Texas). Just fill, freeze, and pop out perfectly molded Texas cubes that instantly elevate any cocktail, mocktail, or iced coffee.

This is a one-week-only preorder, and every bundle is guaranteed to arrive before Christmas as long as you order by December 10. They make the perfect gift for New Braunfels locals, new residents, or anyone who loves a little Hill Country flair.

Plus members get 15% off (we’ll be emailing your promo code later today), so if you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the time.

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Krause Klaus is coming to town! On December 4 from 5–8 pm (and other select upcoming dates), families can visit Krause’s Cafe for a photo opportunity with everyone’s favorite holiday Santa. Kids can share their Christmas wishes while parents enjoy a cold stein and the warm, cheerful atmosphere that makes Krause’s a New Braunfels staple.

Pictures are available on multiple dates throughout the season, with photos priced at $5 or free with the purchase of a meal. Don’t miss this chance to snap a festive keepsake and soak in the holiday spirit!

The Gruene Pony Express Ride returns on Saturday, December 6 at 10 am in the Gruene Historic District. A Pony Express rider will deliver a “Christmas Greetings” message from the Governor of Texas, celebrating both the season and the historic heritage of the Pony Express.

Visitors can bring holiday mail to be stamped at the temporary Post Office near Gruene Outfitters with the official commemorative mark. This longstanding event is a unique, festive tradition perfect for all ages.

Paws to Read is coming back to the New Braunfels Library this Friday afternoon at 4 pm.

In this engaging program, children can read aloud to trained therapy animals, improving fluency, comprehension, and confidence. Each child usually spends about 10 minutes reading to each of the one to three therapy animals present, making for a quiet, encouraging experience that fosters a love of reading. It’s a perfect opportunity for young readers to develop skills while enjoying the company of gentle, attentive animals.

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
Family Storytime at Fischer Park
Lunchtime Live with Steven Vee at The Phoenix Saloon
Bookin’ It: Audiobook Walking Club at Landa Park
Off The Grid at Krause’s Cafe
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels

THURSDAY
Pictures with Krause Klaus at Krause’s Cafe
Wassailfest 2025 at Main Plaza
Pool Tournament at Happy Cow Bar
Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Krause’s Cafe
Teen & Tween Stranger Things Party at New Braunfels Public Library

FRIDAY
Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall
New Braunfels Renaissance Faire at Church Hill Drive
X Factory at Krause’s Cafe
Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas at The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre
Kyle Park at Gruene Hall

If you’re already dreaming about next year’s adventures, now is the time to book, and our partner Royce Staley with Cruise Planners can help you score some of the biggest travel deals of the entire year. From massive holiday cruise savings to exclusive perks you won’t find online, Royce has access to industry-only offers from top cruise lines, resorts, and destinations around the world.

What makes it even better? He brings the personal touch of a New Braunfels local who knows the community, understands what travelers here look for, and handles everything for you — at no extra cost.

Reach out to Royce by visiting his website or giving him a call at (830) 360-5548 to unlock savings you won’t find anywhere else.

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🐝 Buzz Around Town

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to treat yourself (or check off someone special on your gift list), Newman & Company just rolled out one of their biggest holiday offers of the year. Now through December 12, you can take 20% off all gift certificates during their exclusive 12 Days of Self-Care & Sparkle event. Just use promo code HOLIDAY20 when you purchase in person, by phone, or online.

If Santa’s Ranch is on your holiday list this year, now’s your last chance — we only have a couple of free passes left for new Plus members, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Join The New Braunfels Life Plus today and snag your complimentary ticket to one of the Hill Country’s most magical Christmas traditions. It’s first come, first serve… so if you want to cruise through the lights on us, this is the moment to jump in.

⛳ Topgolf New Braunfels Is Finally Open — Soft Launch Happening Now

One of the most anticipated openings of the year is officially here: Topgolf New Braunfels is now open for its soft launch, with full operating hours (9 am–Midnight) leading up to the grand opening this Friday, December 5. That means you can reserve a bay right now and be among the first to experience the two-story venue at Creekside.

🍰 The Cake Bar is Hiring!
Looking for part-time work? The Cake Bar is seeking a reliable team member (18+) with weekend availability for 3–4 shifts a week. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and a flexible schedule!

🏡 New Braunfels Named One of Texas’ Best Cities to Move To
A booming San Antonio suburb, New Braunfels ranks 14th among Texas cities to relocate. High marks for safety, affordability, and a growing local economy make it a top pick, with new restaurants, retail, and the hottest ZIP code in the state.

🏈 New Braunfels Advances to Regional Final After Beating Boerne Champion
In case you missed it, in a thrilling 41–31 win, the Unicorns pulled off a dramatic comeback against Boerne Champion last Friday to advance in the playoffs. Senior quarterback Levi Golla and receiver Cameron Pitts led the charge, setting up an exciting regional final matchup against Smithson Valley.

🎄 Christmas with the Critters Returns at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
The zoo is transformed into a holiday wonderland for the season, complete with festive decorations, Christmas-themed animal enrichment, and educational shows. A perfect family outing for animal lovers this December!

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WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 63º | Low: 53º | 40% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 55º | Low: 43º | 50% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 53º | Low: 47º | 35% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: ON

Water Restrictions: Stage 2 (In Stage 2, watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week based on the last digit of your address BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m.)

Massage Heights New Braunfels is making holiday gifting easy this year. For a limited time, when you buy 3 gift cards, you’ll get a FREE $50 promo card to use on your own next massage or facial.

It’s the perfect way to treat friends, family… and yes, yourself — without adding to the holiday stress. This offer runs now through the end of the year,

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AMAZING HILL COUNTRY CABIN

Looking for the perfect weekend or holiday retreat? This cabin in Dripping Springs offers stunning Hill Country views, a relaxing outdoor pool and spa, and a family-friendly environment. Just steps away from Hamilton Pool Preserve and Milton Reimer's Ranch Park, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region or simply unwinding.

Thanks!

That’s a wrap for today’s email! We hope you found it fun and helpful. If you enjoyed this edition, pass it along to a friend who’d love to stay in the know about everything happening in New Braunfels.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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