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- 🥃Santa in Gruene, Rooftop Westerns & Nutcracker Nights
🥃Santa in Gruene, Rooftop Westerns & Nutcracker Nights
Happy Wednesday! 🎄 If your week needs a little sparkle (or a strong drink and a rooftop movie), you’re in the right place. From a midweek holiday market with Santa, to whiskey-fueled westerns, to a classic Christmas ballet worth dressing up for.
Let’s hop right into it…
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A midweek market with music, Santa, and all the holiday vibes
Humpday Holiday at Gruene Grove is back tonight from 6-9 pm for its second year, turning an ordinary weekday into a full-on holiday celebration. Expect festive décor, live music, great drinks, and a cheerful market atmosphere that feels like Christmas showed up early.
Santa Claus will be on site for kids and families to share their Christmas wishes and snap memorable photos, while food favorites from Wurst in Gruene and Rhea’s Ice Cream keep everyone fueled. It’s an easy, feel-good way to break up the week and get into the holiday spirit without waiting for the weekend.
Classic cinema, cozy heat, and 10% off all whiskeys
Get ready for a night of whiskey, cigars & westerns at Cowboys & Cadillacs this Thursday. Head to the rooftop for a full screening of Tombstone on the big screen at 7 pm, complete with heaters blazing, firepits glowing, and a western-worthy atmosphere.
The cherry on top: 10% off all whiskeys all day. Whether you’re there for the movie, the drinks, or the vibes, this is one of those nights that feels effortlessly cool and perfectly timed for colder weather.
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
🎶 Lunchtime Live with Steven Vee at The Phoenix Saloon
💻 Device Advice at New Braunfels Library
🎺 Yodel Blitz at Krause’s Café
🎅 Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
🎤 Phoenix Karaoke at The Phoenix Saloon
THURSDAY
✂️ Teen Time: Stamp Carving at the New Braunfels Public Library
🎸 William Clark Green (Acoustic) at Gruene Hall
🎙️ Open Mic Night Hosted by Bob Schmueckle at The Phoenix Saloon
🎱 Pool Tournament at Happy Cow Bar
📚 Books on Tap at Faust Brewing Company
🍷 Come And Taste It: Holiday Edition at The Grapevine
FRIDAY
🎄 Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns
☕🎅 Cocoa & Grinch at Rosie Lynn’s Ice Cream Shop
🎶 The Merles at Krause’s Café
🕯️ Yoga Underground: Candlelight Christmas at Natural Bridge Caverns
🩰 The Nutcracker at the New Braunfels Civic Center
🎷 Soul Sessions at The Phoenix Saloon
As 2025 comes to a close, the wingshooting at Joshua Creek Ranch is still going strong. Located just an hour from New Braunfels, the ranch has a limited number of standard and high-volume shoots available before year’s end, along with a special New Year’s Eve Driven Shoot + Dinner for anyone looking to welcome 2026 in true Hill Country style.
It’s a great excuse to plan a guys’ weekend or wrap up the year with an unforgettable outdoor experience. Holiday dates are limited, so reservations are encouraged. Call 830-537-5090 or visit JoshuaCreek.com to secure your spot.
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A timeless Christmas tradition with discounted tickets over 40% off
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio on December 29 at 7 PM, bringing an international cast, stunning costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to the stage.
This beloved ballet is a holiday tradition for a reason. With whimsical puppetry, grand sets, and a story that never gets old, it’s a perfect family outing or elegant night out. Even better, tickets are currently available at a significant discount, making it easier to say yes to a little holiday magic.
🐝 Buzz Around Town
Construction continues to move along at The Oscar at Veramendi, and some big milestones are being checked off. Appliances are now being installed in future residents’ apartments, bringing fully equipped kitchens one step closer to everyday use, while the on-site bistro, formal restaurant, and sports bar are also taking shape with floors, finishes, and architectural details coming together. Opening in Spring 2026, this luxury, resort-style 62+ community will offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most anticipated additions to Veramendi. Click here to learn more.
🚓 Holiday DWI Patrols Increase Across New Braunfels
As the holiday season ramps up, NBPD and TxDOT are adding extra patrols from now through January 1 as part of the statewide “Drink. Drive. Go To Jail.” campaign. The effort focuses on reducing impaired driving crashes through increased enforcement on city streets and along IH-35. Officials are urging drivers to plan ahead and prioritize safety this season.
🎄 Pajamas = Discount at the Museum This Friday
The McKenna Children’s Museum is hosting a Special Admission Day on Friday, December 19. Visitors who show up in their pajamas will receive $6 admission, making it a festive and budget-friendly outing for families looking to lean into the holiday spirit.
🍸 Hunter Road Country Club Nears Opening
Construction is wrapping up on Hunter Road Country Club, a new neighborhood bar concept from the owners of Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery. Set to open in early 2026, the spot promises craft cocktails made with fresh juice, a quality-driven food menu, and a relaxed, community-focused vibe.
🏈 Parents Raise Concerns Over Canyon Football Culture
Parents of Canyon High School football players are calling for action after alleging bullying, favoritism, and a toxic culture within the program. The concerns were raised during a recent Comal ISD board meeting, with district officials stating that formal processes are in place to address complaints.
🚔 Comal County Jail Expansion Under Review
County commissioners are exploring a vertical expansion of the Comal County Jail to meet long-term population growth. With the jail already operating near capacity, officials are reviewing multi-story tower options that could add hundreds of beds and extend capacity needs in the future.
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WEATHER FORECAST
Wednesday: High: 68º | Low: 59º | 25% chance of precipitation
Thursday: High: 78º | Low: 43º | 15% chance of precipitation
Friday: High: 70º | Low: 51º | 0% 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.)
Painting With A Twist New Braunfels is hosting Daily Kids Art Camps on select dates during winter break, giving kids ages 6–13 a fun, hands-on way to get creative, build confidence, and take a break from screens. These popular camps tend to fill up quickly, so families are encouraged to book early. Snacks are included, and allergy accommodations are available with advance notice.
And it’s not just for kids, Painting With A Twist is also offering a variety of holiday-season classes and sessions for adults and families, making it an easy way to enjoy some creative time together this winter.
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A secluded creekside getaway made for unplugging, wandering, and slowing down
Looking for a true Hill Country reset without fully going off the grid? This private cabin on Comanche Creek offers peace, privacy, and 73 acres to explore, all tucked along a scenic bend of the creek near Llano.
The rustic retreat sleeps up to six and features a full kitchen, cozy fireplace, and spacious deck for morning coffee or sunset views. Guests love the quiet setting and wide-open space, with opportunities to hike, kayak the creek, spot wildlife, grill under the stars, or simply unwind. Kayaks and buggy rides are included, pets are welcome, and there are no hidden fees, making it an easy escape.
Thanks!
That’s it for today! Hopefully you spotted something worth checking out or adding to your plans. If you enjoyed this edition, feel free to share it with a friend who’d love staying in the know about New Braunfels.
Until next time,
— The New Braunfels Life Team
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