The annual festival highlighting German culture in the heart of New Braunfels returns featuring German food, carnival rides and games in addition to live music and dancing along with Alpine- and Bavarian-style entertainment. The Marktplatz building will host area nonprofits and organizations where attendees can purchase food and souvenirs. Times vary by date. $18 (advance general admission online), $20 (general admission). Wurstfest Grounds, 120 Landa St., New Braunfels. 830-625-9167. www.wurstfest.com
Nov. 10 | Enjoy a one-woman show
Actress Libby Villari stars in “Ann: The Ann Richards Play,” a one-woman show about former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, who served from 1991-95. The show was originally written and performed by actress Holland Taylor, who brought the show to Broadway. 7:30 p.m. $30-$36. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St. 830-627-0808. www.brauntex.org
Nov. 12 | Honor past and present military members
The city of New Braunfels holds its annual Veteran’s Day parade through downtown New Braunfels to honor the service of American military members. According to the city, the parade will conclude with a ceremony at Prince Solms Park featuring special guest speaker Col. Doug “Stoli” Nickolai, who spent 25 years as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. 9-11 a.m. Downtown New Braunfels, 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels. www.nbtexas.org
Nov. 15-17 | Pick a pine tree
The New Braunfels Festival of Trees returns for its seventh year to benefit seniors in the Comal County area through the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation and Meals on Wheels. The event will feature live entertainment from local choirs and dance groups, an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus, and an auction for decorated trees and wreaths. A private preview party will also be held Nov. 14 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. where guests can be the first to bid on trees. 1-9 p.m. (Nov. 15-17). Free (admission). Villa at Gruene, 1190 Gruene Road, New Braunfels. www.festivaloftreesnb.com
Nov. 18 | Kick off the holiday season
The city of New Braunfels invites residents of all ages to watch as it ushers in the holidays during the Downtown Holiday Lighting and Santa’s Arrival in the city’s Main Plaza downtown. The event will feature live music, an address from Mayor Rusty Brockman and the lighting of an estimated 100,000 LED lights that will remain lit for the holiday season, according to the city. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos after the tree-lighting ceremony. 6-8 p.m. Free. 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels. 830-221-4350. www.nbtexas.org
Nov. 18-20 | Get ready for holiday shopping
The Weihnachtsmarkt, a traditional German holiday market, returns to the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center with vendors featuring Christmas ornaments, German collectibles, decorations, gifts, apparel and antiques. Proceeds from the market go to support the Sophienburg Museum & Archives. Times vary by date. $15 (general admission). 375 Castell Ave., New Braunfels www.newbraunfelsweihnachtsmarkt.com
Worth the trip
Nov. 25-27 | Shop for the holidays
The Texas Market Guide is set to host its annual Angels & Mistletoe Holiday Market at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. Get all the holiday shopping done with vendors selling clothing, home decor, food, art, candles and more. Santa will be on-site Friday evening. Admission Nov. 26-27 is $1 less with a nonperishable donation for the food bank. 5 p.m. (Nov. 25), 10 a.m. (Nov. 26), 11 a.m. (Nov. 27). $7 (Nov. 25-26), $15 (Nov. 25-27)1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos 888-225-3427. Eventbrite: Angels & Mistletoe Holiday Market
