Check out 12 holiday happenings in New Braunfels

Catch a glimpse of the infamous Grinch and shop for holiday goods and gifts from local vendors.

• Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Freiheit Country Store, 2157 FM 1101, New Braunfels
• www.magictimemarkets.com

Come and Taste it: Holiday Edition

Featuring live music, head to this local wine and beer tasting event in historic Gruene to support Texas breweries and wineries.

• Dec. 19, 5-8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• The Grapevine, 1612 Hunter Road, New Braunfels
• www.grapevineingruene.com/holiday

The Nutcracker

Watch the local School of Classical Ballet and Dance perform their rendition of this famous holiday work.

• Dec. 19-21, Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; Sunday 4 p.m.
• $25 (general admission)
• New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• www.schoolofclassicalballetanddance.com/the-nutcracker

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Head to the park to get photos with Santa, drink hot cocoa, decorate cookies and enjoy the holiday decorations. Pre-registration required.

• Dec. 20, 3-5 p.m.
• $20 (registration)
• Fischer Park, 1935 Hilltop Summit Road, New Braunfels
• www.newbraunfels.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11097&month=12&year=2025&day=12&calType=0

Poor J Brown's Thunder Dope Toy and Hoodie Drive and Music Fest

This annual music festival will feature a variety of local bands and artists along with a supply drive for the Crisis Center of Comal County and Connections Individual and Family Services.

• Dec. 21, 2-6 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Gruene Grove, 1263 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
• Facebook event page

2025 A.C.E. New Year’s Eve

Support the New Braunfels Achievement, Charity and Education Foundation and ring in the new year with this celebration and gala event.

• Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight
• $50 (admission)
• New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• Facebook event page

New Year’s Eve Countdown with Pat Green

Head to Gruene Hall and celebrate the new year with live music, a countdown and photo opportunities.

• Dec. 31, 10 p.m.
• $95 (admission)
• Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
• www.gruenehall.com/event/new-years-eve-countdown-with-pat-green-late-show

January

Panther Canyon Trail Hike

Hit the trail and head through this scenic area in New Braunfels with a free guided hike.

• Jan. 2, 9 a.m.
• Free
• Panther Canyon Nature Trail, 15 Gazebo Circle, New Braunfels
• www.newbraunfels.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11073&month=1&year=2026&day=12&calType=0

ModelFiesta

Head to this miniature model convention featuring a contest for the best piece, model vendors, a raffle and more.

• Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $5 (general admission), $10 (adults 18 and older)
• New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• www.modelfiesta.com

2026 New Braunfels Antique Extravaganza Show

Hunt for vintage memorabilia, accessories, clothing and more from Texas antique vendors.

• Jan. 9-11, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• $8 (general admission), kids under 11 are free
• New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• www.heritageeventcompany.com/new-braunfels-antique-show-2026.html

Western Big Game Hunting Seminar

Learn the basics of hunting in the western half of the country from experts at the Texas Wildlife Association, or TWA, at this informational seminar.

• Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $45 (TWA members), $85 (non-TWA members)
• TWA Headquarters, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels
• www.texas-wildlife.org/events/western-big-game-hunting-seminar-new-braunfels

Retromania

Check out this convention full of retro action figures, video games, cards, collectibles, apparel and more.

• Jan. 17-18; 9 a.m. early access; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. general admission access
• $12 (general one-day admission), $30 (VIP early two-day access)
• New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels
• www.heritageeventcompany.com/new-braunfels-retromania-comiccon-2026.html