New Braunfels and Gruene Winter Getaway

Shopping and safaris, spelunking and songs--whatever your interest, you'll find it in New Braunfels and the historic neighborhood of Gruene. Located just a quick ride north of San Antonio on I-35, this community offers a full month's worth of fun, especially in the weeks leading up to the holiday season.

The activities begin with the city's best-known event: Wurstfest. This annual salute to sausage, one of the country's largest German festivals, brings the spirit of the Old World to this community with song, schnitzel, and lots of suds. All across town, you'll find special events coinciding with the Wurstfest dates, ranging from art shows to historic home tours.

Can't make it to New Braunfels in early November? Don't worry--whenever you visit, you'll find plenty of attractions for the whole family both indoors and outside. Although the community is well-known for its summer fun at Schlitterbahn, cool months continue to mean plenty of outdoor fun in New Braunfels thanks to the city's two nearby parks: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Natural Bridge Caverns.

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the longest-running, most-visited safari park in the state. Family-operated, this park is home to over 50 species from around the world, ones found throughout the 400-acre ranch. On the 4 1/2-mile drive, you'll be able to see everything from addax antelope to zebras. You'll also have the opportunity to feed animals along the drive and to view many of the endangered species which call this ranch home, animals including the white rhino, reticulated giraffe, jaguar, ringtailed lemur, and others.

Next door, you can continue to explore the outdoor wonders of the Hill Country, from underground, that is, at Natural Bridge Caverns. These Texas-size caverns offer a look at spectacular cave formations on several different guided cave tours. For a traditional look at the cave, take part in the North Cavern Tour, filled with lots of oohs and ahs, all along wide, well-lit trails.

During the winter, the caverns host one of the most unique holiday events found in the Hill Country: Caroling in the Caverns. You'll need to make reservations early for this always popular event and the chance to hear the season's long-time favorite songs reverberating off the cavern walls.

The holiday spirit that's found at Caroling in the Caverns echoes all through New Braunfels and Gruene. A full month's worth of activities is coming up with events that range from tree lightings to German-style shopping markets to meeting St. Nicholas at the Sophienburg Museum, where the spirit of the holidays remains year around thanks to Sophie's Shop, a Christmas store featuring German and Bavarian hand-made ornaments.

Another unique event is the Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, held at the state's oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall. Since 1878, the hall has shook to popular sounds. During this monthly New Orleans-style gospel brunch, the tunes turn to gospel; during the December event, the sounds of holidays are included as well.

Along with music, shopping is another good reason to plan a visit to the neighborhood of Gruene, once a separate community. Gruene (pronounced Green) is a favorite with shoppers thanks to its unique boutiques and its spectacular Market Days, a temptation for anyone who loves arts, crafts, and a genuine festival spirit. Scheduled for the third weekend of the month with a special Christmas market on the first weekend of December, this event features vendors with talents that produce everything from jewelry to furniture, clothing to glassware.

Gruene's many boutiques and shops are also a draw for holiday shoppers. Stores like The Cellar in Gruene, located at 1263 Gruene Road, feature work of Texas artists in various media including watercolor, pottery, and more. You'll also find one-of-a-kind jewelry as well as home décor in this shop.

Return to New Braunfels Travel Guide and Gruene Travel Guide

What's Happening Now...