Family-Friendly Christmas Events in and Around New Braunfels You Don’t Want to Miss
The holiday season is here, and New Braunfels and the surrounding area are brimming with festive fun for the whole family! From impressive light displays to unique holiday experiences, plenty of kid-friendly Christmas events promise to make this season memorable. Check out these seven must-visit holiday events and get ready to celebrate the season’s magic with your loved ones!
Santa’s Ranch (November 1st – January 4th)
Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Ranch, one of the most cherished family-friendly Christmas events in New Braunfels. This mile-long drive-through light display boasts over 3 million dazzling lights and animated Christmas scenes that captivate visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy homemade hot chocolate, kettle corn, and other treats as they soak in the festive atmosphere. Open nightly from November 1st, 2024, to January 4th, 2025—including all holidays—Santa’s Ranch is a kid-friendly Christmas event you don’t want to miss.
Founded over 20 years ago, Santa’s Ranch transforms the Hill Country into a winter wonderland, celebrating the season with joy and tradition. Running from 6–10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 6–11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, this event is perfect for slowing down and enjoying quality time with loved ones. Don’t forget to look for the 50-foot Christmas tree to begin your journey!
After enjoying the lights at Santa’s Ranch, don’t forget to visit Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo for our Christmas With The Critters event!
Wassailfest (December 5th)
Kick off the holiday season with Wassailfest, a family-friendly Christmas event in downtown New Braunfels! On Thursday, December 5th, from 6–9 PM, the streets come alive with holiday cheer. Families can sample free wassail—a warm, spiced holiday drink—prepared by local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations while enjoying live music from school choirs and beautifully lit surroundings.
This kid-friendly event offers the perfect opportunity to support the community, shop from downtown businesses, and make fun holiday memories. Whether you prefer your wassail “leaded” (with alcohol) or “unleaded,” Wassailfest is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season together.
After sampling your favorite wassail, make a holiday stop at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo to celebrate Christmas With The Critters!
Christmas With The Critters (December 20th – January 6th)
Celebrate the holiday season with furry and scaly friends at Christmas With The Critters at Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo! This family-friendly Christmas event runs from December 20th to January 6th (closed on Christmas Day), offering holiday-themed animal shows, festive enrichment activities, and tasty winter treats. Kids will love visiting Santa Claus on select dates (December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd) for photos and holiday wishes.
Families can make the experience even sweeter by purchasing tickets online to receive free s’mores and hot chocolate goody bags for the kids. Whether you’re enjoying the animals or seasonal snacks, Christmas With The Critters is a kid-friendly event that will be a great time.
Get your tickets now for Christmas With The Critters. Make your holiday season even more magical with animal encounters, festive treats, and fun for the whole family!
Holiday in the Park (November 23rd – December 23rd)
Step into a winter wonderland at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags, a fantastic family-friendly Christmas event near New Braunfels. Running on select days from November 23rd to December 23rd, this event transforms the park with millions of twinkling lights, enchanting seasonal music, and holiday-themed attractions perfect for kids and adults alike.
Families can enjoy festive shows, breathtaking light displays, and even visits with Santa and his elves. Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides or a cozy holiday experience, Holiday in the Park is a kid-friendly Christmas celebration you won’t miss this season.
Pair your Six Flags visit with a trip to Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo for Christmas With The Critters! Tickets are available now.
New Braunfels Christmas Renaissance Faire (December 6-8 & 13-15)
Travel back in time to the New Braunfels Christmas Renaissance Faire. This family-friendly Christmas event offers a unique holiday adventure. Held on December 6–8 and 13–15 at Heritage Village, this immersive experience features medieval entertainment, interactive activities, and a festive twist. This event has something for everyone, from archery and games to encounters with magical mermaids, friendly dragons, and even Santa Claus.
Perfect for families, the Renaissance Faire combines holiday cheer with historical charm. At this kid-friendly Christmas event, you can shop for arts and crafts at the Marketplatz and feast medieval-style!
After your Renaissance Faire adventure, swing by Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo for Christmas With The Critters! Make it a weekend of family fun.
ICE! at the JW Marriott (November 23rd – January 5th)
Step into a magical winter wonderland at ICE! at the JW Marriott, one of the most unique, family-friendly Christmas events in the Texas Hill Country. Running from November 23rd, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, this dazzling attraction brings Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! to life with over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. Families can meet beloved characters like the Grinch, Max, and Cindy-Lou Who, alongside festive favorites such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man. The fun doesn’t stop there—guests can explore enchanting holiday décor, including a 30-foot Christmas tree and thousands of twinkling lights while enjoying seasonal treats and festive activities.
After your ICE! experience, add Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo to your holiday plans. Christmas With The Critters is the perfect way to round out your festive fun!
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (November 29th – January 12th)
Experience the season in a new light at Illuminate, a family-friendly Christmas event at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Running from November 29th, 2024, to January 12th, 2025, this stunning display transforms the garden into a glowing wonderland. Families can enjoy larger-than-life sculptures, intricate designs, and dazzling scenes, all blending art, nature, and culture.
Perfect for kids and adults, this kid-friendly Christmas event offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays. With entry times every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 9:00 PM, families can enjoy a magical evening adventure at their own pace.
After exploring the magical lights at the Botanical Garden, visit Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo for Christmas With The Critters! Your holiday adventure awaits.
Plan Your Holiday Adventures in New Braunfels
New Braunfels and the surrounding areas are bustling with family-friendly Christmas events that offer something for everyone this holiday season. From light displays and winter wonderlands to unique holiday traditions and festive animal encounters, these kid-friendly events promise to provide fun for your entire family. Whether you’re looking to marvel at illuminated trails, meet Santa Claus, or enjoy a cozy drive through millions of lights, these local Christmas celebrations are perfect for embracing the season’s joy.
Make this holiday season magical by visiting one—or all—of these incredible events. Gather your loved ones, bundle up, and enjoy New Braunfels’ best family-friendly holiday experiences!