Holidays in New Braunfels and Seguin, TX

There are two major holiday events in New Braunfels and Seguin:

• Wassailfest in New Braunfels
• Holiday Stroll in Seguin

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Even without snow, the people of south-central Texas know how to enjoy the winter holiday season. Of course, a winter without cheer is something to fear, but New Braunfels and Seguin have you covered this year — from spiced beverages to jingle-bell fun runs.

Wassailfest in New Braunfels

An annual event in New Braunfels, Wassailfest is always a highly awaited celebration of holiday cheer and the spirit of wassailing. Much like modern caroling, wassailing is a practice where glee-filled community members would go door-to-door singing and offering wassail. The jargon will sound foreign to many, but at the heart of it all is wassail — a warm drink made up of liquor, fruit, and spices. Every year, the people, organizations, and businesses of New Braunfels compete for the tastiest, most heart-warming wassail.

From 6 pm – 9 pm on Dec. 1, downtown New Braunfels will be flooded with the scents of orange, cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg. Visitors and residents are invited to drop by all the local stores and shops to taste their wassail, and such shops are coined Wassailstops. More than 40 businesses will participate in this year’s Wassailfest and maintain extended operation hours for tasters and shoppers alike.

But there’s more than just wassail. Choirs from multiple nearby schools will display their talents in Main Plaza, and nonprofit food vendors will be available throughout the event. To add to the fun, many shops will offer specials just in time for holiday gifting. At the night’s end, don’t forget to submit your vote for the Best Wassail in New Braunfels!

Holiday Stroll in Seguin

From Dec. 1 – Dec. 4, Seguin hosts a wide array of winter-themed festivities called the Holiday Stroll. The four days of merrymaking include the Lighted Holiday Parade, Sip n’ Stroll, Jingle Bell 5k Run, North Pole Stroll, and Yulefest.

Lighted Holiday Parade

With more than 70 floats decorated with lights and props in attendance, this year’s holiday parade is sure to be stunning. The parade will begin at 6:30 pm in downtown Seguin at the intersection of College Street and Austin Street. Next, a procession of spectacular floats will make their way south on Austin Street before concluding at Central Park. Following the parade, Seguin’s Mayor will flip a switch that turns on all the sparkling, shimmering downtown lights, and Santa Claus will be available for photos.

Sip n’ Stroll

On Dec. 2, it’s not the smell of wassail in the air but chocolate! Similar to Wassailfest, numerous businesses, churches, and organizations will be open late, serving different, inspired takes on a classic hot — chocolate. It’s an excellent opportunity to satisfy those wintertime cocoa cravings while sampling the local fare of Seguin. In Central Park, there will be food vendors, photo opportunities, live music, Santa visits, and dance routines by the Seguin High School Star Steppers. Following the festivities, hot chocolate will be judged by a panel of chocolatiers. The Sip n’ Stroll will run from 6 pm – 9 pm.

Jingle Bell 5k Run

‘Tis the reason for the season: the Jingle Bell 5k Run. On Dec. 3, come decked in your favorite holiday costumes and attire — grinches, elves, and reindeer welcome. Whether a walker, jogger, or runner, the run is welcome to all, including strollers and leashed dogs. This is a paid event, and all proceeds will go toward SJRC Texas. Entry for anyone 13 and up is $30, and for 12 and below, it is $20. If registering on event day, admission is $35 via check. The run begins at 8:00 am at Gruene Hall.

North Pole Stroll

Following the run, family-friendly activities will take place downtown from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. From decorating baked goods to writing letters for Santa, Central Park will be aglow with Christmas cheer and lots of things to do. Then, at 11:00 am, the eponymous North Pole Stroll will begin — a parade of children eight and below in floats fashioned from shoe boxes.

Yulefest

The last event in the Holiday Stroll is Yulefest— a free arts and craft show featuring the creations of over 70 local vendors. The market is hosted by the Seguin Art League at Seguin Coliseum and will take place on Dec. 4 from 10 am – 4 pm.

With all the warm drinks, endless shopping, and holiday excitement, a Christmas in New Braunfels and Seguin is sure to keep out the cold.