Gruene for holiday events this season BY ERNIE ALTGELT
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t seems like every small town in Texas does something special for the holiday season – a parade (see the story about the Schwabs in Comfort on page 16), a tree lighting, shopping opportunities, lots of music, singing, and well, you get the picture. Really, it’s all pretty wonderful how each small community seems to excel at certain seasonal offerings with the intent of showing, and sharing, their particular patch of Texas. And in this regard, to many, the height of holiday heraldry is nowhere more evident throughout November and December than in high energy Gruene. This small Historic District in New Braunfels, known throughout the year for its extraordinary entertainment opportunities, somehow seems to kick it up a notch during this festive time, giving locals and visitors alike just about everything that the first weeks in November through New Year’s Eve are supposed to be. Yep, with so much on tap, you might just call this lively District Gruene the Hill Country’s ho, ho holiday hero! With its anchoring dance hall featuring daily live music coupled with excellent eateries, superb shops and an unsurpassed ability at playing the host to thousands on a very regular basis, Historic Gruene is superbly suited to recalibrate its efforts towards the promotion of merrymaking and good cheer by staging a series of notto-be missed holiday-oriented events that would be a blast at any time. But, ‘tis the season, so read on for a taste of year-end fun all served up like nowhere else but only as Gruene Historic District can…and does! While there’s always lots of stuff going on every day, specifically regarding the Yule season, the Sip-N-Shop event on November 12 offers visitors a chance to find unique gifts while sampling complementary beverages at some of its eclectic emporiums. With more shopping in mind, on the weekends starting on November 16 and December 7, the township’s Old Gruene Market Days will certainly draw an eager crowd. Established three and a half decades ago, this year’s effort promises up to 100 worthy artisans of-
fering myriad gift selections including affordable art, crafts, toys, food items and more. Making multiple appearances throughout November and December, Cowboy Kringle, Historic Gruene’s very own Santa, will again be on the grounds and ready to pose with one and all for some special pictures. And, what is Thanksgiving Day without a genuine Turkey Trot? The youngsters will chase a real gobbler while mom and dad participate in a fund-raising 5K run/walk. It’s a hoot that benefits worthwhile local charities to boot. If that wasn’t enough, on December 7th the Gruene Historic District will be visited by Pony Express Riders from the Heritage Trail Ride Association carrying a “Christmas Greeting” from the Texas governor. A temporary post office will be operating where visitors can mail cards and letters which will be canceled with the 2019 commemorative stamp representing Gruene. Later that same day, a little “Bah Humbug” takes the stage. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will come alive thanks to award-winning stage actor Damian Gillen – who amazingly, and convincingly, plays all of the roles! And lastly, as evening nears, Cowboy Kringle will ride into town on horseback and flip the switch for the “ooh” and “ahh” producing Gruene Town Lighting. At each event, there will be plenty of delicious food and drink for purchase. Throughout both months a series of seasonal-appropriate concerts are scheduled featuring the likes of such greats as Wynonna & The Big Noise Rockin’ Roots Christmas, Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison’s Holiday Shindig, Kevin Fowler and his Deck the Dancehalls Tour and to close out the year, spend New Year’s Eve with Charlie Crockett. And, let’s not forget the soul-stirring Gospel Brunch in early December. Now how’s that for a ho ho holiday – Gruene style? All in all, it’s a pretty cool package. See you there!
Gruene Historic District is located on New Braunfels’ northern edge just off IH 35. Take IH 35 to Exit 191 (Canyon Lake, FM 306), go west 1.5 miles then turn left at the traffic light at Hunter road and travel one half mile to the town. You’ll find plenty of free parking. For additional information on November and December happenings including performance dates and, to purchase tickets, visit holidaysingruene.com or call 830-606-1601.
LEFT Gruene Historic District’s Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar decked out for holidays. Photo by Jim Flynn. ABOVE Gruene’s Cowboy Kringle. Photo by Dan Tharp.
