Fall Festivals & Holiday Fun: Your Guide to October, November & December 2026 in the Texas Hill Country

Discover the best seasonal events, local traditions, and family-friendly activities in New Braunfels, Bulverde, San Antonio, and surrounding communities.

There's something special about the Texas Hill Country during the final three months of the year. The weather finally begins to cool, our communities come alive with festivals, and the holiday season brings some of the best local traditions of the year.

Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a weekend date night, or a new holiday tradition, there's no shortage of things to experience close to home!

October: Fall Festivals, Live Music & Halloween Fun

Gruene Music & Wine Festival | October 8–11 | New Braunfels

Kick off the fall season with one of Gruene's favorite annual events! The Gruene Music & Wine Festival combines live Texas music, wine tastings, delicious food, and the charm of Historic Gruene. It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend with friends.

Día de los Muertos Celebrations | October | San Antonio & New Braunfels

Celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos with colorful artwork, music, community celebrations, and beautiful altars honoring loved ones. San Antonio's Day of the Dead River Parade takes place October 23, while New Braunfels hosts its own celebration October 17.

Texas Clay Festival | October 24–25 | Gruene

Spend a fall weekend exploring handmade pottery and ceramic art created by talented Texas artists. Held in Historic Gruene, this annual event is a wonderful way to shop local, discover unique gifts, and enjoy the area's restaurants and live music.

Pumpkin Patches & Fall Adventures | Throughout October | Bulverde & Surrounding Areas

Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin patches, family photos, and outdoor adventures. Explore local pumpkin patches around Bulverde and Spring Branch, visit a farmers market, or spend a crisp morning hiking at Guadalupe River State Park.

November: German Traditions, Holiday Markets & Community Celebrations

Wurstfest | November 6–15 | New Braunfels

One of our community's most beloved traditions! Wurstfest celebrates New Braunfels' German heritage with authentic food, live polka music, dancing, carnival rides, and plenty of family fun. Whether you've lived here for decades or are experiencing it for the first time, Wurstfest is a must-do.

Bulverde Jubilee & Craft Show | November 14 | Bulverde

Enjoy a day celebrating local creativity and community spirit. Browse handmade crafts, discover unique gifts, and support local vendors while getting a head start on your holiday shopping.

Weihnachtsmarkt | November 20–22 | New Braunfels

Get into the Christmas spirit at this festive holiday market featuring unique gifts and seasonal shopping. It's a great opportunity to find something special while supporting a cherished New Braunfels tradition.

Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival | November 20 | New Braunfels

Gather in historic downtown New Braunfels as the community welcomes the holiday season with festive lights and Santa's arrival. This hometown celebration is a wonderful tradition for families of all ages.

Bulverde Christmas Tree Lighting | November 27 | Bulverde

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with neighbors, friends, and family at Bulverde's annual tree lighting. It's a special reminder of the small-town charm and strong community connections that make this area such a wonderful place to call home.

December: Christmas Lights, Holiday Shopping & Family Traditions

Wassailfest | December 3 | Downtown New Braunfels

One of my favorite things about the holidays in New Braunfels is the sense of community, and Wassailfest captures it perfectly! Stroll through historic downtown, sample festive wassail, explore local businesses, and enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer.

San Antonio River Walk Holiday Lights | Holiday Season | San Antonio

Few places capture the magic of Christmas quite like the San Antonio River Walk. Thousands of sparkling lights illuminate the river, creating the perfect setting for a holiday dinner, an evening stroll, or a festive river cruise.

Holiday Lights & Family Adventures | December | San Antonio Area

Make a night of exploring seasonal light displays and holiday attractions throughout San Antonio. Families can also visit local attractions such as the San Antonio Zoo or Natural Bridge Caverns, which offer unique experiences beyond the traditional holiday celebrations. Check their seasonal calendars for special programming.

Christmas Shopping in Historic Gruene | Throughout December | New Braunfels

Skip the crowded malls and enjoy a more relaxed holiday shopping experience in Historic Gruene. Browse locally owned boutiques, find one-of-a-kind gifts, grab lunch, and enjoy live music at the legendary Gruene Hall.

Enjoy the Outdoors | Throughout the Season | Canyon Lake, Spring Branch & Hill Country

One of the biggest advantages of living in South Central Texas is that outdoor adventures don't stop when summer ends! Take a scenic drive around Canyon Lake, hike at Guadalupe River State Park, or spend an afternoon exploring our beautiful Hill Country communities.

Celebrate the Communities We Call Home

From the excitement of Wurstfest to the glow of Christmas lights along the River Walk, the final months of the year remind us why the Texas Hill Country is such a special place to live.

As a locally owned real estate brokerage, we believe that finding the right home is about more than the house itself. It's about the neighborhoods, traditions, local businesses, and relationships that make a community feel like home.

At Reliance Realty, we're proud to serve New Braunfels, Bulverde, San Antonio, Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Whether you're new to the area or have called it home for generations, we hope you'll take time this season to explore, connect, and enjoy everything our communities have to offer.

Local expertise. Relationships you can rely on.

Reliance Realty | Residential • Commercial • Property Management

Event dates and activities are subject to change. Check with event organizers for the latest schedules, admission details, and availability.