---
title: Fall 2016 Hill Country Events
description: The Texas Hill Country really comes alive in fall. Here are the fall events in the Hill Country that will be filling up your calendar over the next few months.
---

[Life at Vintage Oaks ](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/blog)

# [Fall 2016 Hill Country Events](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/blog/fall-2016-hill-country-events)

 Written by [Vintage Oaks](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/blog/author/vintage-oaks) | 10.13.16

The Texas Hill Country really comes alive in fall, with beautiful sights to see, great places to go, and an array of activities to enjoy. If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, you’re in luck. Here are all the fall [events in the Hill Country](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/life-at-vintage-oaks/upcoming-events) that will be filling up your calendar over the next few months.

**OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY ACTIVE**

**NBC Stair Climb & Maze Challenge**  
 Saturday, Nov. 5  
 Natural Bridge Caverns, New Braunfels  
 Head to the home of favorite [New Braunfels family activities](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/life-at-vintage-oaks/blog/keep-your-kids-busy-with-these-things-to-do-in-new-braunfels) for the 3rd annual Stair Climb and Maze Challenge. Starting at the bottom of the 160-foot cave, you’ll climb 180 steps, then run a mile along scenic Hill Country property before entering the maze.

**LPGC WURST Open**  
 Saturday, Nov. 12   
 Landa Park Golf Course  
 After last year’s inaugural success, this two-person scramble including 18 holes of tournament golf promises to offer a great day out on the links.

**[Chosen Half Marathon](http://innewbraunfels.com/meet/sportstournaments/chosen-marathon/)**  
 Saturday, Nov. 16  
 Rockin R, New Braunfels  
 Be part of the “prettiest race in Texas,” one that travels along the Guadalupe River. The 7th annual race features a 13.1-mile half marathon and a great opportunity to raise money for orphaned children around the world.

**[14th Annual Thankful Turkey 5K](https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=G72VGH7)**  
 Saturday, Nov. 19  
 First Baptist Church, San Marcos  
 This 5K Run & Walk offers scenic [views of the Hill Country](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/photo-gallery?__hstc=233546881.40fadd8ce7cf9ab6b28b4e5fd2fafdf3.1557520366870.1557520366870.1557520366870.1&__hssc=233546881.14.1557520366870&__hsfp=742102457), with proceeds benefitting charities and youth programs in San Marcos.

**[Sights and Sounds of Christmas 5K and 1K Jingle Bell Run](http://sights-n-sounds.org/5k/)**  
 Saturday, Dec. 3  
 San Marcos Park Plaza  
 Run through San Marcos’ downtown and historic district, and don’t forget to dress in your holiday best!

**FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY**

**Arbor Day Celebration**  
 Saturday, Oct. 22  
 Landa Park  
 Enjoy a tree planting, kid's activities, and a free tree giveaway at this free family event. 

**Veteran's Day Parade**  
 Saturday, Nov. 5  
 San Marcos, Downtown Square  
 Gather to honor those who have served the country at the annual parade, and enjoy free breakfast, a kids’ bike brigade, and live performances.

**[8th Annual Downtown New Braunfels’ Halloween Spooktacular](http://innewbraunfels.com/event/halloween-spooktacular/)**  
 Thursday, Oct. 27  
 Downtown New Braunfels  
 This yearly event provides a safe environment for trick-or-treating, plus family activities and a Best Costume contest, before Halloween.

[**Fall Funfest**](http://innewbraunfels.com/event/fall-funfest-fischer/)  
Saturday, Nov. 5  
Fischer Park Hilltop Pavilion and Plaza  
A whole day of fun, games and crafts awaits with a decorated pumpkin contest, children’s book signing, talent show and the Fall Funfest scarecrow contest.

**HOLIDAY SPIRIT**

**[Photos with Cowboy Kringle](http://gruenetexas.com/kringlephotos.php)**  
 Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19–20  
Friday–Sunday, Nov. 25–27  
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3–4  
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10–11  
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17–18  
 Gruene  
 Get your kid’s annual pic with Cowboy Kringle, “Gruene’s own brand of Santa.” You can also take pictures with the whole family, or your pet!

**[Sights and Sounds of San Marcos](http://sights-n-sounds.org/)**  
 Wednesday, Nov. 30–Saturday, Dec. 3  
 San Marcos  
 This annual [Hill Country holiday festival](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/life-at-vintage-oaks/blog/topic/hill-country-events?__hstc=233546881.40fadd8ce7cf9ab6b28b4e5fd2fafdf3.1557520366870.1557520366870.1557520366870.1&__hssc=233546881.14.1557520366870&__hsfp=742102457) includes ice skating, live performances, Santa, rides and games, a gift shop, and thousands of lights twinkling along the San Marcos River. 

**Santa’s Ranch**  
 Sunday, Nov. 6–Monday, Jan. 2  
 New Braunfels  
 The Hill Country’s premier holiday lights destination and one of the top holiday celebrations in Texas, Santa’s Ranch features one million lights and 100 displays, plus animation spread out over a full mile. You can also enjoy tasty, homemade treats including hot cocoa and kettle corn.  
**[Downtown Wine & Wassail Walk](https://smtxwinewalk.splashthat.com/)**  
 Friday, Nov. 11  
 San Marcos, Downtown Square  
 Join in this progressive tour of downtown’s shops and stores with wine, paired hors d’oeuvres, and a great big dose of holiday cheer.

**[Farm to Table Dinner](https://smtxwinewalk.splashthat.com/)**  
Saturday, Nov. 12  
San Marcos  
Enjoy dinner and drinks “under the stars” while you dine family-style on a tasty dinner prepared by downtown chefs using locally sourced ingredients from the San Marcos Farmer's Market.

**Downtown Holiday Lighting**  
 Friday, Nov. 18  
 Downtown New Braunfels  
 Head to Historic Downtown New Braunfels to welcome Santa to town and be there for the lighting of the tree.

**[North Pole Village](http://www.crrcofcanyonlake.org/#!north-pole-village/c1aqc)**  
 December 10–17, 17–18  
 Canyon Lake  
 Canyon Lake’s annual holiday event features family Christmas fun with face painting, letters to Santa, a live Nativity, Toyland, hayrides with caroling, and a pet barn.

**UNIQUELY HILL COUNTRY **

**[Wurstfest](http://wurstfest.com/)**  
 November 4–13   
 New Braunfels Wurstfest Grounds  
 This 10-day salute to sausage and celebration of German food, music and fun is a Hill Country tradition, and also one of the most [popular events in Texas](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/life-at-vintage-oaks/blog/texas-hill-country-festivals-to-visit-this-spring-and-summer).  

**[Wassailfest](http://www.nbtexas.org/1490/Wassailfest)**  
 Thursday, Dec. 1  
 Downtown New Braunfels  
 Music, fun, food, shopping, and twinkling holiday lights—what could be better? How about Wassail!

**[Gruene Christmas Market Days](http://www.gruenemarketdays.com/)**   
 Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3–4  
 Gruene  
 Gruene Market Days turns into a Christmas market the first weekend in December, with nearly 100 vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind crafts, gifts, and unique Texas products and packaged food.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Hill Country in fall is being able to see the views framed by towering oaks and changing leaves. One of the best places to do it also happens to be the fastest-growing community in the Hill Country for three consecutive years. [Vintage Oaks](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/testimonials) in New Braunfels offers [Hill Country land for sale](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/neighborhoods/deer-creek) plus custom and semi-custom homes, an array of [resort-style amenities](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/life-at-vintage-oaks/amenities) including multiple pools, ball fields, walking trails, and a Tuscan Clubhouse, and the Hill Country’s best location right on the Texas Wine Trail between Austin and San Antonio. 

For more information, visit [Vintage Oaks](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/) or click below to learn more about the community.

[View full post](https://www.vintageoakstexas.com/blog/fall-2016-hill-country-events)

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