New Braunfels to hold annual Wassailfest

Break out your lederhosen and warm up your Christmas carols — New Braunfels' annual Wassailfest is right around the corner.

The annual holiday event is set for Dec. 2 in the downtown Main Plaza from 6 to 8:45 p.m. followed by a free concert from 8:45 to 10 p.m. hosted by the New Braunfels Jaycees.

“Wassailfest is an iconic local event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season in our beautiful and historic downtown,” New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman said in a news release. “Just like a good cup of Wassail, the community spirit of gathering together

and helping local non-profit agencies warms the soul, and we hope residents and visitors find their way

downtown for this festive event.”

Wassail is a hot German drink usually made of apple cider, some form of fruit citrus and herbs. Some people add alcohol to it and go “wassailing,” which usually means enjoying alcohol around the holiday season with guests.

Wassailing also can mean going Christmas caroling with loved ones or visiting the orchards and farms to ensure a good harvest the following year.

Beyond the traditional Wassailstops — places downtown where carolers and revelers can stop for a community singalong — this year's event will feature nonprofit food vendors, shopping specials and extended hours at downtown businesses, as well as a variety of entertainment and activities, according to a city news release.

The Main Plaza bandstand will feature several local singing groups offering up holiday melodies for those attending Wassailfest 2021.

Several street closures around downtown Main Plaza will affect driving routes throughout the day. East San Antonio Street from Comal Avenue to Union Street will be closed beginning at 10 a.m. At 4 p.m., several other road closures will begin, including all of Main Plaza, Seguin Avenue from Mill Street to Coll Street, San Antonio Street from Comal Avenue to Hill Avenue and Castell Avenue from Mill Street to the alley behind the Antique Mall.

In addition, drivers are asked to remove their vehicles from these areas before 4 p.m. Dec. 2.

Staff file photo Children play in the fountain during Wassailfest festivities in 2001 in New Braunfels.