GRUENE, Texas — What does Christmas look like in a small Texas town? Well, what better place to visit than Gruene to find out?

The Gruene Historic District recently hosted its town lighting ceremony. No matter your age, the anticipation of waiting for Cowboy Kringle feels extra special in Gruene, especially if you're nine-year-old Analiese.

"I am so excited to see Santa. I can't wait," Analiese shared. "Because he's super nice and he brings everybody gifts."

Analiese and the other kids earned candy canes for their visit. Cowboy Kringle is Gruene’s very own personal brand of Santa.

He lights the small town, nestled within the city of New Braunfels, for the holidays. It is a tradition Oscar Perez loves. 

"This is my thirteenth year being out in Gruene. Unfortunately, we had to cancel last year because of the pandemic, but we are so glad to be back," Perez said. 

Perez came back to entertain hundreds of people with the Centex Brass, as they waited for jolly old St. Nicholas.

"It's exhilarating. It's an awesome experience. So, many people come out and bring their children to see Cowboy Kringle and they enjoy the music," Perez said. 

With a big smile on her face annual visitor Priscilla Cerroblanco couldn't get enough of the festivities.

"They turn on the lights right now like with Cowboy Kringle coming down, so it's really fun. It's really festive. It's just like a little country Christmas," Cerroblanco said.