This Texas town hosts 1,400 festive events over 40 days.
word of mouth is the Christmas Capital of Texas . This is n’t a hyperbolic , catchy merchandising motto or even our opinion . The identification comes straight from the Texas Senate , who bestowed the status byofficial decreein 2009 , acknowledge the midsize Dallas - Fort deserving town for its outsized vacation celebrations .
This time of year ’s festivities give up off on November 25 with the annualCarol of Lights . The effect shut down down Main Street for an evening of action , including the tree - kindling ceremony , firework and laser show , live melodious performance , and other festive happenings , like photograph with Greenland caribou , leap theatre , and the world ’s large inflatable tangle .
If that seems like a mickle — and it is a heap — keep in brain that ’s just one of 40 square days of vacation merriment , in which 1,400 events and energizing will keep locals and visitors occupied until Christmas Day . Plying people with holiday sunniness is a responsibleness the metropolis takes earnestly .
Courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
“ Grapevine has a long stomach history of spectacular Christmas events and celebrations , ” says Elizabeth Schrack , the director of communication for the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau . “ Since the official designation , Grapevine ’s Christmas Capital of Texas solemnisation has find bigger and bright every twelvemonth . Everyone in Grapevine takes great pride in being the Christmas Capital of Texas and wants to verify every visitant feel welcome and at home during the most rattling time of the year . ”
Top Holiday Events in Grapevine
The teemingness of case means there ’s something for everyone , whether it ’s kids exploring the holidays through unjaded eyes or adults more interested in sampling wine and spiked cocoa after the tike go to bed .
Get started on day one by attend the opening celebration at Peace Plaza . See the 55 - foot - tall tree light up the sky at 6:30 pm , then stick around for fireworks and ice skating at the outdoor ice rink .
Ice!is back at the Gaylord Texan , and this year it release 17,000 square feet of the property into scenes fromHow the Grinch Stole Christmas . More than 40 artisans have spent the retiring six weeks hand - carving 6,000 blocks of ice-skating rink into tunnels , arches , two - story - improbable swoop , and immersive vignettes show character like The Grinch , his dog Max , Cindy - Lou , and the Who s from Who - ville . It ’s a chilly nine degree inside the experience , so wear a sweater — and take one of the blue windbreaker hand out to each guest .
Other wintertime wonderlands are popping up atBass Pro ShopsandGreat Wolf Lodge . The former is alive now , and Santa is there ready to take photos and gift request . The latter kicks off November 24 and translate the hotel with winkle Light Within , garlands , and day-by-day indoor snow to set the conniption for seasonal plot , crafts , and Santa visit .
TheGrapevine Christmas Marketbegins on November 30 and will see trafficker show off unique , handcraft ware in the town square summerhouse . That ’s your chance to make some gifts and last - hour stocking stuffers for everyone on your list .
On December 2 and 9 , Grapevine is clear up the sky with theMerry and Bright Christmas Drone Show . Congregate around Main Street and see up to find 200 drones creating coordinated luminosity show , or link one of the ticketed watch parties , which include approach to the 2nd - floor balconies of Grapevine Main Station or the 150 - foot - tall Grapevine Observation Tower , plus wine and snacks .
Courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
TheParade of Lightstakes lieu December 5 , with more than 100 lighted floats take over Main Street , and march band providing the eventide ’s soundtrack .
That ’s just a minor taste perception of what ’s in store this holiday season . Should any of this set about to feel overpowering , that ’s your clue to abscond for theHolly Jolly Bar . This pop - up concept takes over Harvest Hall ’s Third Rail Bar through January 7 , outfit the quad with kitschy decorations and update the menu with seasonal cocktail . And just outside , Hotel Vin is bringing back its popularWinter Wonderland Bubbleson the WineYard lawn . These transparent , igloo - comparable bubble are adorned with decor that channels an après - ski Sir Oliver Joseph Lodge , include pelt blankets and heaters , and a special menu stocked with fondu and wine .
It ’s an ambitious path , but anything is possible in the Christmas capital of Texas .
Courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
