If there’s one place Santa Claus and Rudolph will have no trouble finding at Christmas, it’s Grapevine, Texas. Beginning in November, the city is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with millions of lights and ornaments on every facade, streetlight and tree. It shines so brightly that Rudolph probably won’t need his nose to navigate.
Officially designated the Christmas Capital of Texas by the state legislature in 2009, Grapevine hosts a whopping 1,400 events in just 40 days. Kicking off the season is the annual Carol of Lights Parade with Santa Claus photo ops, live music, food trucks and the synchronized illumination of every single Christmas light in town. Bonus? The event is free. Don’t worry if you can’t make the Carol of Lights, because there are 27 more days of festivities to enjoy.
Here’s everything to see and do in Grapevine, plus insider tips to navigate the holiday rush.
Things to do in Grapevine
With so many seasonal activities in Grapevine, it’s wise to plan ahead—you likely won’t be able to experience everything in just one visit. Highlights include the North Pole Express, which doubles as the Grapevine Vintage Wine Train; the annual Merry & Bright drone show near the train station; daily movies and evening performances at the Palace Theater; live music; an old-fashioned carousel for kids; ice skating at Peace Plaza and scheduled parades throughout the season.
Ice skate at Peace Plaza Ice Rink
Located next door to the TEXRail stop, Peace Plaza is a popular outdoor rink to get your skating on. Once you’ve skated to your heart’s content, snag an Insta-worthy photo (or two) next to the live 60-foot Christmas tree that traveled all the way from Oregon.
Insider tip: If you want to skate, you will need to book a time slot in advance. Skates are provided, and each booking is for one hour.
Board the North Pole Express
Adjacent to Peace Plaza is the depot for Santa’s North Pole Express, where you can board a vintage train from the 1920s. The experience includes a Christmas carol sing-along, a visit from Santa Claus and a helpful elf, who hands out warm cookies and hot chocolate. It’s a Christmas experience worth visiting for you and your littles.
Insider tip: When you exit the train, walk through the path with fresh evergreen trees on both sides and lots of snow coming down, a perfect end to your holiday train ride.
Visit Hometown Christmas
Housed at the Grapevine CVB Tower, Hometown Christmas feels like a nostalgic walk through small-town America, decked out for the holidays with characters and scenery reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. With so much detail put into the exhibit, you won't want to rush through it. Every year, the exhibit changes, so it’s worth revisiting, even as a returning guest.
Insider tip: Hometown Christmas is the perfect place to experience a more serene side of the holiday season. This interactive exhibit features animated reindeer, live musicians and plenty of photo opportunities with beautifully lit backgrounds.
Where to shop in Grapevine
Stretching slightly over a mile, Main Street puts all of the holiday festivities within easy reach. Most stores stay open late during the Christmas season, but if you don’t want to miss anything, I recommend going early.
A few of my favorite places include Brigay’s Unique Gifts for Tibetan healing bowls and salt lamps; Dr. Sue’s Chocolates for the cherry pecan bark, she’s a real doctor who believes in the healing power of dark chocolate; Good Things For All Seasons for over the top Christmas displays and collectibles and Bingham Family Vineyards’ tasting room to pick up a bottle of made-in-Texas wine. For a unique experience, head to Vetro Glass Blowing Studio, where you can make a Christmas ornament (book in advance!) or purchase one.
There’s also an outdoor market at the town square gazebo, where you can purchase unique, handcrafted gifts like Texas honey, baked goods, locally roasted coffee and original photographs. It’s probably the closest thing to a European Christmas market in north Texas.
Insider tip: Although the city offers 2,300 free parking spaces, they fill up quickly and traffic can be slow moving. Instead of driving, I’d recommend rideshare, carpool or taking the TEXRail commuter train.
Where to eat and drink in Grapevine
There’s plenty of eateries in Grapevine, ranging from local Tex-Mex favorite Esparza’s to Main St. Bistro for French-inspired coffees and pastries. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, try the Winewood Grill or Bacchus Kitchen and Bar at the Hotel Vin. The Winewood Grill is known for its Texas-size steaks and plush seating. Both Bacchus Kitchen and Winewood Grill have a staff sommelier to assist with wine selections.
My personal favorite is Farina’s Winery and Cafe, an Italian American restaurant known for generous servings of classic recipes such as lasagna and chicken parmesan. My go-to order is spaghetti pizza. It’s exactly what you’d expect: spaghetti on a pizza pie. You’ll just have to trust me on this.
Where to stay in Grapevine
Make the most of The Christmas Capital of Texas by staying overnight at the Hotel Vin, which is conveniently located on Main Street, or Hilton Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Lakes Executive Conference Center, just a five-minute drive away. The Hotel Vin is the most convenient, as you can walk out of the hotel directly onto Main Street; however, room rates may be somewhat higher. For more budget-friendly rates, you can book a stay at the Hilton DFW Lakes, which offers a free shuttle that will drop you off on Main Street. If you’re driving (and free parking is important to you), the Hilton is the best option.
Though I’ve strolled the city’s historic Main Street many times, I only recently discovered the delights of Christmas in Grapevine. It feels like a community event, with all the families there adding to the cozy, holiday spirit. Whether you’re with family, friends or on your own, it’s the perfect place to capture the magic of the season. I recommend it to locals and visitors alike.