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    Home » Travel » North America

    15 Ways to Celebrate A Grapevine Christmas

    Published: Dec 8, 2016 · Modified: Jun 13, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 26 Comments

    I'd had a Grapevine Christmas on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell in love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    When I was told Grapevine was the Christmas capital of Texas, I thought it was a cute saying, but seriously?

    I mean, Texas is a big state, and I had never even heard of Grapevine before. Surely one of the bigger cities had a bigger Christmas celebration than Grapevine!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Then I spent a few days exploring Christmas in Grapevine, and I realized why this city is able to claim that title. And by the way, it's not just Grapevine making those claims.

    There have been numerous articles about Grapevine being the Christmas Capital of Texas, like the one in the current issue of Country Living.

    There are so many things to do Grapevine Texas all year. But for the holidays, they pull out all the stops!

    15 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

    The Gaylord Texan

    I have never seen a hotel do the holidays like Christmas at the Gaylord Texan.

    I had the pleasure of staying at the Gaylord over the summer, so I knew what a fabulous hotel it was, but the Gaylord Texan transforms into a winter wonderland over the Christmas holidays.

    Guests will be amazed at the lavish holiday displays, including more than 2 million twinkling lights and larger-than-life decorations.

    Ride the Christmas Carousel and make memories with photos with Santa.

    Check out the Christmas Craft Studio and Gingerbread House Decorating Corner.

    Snow tubing, ice skating, build your own snowman and so much more await!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    ICE at the Gaylord Texan

    With two million pounds of ice sculptures, five two-story ice slides for snow tubing, the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, and more, kids will be mesmerized and delighted with ICE.

    With a special package, you can stay at the Gaylord Texan and have your tickets for ICE included. This is the way to go if you are doing a family getaway.

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Carol of Lights

    If you are planning to be in Grapevine during the third week of November, you have to attend Carol of Lights. This is the celebration beginning the Grapevine Christmas season, where Grapevine's mayor flips the switch and brings the 30 foot tall Christmas tree to life.

    Traditional carols will be sung by all, amidst over one million twinkling lights in downtown Grapevine. What a great way to kick off the season!

    Twinkle Light Boat Parade

    Visible from Lake Grapevine, this floating parade is one of the most unique you will ever see. Check the calendar of events when you're planning your visit for exact dates and times.

    Historic downtown Grapevine Christmas Shopping

    I love Christmas shopping, but the mall? Not so much. Grapevine has 80 quaint locally-owned shops, and the streets are perfect for strolling along from store to store. I did a lot of my shopping in one place; Dr. Sue's Chocolates!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    I fell in love with Dr. Sue's all-natural chocolate the last time I was in Grapevine, and my family told me I could not come home without it on my second trip!

    My favorite was the Dark Chocolate with Ginger, but I had to try the Ginger Pumpkin Spice Bark, and ended up bringing home a bunch for friends and neighbors! My daughter mentioned she would love a gift for one of her teachers a couple of days ago. Done!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Christmas Shopping at Grapevine Mills

    For those of you who do love the mall, get ready to shop 'til you drop! Grapevine Mills is over 1.6 million square feet of a shopper's dream-come-true.

    With 180 stores of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants, you can easily spend the whole day. The SeaLife Aquarium and LEGOLAND are both located at Grapevine Mills, so plan to take the kids for an afternoon of fun!

    Make a Glass Christmas Ornament

    Vetro Glassblowing Studio was my first attempt at glassblowing, and I was excited and nervous at the same time. We were in a class they call Extreme Ornament Making, and I was a little intimidated by the heat and fire of the oven.

    I didn't need to be. My teacher was awesome, and we did everything together, him leading the way. My ornament turned out beautiful! It's a keeper! 

     This is the way to go if you are doing a family getaway.

    Paint while Drinking Local Wine

    You've probably heard about Painting with a Twist studios as they are all over the US now. I found ten studios within an hour of my home!

    Painting with a Twist is an art studio where you can choose from many different "templates" and create a painting by following along with an artist. My canvas had Christmas stockings penciled in, and we went step-by-step to create a Christmas painting.

    I think we all did a great job! I know we had fun!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    The twist is that you can BYOB for any class as long as it's not one of the family-friendly themed classes. And you'll find some wonderful local varieties when visiting Grapevine Wineries, so pick up a couple of bottles for the party class! Bring munchies, too!

    Every day during the holidays there is a class scheduled for a different Christmas-themed painting. Visit the website to choose your day.

    Take a Grapevine Wine Tour

    Everyone goes all out for the Grapevine Christmas celebration, including the wineries! On the Grapevine Wine Tour, you'll be shuttled from one winery to the next, while your tour guide shares stories about wine-making in North Texas.

    One of my favorites was Homestead Winery. I was able to visit this one the last time I was in Grapevine, and I just love their wines.

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    The owner gave us a "tour" of the wines we would be tasting and took us all the way through to the sweet dessert wines. My favorite was the Tempranillo. You have to try it when you go!

    We headed to Messina Hof next, and our guide led us through their varietals and told us to let her know what we wanted to taste. I'm kicking myself for not bringing home a bottle of the Steam Engine Red!

    Christmas Wine Train

    Grapevine is home to some amazing wineries, so they want to give you more than one way to experience them! On the Christmas Wine Train, you'll be treated to a lovely holiday-style meal and two glasses of wine served in a special souvenir glass.

    I joined friends on the Wine Train the last time I was in Grapevine and had a blast. The Wine Train runs all year long and has different themes depending on the season. Be sure to get tickets in advance for the Grapevine Christmas Wine Train as they sell out quickly.

    Visit the North Pole Express

    The Grapevine Vintage Railroad's North Pole Express is a fun activity for the kids. Take a short ride on the train while singing Christmas carols, and be visited by none other than Mrs. Claus who gifts each child with a We Believe Bell.

    After the ride, you'll end up at Grapevine's North Pole where you'll see a really cute Christmas show complete with elves and the big man himself.

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Everyone gets a treat of Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk at the end of the program. Families also receive a voucher for a photo with Santa. This activity can't be beaten for family fun with kids, and the snow is kind of fun, too!

     

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Christmas Events at the Palace Theater

    See Christmas concerts, shows and movies at the Palace Theater in historic downtown Grapevine. This year's special Christmas concerts include An All-Star Country Christmas and Deep in the Heart of Christmas with the Texas Tenors.

    See the Parade of Lights

    If you've never seen a small-town parade, this is a must. I was actually in a marching band when I was a kid, and watching more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands come down Grapevine's Main Street warmed my heart.

    A small-town Christmas makes you feel like there is still good in the world. People come out hours beforehand and scope out their spot, but don't worry; there is room for everyone.

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Hometown Holiday at Settlement to the City

    I was excited to be able to visit Settlement to the City during the holidays. It was decorated so beautifully, and our guide was awesome. I learned so much about the history of Grapevine!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    Eat!

    I couldn't leave out eating, even though it's not necessarily a Christmas activity! You must experience at least a few fabulous Grapevine restaurants while you're there.

    The burger I ate at Main Street Bakery could be the best burger I've ever eaten. I don't know what the spices they used, but it was to die for.

    And this Antipasto Traditionale platter at Ferraris Restaurant was heavenly!

    I have had Christmas in Grapevine on my calendar ever since I visited over the summer. I fell love with Grapevine then, but little did I know the lengths they take to celebrate Christmas!

    With all there is to see, do, and eat, it's easy to see why you'd want to experience a Grapevine Christmas. It really is the Christmas Capital of Texas!

    Check out the Grapevine Convention and Visitor's Bureau for even more ideas to start planning your next vacation! And as they say in Grapevine, Merry Christmas, Y'all!

    • 5 Reasons to Visit Grapevine Wineries
    • 9 Foodie Finds in Grapevine Texas
    • Wine Lovers Unite for GrapeFest in Grapevine Texas!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brianne

      December 14, 2016 at 10:48 am

      These are excellent ideas for celebrating the holidays! i wish we lived closer!

      Reply
    2. Kiwi

      December 12, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      How far is Grapevine from Dallas/Plano? I will be here this week for a wedding I would love to go to the Gaylord texan experience.

      Reply
    3. Reesa Lewandowski

      December 11, 2016 at 10:32 pm

      What a fun trip! I have never been to Texas before!

      Reply
    4. JulieD

      December 10, 2016 at 4:26 pm

      Oooh how great! It looks like you had so much fun!

      Reply
    5. Denise C

      December 10, 2016 at 12:57 pm

      I would love to do a Christmas wine train. I think I'll leave the painting to the professionals though. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 1:56 pm

        LOL. Mine was not exactly a masterpiece, Denise, but it was FUN!

        Reply
    6. Jeanine

      December 10, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      Grapevine looks like the place to be for Christmas fun! Looks like there is no shortage of things to do. Which we love, gotta stay busy and festive during this time!

      Reply
    7. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place

      December 10, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Christmas in Grapevine Texas looks like a seriously good time. I love that there are so many activities for the whole family, the glass christmas ornament looks a lot fun!

      Reply
    8. Janell Poulette

      December 10, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      Holy moly, there is so much to do there! I would love to take my family there for the parade of lights especially.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 1:57 pm

        It was really fun, Janell! I know your family would love it!

        Reply
    9. Our Family World

      December 10, 2016 at 9:01 am

      So many fun and great activities to do in Grapevine Texas. I will visit these amazing place one of this days with my family.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 11:25 am

        You would really love it! I hope you can visit one day!

        Reply
    10. Toni | Boulder Locavore

      December 10, 2016 at 8:59 am

      That's so fun! What an awesome way to celebrate the holidays! My kids will surely enjoy here!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 11:27 am

        They would LOVE it, Toni! Thanks for visiting Virtually Yours!

        Reply
    11. Theresa

      December 10, 2016 at 12:50 am

      Wow! Grapevine really does have a massive amount to do for the holidays! If we lived closer, I'm sure we'd make it a family tradition to visit yearly!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 11:26 am

        Yes, Theresa, it really is so awesome. I love the small town feel, too! Hope you are able to visit!

        Reply
    12. Mitch

      December 09, 2016 at 9:02 pm

      That's a lot of activities! Looks like a lot of fun can be had in Texas during the holiday season! Thanks Kelly!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 11:28 am

        Your family would love it, Mitch! You really should check it out!

        Reply
    13. Pam

      December 09, 2016 at 8:16 pm

      Wow, there is so much to do in Grapevine, Texas, for Christmas, I would love to visit some of those locally owned stores.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 11:29 am

        I know, right, Pam? So many cute shops and gift items I haven't seen before! I just love it!

        Reply
    14. Kita Bryant

      December 09, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      The boat parade sounds awesome! Well, all of it does but that one drew me in.

      Reply
    15. Monica

      December 09, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      How fun! The Gaylord Texan looks super festive!

      Reply
    16. Catherine Sargent

      December 09, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      These all looks like great was to celebrate Christmas. I would love to make my own glass ornament.

      Reply
    17. Colleen Lanin

      December 09, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      ICE sounds like so much fun. My family and I are hard core Christmas people, so I know we'd love to visit Grapevine for Christmas.

      Reply
    18. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle

      December 09, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      How cool! Grapevine is a regular winter wonderland. I would love to take a trip there with the family.

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 10, 2016 at 11:23 am

        Girl, you would have so much fun!! Put it on your list!!

        Reply

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