Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Grapevine – just minutes from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport at the beginning of December. It turns out this city is a fantastic place to celebrate the holiday season. With holiday-themed train rides, seasonal entertainment, fun holiday-related activities and holiday decorations as far as the eye can see, Grapevine rolls out the red and green carpet, welcoming visitors to experience Christmas to the fullest. No wonder this small city is deemed the Christmas Capital of Texas.
No matter where you turn in Grapevine, Christmas decorations catch the eye. From Christmas garland and twinkling lights inside storefronts to wreaths hanging across Main Street, every inch of Grapevine seems awash in holiday style. I especially loved the Christmas decorations in Liberty Park, which provided many photo ops for visitors wanting that perfect holiday postcard. For instance, you could snap a photo with Santa or take a picture at the Mistletoe Booth. Not only can you create fun memories for this Christmas, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to get your Christmas card photo for next year!
When it comes to celebrating the Christmas season, Grapevine offers many options for every visitor of every age. For example, kids will love climbing 
aboard the North Pole Express with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and taking a ride to see Santa Claus. Their parents also can enjoy trip down the tracks, spending a night out with friends on the Christmas Wine Train, also with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Another site families will love is the Magic of Christmas musical light show at the corner of Main Street and Dallas Road; showing nightly, onlookers can watch as the lights dance in sync with the music. It’s yet another fun way to enjoy the season.
Something else I enjoyed was the Main Street LIVE show at the Palace Theatre. As a fan of musical entertainment, this family-friendly holiday show delivered with a mix of singing and good-natured comedy. Likewise, I enjoyed the caroling we stumbled upon in Town Square Gazebo.
But perhaps my most favorite attraction was ICE at the Gaylord Texan hotel. Every year, this hotel group hosts a themed show created out of more than 2 million pounds of ice. During my visit, the theme was Frosty the Snowman, one of my childhood favorites. I loved seeing Frosty, Karen (obviously my very favorite as we share the same name!), Santa and the other characters come to “life” in ice.
Great fun was also had on the ice slides, where kids young and old raced to see who would reach the bottom first. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World,” and features holiday scenes from Mexico, Germany and other countries. There also will be a Parade of Toys, a visit to the North Pole and the Frostbite Factory, an interactive ice carving station.
I had such a great time in the Christmas Capital of Texas, and I’m thrilled to have my own personal memento to commemorate my visit: a handmade, glass-blown ornament from Vento Glass Blowing Studio. Not only did I get to choose the colors for my ornament, I also helped make it. I was able to gather hot glass, dip it into my color mixture and melt it all together in the fire. However, once it was ready to blow into the ornament, the experts at Vento took over, creating a beautiful glass ornament that I cherish.
Kicking off the holiday season in Grapevine was a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. If you’re looking for a new place to create special memories this Christmas, I highly recommend spending a few days in the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Have you been to Grapevine, Texas, for the holidays? What was your favorite way to celebrate Christmas?
Disclosure: Karon visited Grapevine as a guest of the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau during a group familiarization trip. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein belong solely to the author.
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Sandra Foyt says
How wonderful that the entire community gets into the spirit of Christmas! Someday I’d love to visit with kids in tow.
Penny Sadler says
Glad to hear you enjoyed Grapevine. I’m working at the Gaylord next week so I’ll probably try to visit the ICE exhibit. Though I live in the area I’ve never actually done that.
Erin says
This sounds like a lot of fun! We are heading to Texas next year for a wedding! I’ll have to check this location out!
JessieV says
What a fun place! I love learning about local traditions like this.
Mary Gabbett says
Looks like fun Christmas activities for the whole family!
Julie franklin says
I never knew about Grapevine! Fun looking place. I would love to see the ICE display!
Lillie says
This seems so fun! Grapevine, TX hasn’t been on my radar at all before this, but now I’m intrigued!