With Christmas right around the corner, Texans should be aware of the Christmas capital found in the Lone Star state. Over a decade ago, Grapevine was declared the Christmas Capital of Texas by the state senate, according to Southern Living. The North Texas city is not far from Dallas.
Grapevine is known for hosting 1,400-holiday events in 40 days during the Christmas season, Tour Texas shares. The Christmas festivities begin around the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Historic Downtown Grapevine is illuminated by millions of twinkling lights in the Carol of Lights ceremony, which happens before Thanksgiving,” the Tour Texas website states. “Festivities include the official lighting of Main Street, live music, fireworks, food and photo ops with live reindeer. Grapevine’s famous Parade of Lights is one of the largest lighted Christmas parades in North Texas, while the Twinkle Light Boat Parade is certainly one of the quirkiest.”
The Parade of Lights includes more than 100 floats up Main Street, and the Twinkle Light Boat Parade features decorated water crafts on Lake Grapevine.
One Texan, Chris Garcia, told Southern Living in June that Grapevine is a top Christmas destination for more than just the events. The city also showcases decorated stores and has holiday-themed food options.
Garcia shared that Grapevine during the holidays can be reminiscent of traditional Christmas markets in Germany.
“If you’re coming to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it’s really the town to visit,” he said.
During Christmas, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad becomes the North Pole Express. It is one of the city’s top holiday attractions, according to Tour Texas. The ride features fun for the whole family.
“One of the most popular annual events in Grapevine, the train ride entertains passengers with caroling elves, Santa’s special Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk served in a keepsake mug, an appearance by Mrs. Claus, followed by a stroll through the snowy North Pole Forest and a Broadway-style show,” Tour Texas shares.
Train rides are also offered specifically for adults, with hors d’oeuvres and wines offered.
The Palace Theatre and Gaylord Texan Resort also feature some of the city’s top Christmas destinations. Throughout the holidays, the Palace Theatre will play classic Christmas films, live concerts, and more.
Visitors can enjoy a Lone Star Christmas and ice at the Gaylord Texan Resort. The resort displays a 54-foot tree, 2 million pounds of ice, an eight-foot gingerbread house, 12,000 ornaments, and 1.5 million lights.
A snow hill with 12 lanes allows guests to go tubing, according to Tour Texas.
Grapevine is one of the best Texas cities to create cherished Christmas memories, the official website shares. Friends and family from around the state and country can stop by the Texas Christmas capital.
“Bring your family and friends to create wonderful Christmas memories that you’ll cherish forever. You’ll be amazed at 40 days of unique and traditional Christmas events, as you see Grapevine sparkle with millions of lights, enormous decorations, animated characters, and much more,” the website shares. “Grapevine offers some of the most magical moments of the season, and we invite you to experience it all in the Christmas Capital of Texas!”