Discover Holiday Magic in Grapevine

December is the perfect time to visit an often overlooked Dallas suburb that has become known nationwide as the “Christmas Capital of Texas.” Each holiday season, the quaint 19th-century town, with its well-preserved Main Street of historic buildings, is transformed into a dazzling wonderland. From enchanting Main Street scenes to indulgent local dining, here’s your ultimate guide to soak up Grapevine’s holiday magic.

Stroll Through a Living Christmas Card on Main Street

Grapevine’s historic Main Street is the heart of the celebration, where quaint storefronts twinkle with fairy lights and ornaments bring holiday magic to life. Spend some time strolling along the iconic street, admiring Christmas-themed window displays and discovering unique holiday gifts in local boutiques. For a festive photo op, stop by the iconic Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower, where lifelike characters perform a skit a few times a day, beginning in the afternoon.

Catch a Ride on Santa’s North Pole Express

Families flock to the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for Santa’s North Pole Express, a beloved holiday experience for children and adults alike. As the train chugs along scenic tracks, passengers are treated to Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and cookies. Santa Claus himself makes an appearance, and each child leaves with a keepsake “We Believe” silver bell. Be advised: Tickets sell out fast each year!

A Taste of the Holidays at Local Eateries

No visit to Grapevine is complete without sampling some festive local flavors. Start your day at Main Street Bistro & Bakery with a fresh-baked cinnamon roll or an almond croissant paired with a latte. For lunch or dinner, head to Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano for some Christmastime tamales and other Tex-Mex favorites.

Parade of Lights and Christmas Spectacular Shows

With more than 1,400 holiday events to choose from, a swing through the Christmas Capital of Texas can feel overwhelming. But if you prioritize one event during your visit, catch the Parade of Lights. A festive procession that winds through the streets, the parade features more than 100 brightly lit floats and marching bands.

For those seeking live entertainment, the Palace Theatre hosts classic holiday movies and Christmas shows in a beautifully restored venue dating back to the 1940s. The cozy theater ambiance creates a nostalgic holiday experience perfect for all ages. And since, as we know, everything is bigger in Texas, you can’t miss one of the biggest Christmas displays at the Gaylord Texan Resort, which features 1.5 million lights, around 12,000 ornaments, and a massive 52-foot Christmas tree.

While Grapevine might be considered the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” plenty of other towns across the state participate in Texas-sized holiday celebrations.