Grapevine: Christmas Capital of Texas

Friday, 23 Aug, 2024 0

Grapevine, Texas is deservedly noted for its colorful history and wine heritage, but did you know it takes Christmas celebrations to a whole different level?

Starting just after Thanksgiving Grapevine goes into overdrive with a full 40 days of festive fun and games.

Here is a snapshot of some of the 1,000+ Christmas happenings in Grapevine.

Tom T. Turkey Pardoning – Mayor Tate pardons Nash Farm’s Tom T. Turkey from the Thanksgiving dinner table as Grapevine says goodbye to Fall and welcomes the Christmas Capital of Texas. Monday, November 25 at 10 a.m.

36^th Annual Carol of Lights presented by Texas Health – Official kickoff event for the Christmas Capital of Texas. Monday, November 25, 4:00 – 8:30 p.m.

ICE! – Experience two million pounds of carved ice set into a famous Christmas scene at Gaylord Texan Resort, November 10 – Sunday, December 31. Tickets on sale July 25.

Snowland – Great Wolf Lodge turns into a Winter Wonderland with daily snow showers, dance parties, activities and more. November 24 – January 8.

Santa’s Wonderland – The popular annual tradition at Bass Pro Shops includes games, crafts and free photos with Santa and runs November – December.

Santa’s North Pole Express – Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 30. (Closed December 24, 25 & 26) Tickets on sale Sept. 25

Christmas Wine Trains – Wednesday, December 11 and Thursday, December 12. Trains depart at 7:25 p.m. Tickets are $52 – $395. (age 21+)

Peace Plaza Ice Rink – Friday, November 23 – early January. Multiple time slots available to choose from each day. Tickets are $20 per person for a one-hour session, including skates.

Christmas Lights and Photo Opps on Historic Main Street – Enjoy festively decorated shops, cafes and winery tasting rooms on Historic Main Street and photo opportunities along the way including in Liberty Park Plaza, the Cotton Belt Depot District and more.

Grapevine’s Live Christmas Tree– Take in the beauty of a fully decorated 50’ live Christmas tree from the Pacific Northwest at Grapevine Main Station’s Peace Plaza.

Grapevine’s Christmas Village – Explore the Cotton Belt Depot District with seasonal attractions, activities and photo ops. Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 30.

Hometown Christmas– Stroll through the charm and spirit of a classic American town preparing for Christmas in this interactive Christmas exhibition inside the Grapevine Tower Gallery. Tickets $2. Monday, November 18 – Sunday, January 5.

Grapevine Christmas Market – Shop a variety of different artisan vendors at the Town Square Gazebo. November 30, December 1, December 7 – 23. Mondays – Saturdays 1 – 9 p.m. Sundays 1 – 7 p.m.

45^th Annual Parade of Lights – Thursday, December 5 (On Historic Main Street) 7 p.m.

4^th Annual Merry & Bright Drone Shows – Monday, December 2 & Monday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Locations to be announced.

Crime at Christmastime Murder Mystery Dinner – Friday, December 6 at Messina Hof Winery Tasting Room. $75 per person.

Vetro Glassblowing Studios – Create Ornament Events ($65) and Snowmen Ornament Create Events ($75) will begin Friday, November 1 and continue through Monday, December 30.

Texas Star Dinner Theater – “Dismay in a Manger” shows will open Friday, November 22 and runs through New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, December 31). Shows are Thursday through Sunday at 5 p.m. There is an additional show on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 p.m. Tickets on sale now.

Historic Palace Theatre Movies: 27 different Christmas Movies – includes classics like “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “White Christmas,” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” – $10

23 different Cartoons and Crafts events– Watch classic Christmas cartoons like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” while making a fun Christmas craft. $8 kids (includes craft, popcorn and drink) $4 adults (includes water)

Historic Palace Theatre Live Shows:

Magician Zak Mirz – Friday, November 8. Tickets are between $20 – $30

Big Band Holiday Swing Thing presented by Tribute Masters – Saturday, November 9, two shows. Tickets are $44

North Central Ballet presents: “Nutcracker – Short and Sweet” – Saturday, November 23 & Sunday Nov 24. $15 tickets for the ballet with an optional $12 tea party add on.

Elvis Christmas Special with Kraig Parker – Sunday, December 1. Tickets from $15 – $42.

Dean Martin & Friends Christmas Tribute presented by Tribute Masters – Friday, December 6, two shows. Tickets are $44.

A Merry Little Christmas with Ricki Derek – Saturday, December 7. Tickets are $32.

Rocky Gribble presents A Grapevine Opry Christmas – Sunday, December 8. Tickets are $30

The Texas Tenors – Deep in the Heart of Christmas – Monday, December 9 – Wednesday December 11, with four shows in total. Tickets are $48.

Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait – Friday, December 13, with two shows. Tickets are $38.

A Bublé Christmas Tribute presented by Tribute Masters – Saturday, December 14 & Sunday December 15, three shows total. Tickets are $44.

Endless Summer – The Beach Boys Experience Holiday Edition – Friday, December 20, with two shows. Tickets are $44.

William Lee Martin’s The Nuttier Cracker Comedy Show – Saturday, December 21, two shows. Tickets are $35 – $45.

Elf Adventure – Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 30 at the Settlement to City Museums. $10 for the passport and $4 for each individual activity. (Tickets on sale Sept. 25)

Farmstead Christmas Celebration – Guests can make ornaments, enjoy music and refreshments with the farmhands. Saturday, December 7 at Nash Farm from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $5 per person. (Tickets on sale Sept. 25)

First Fridays on the Farm – Prairie Christmas at Nash Farm. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, December 6. $5 per person.

Holly Jolly Pop-Up Bar at Third Rail – Enjoy Christmas cocktails, festive décor and live entertainment from late November – December. Inside Harvest Hall at Grapevine Main Station.

Winter Wonderland Bubbles – Hotel Vin’s infamous Bubbles on the WineYard lawn feature fur blankets, heaters and decadent treats. Open late November through Valentine’s Day.

Holiday Hideaway Pop-Up Bar – Chicken N Pickle’s seasonal bar features festive cocktails, lodge vibes, summit views and a cozy atmosphere. New this year- there are two festively decorated igloos on the patio. Reservations open in November.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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