One of my favorite cities in North Texas turns into a Christmas fairytale each season. Hosting over 1400 Christmas events in 40 days, Grapevine turns into the Christmas Capitol of Texas. Starting back on November 8 and lasting until December 31st, there are so many fun events taking place, that I wish I lived closer to enjoy them all. But if you live in North Texas, or are looking to take a holiday trip one weekend, this is the place to go to celebrate all things Christmas.
Just look at some of the wonderful events Grapevine has planned this season:
Ride the Rails on the North Pole Express® – Ride the rails with your family aboard the North Pole Express! See the magic of the season unfold as children of all ages and adults alike experience this classic Grapevine event. This approximately one hour expanded experience with added activities includes a ride on a historic train, pre-boarding holiday fun, Santa, journey through the Christmas tree maze, ornament making, caroling and more. Don’t forget to wear your special Christmas pajamas! Tickets are $18 per person and are on sale now. Children 2 and under can sit on an adult’s lap, but must have a complimentary ticket to board. The North Pole Express runs November 23, 24, 25 and 30 and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main St. Grapevine, TX
Chill Out at ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ “Merry Madagascar” during Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort – The ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-new, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ “Merry Madagascar.” From November 8 to January 1, see all your favorite characters including Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria carved from more than two million pounds of ice. You’ll be delighted as these colorful creations set the perfect holiday mood.
And while at the Gaylord Texan Resort, don’t miss Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow Tubing. Open daily November 8 to January 1, experience an extreme eight-lane tubing hill that’s covered in real snow. Watch your children smile and sparkle at Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort. This winter wonderland includes 1.5 million holiday lights, a 52-foot rotating Christmas tree, a life-sized Gingerbread House, 12,000 ornaments and Santa Claus. Christmas hotel packages are available. Visit www.gaylordtexan.com for ticket prices and times.
Happy Howl-idays at Great Wolf Lodge – Take a visit to the North Woods in Grapevine at the Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland! And don’t miss visits from Santa, North Pole University for Elves in Cub Club, holiday carol sing-alongs, the life-size Gingerbread House, Santa’s workshop, writing depot, wrapping depot, toy creation station, Polar Wolf Walk, Great Clock Tower holiday snow show, nightly story time, Rowdy the Reindeer and a Polar Bear Race inside the 84-degree indoor water park. December 1 – 25.
Christmas parades on land and water – Bring the entire family to the Parade of Lights in Historic Downtown Grapevine December 6 at 7 p.m. The largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, this Grapevine tradition features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Look for Santa Claus on the last float! Free.
And if you’re looking for a different sort of Christmas parade to float your boat, make your way to Lake Grapevine. The Twinkle Light Boat Parade is one of the most unique Christmas parades you will ever see. See watercrafts decorated in all of the finest sparkling lights to celebrate the season. This floating festival begins at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina, Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake. The parade is visible from the shores of Lake Grapevine. December 1, 6-9 p.m. Free.
Sparkling Nights and Twinkling Lights – Twinkling lights abound at the Light Show Spectacular in the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine. This brilliantly-colored show runs continuously from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. nightly starting November 20. Sing along with the city’s Christmas tree, enjoy the lights and see the joy on the faces of everyone in the family as you watch this show at the Town Square Gazebo. Free.
Musicals, Movies and Magical Moments at the Palace Theatre – From country to classic Christmas, Grapevine is the place to be for all your holiday entertainment. Set in the beautiful setting of the restored Palace Theatre in Historic Downtown Grapevine, you’ll delight at all of the spectacular Christmas music and movie offerings.
- Texas Tenors –December 13, 14, 16, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
- An Elvis Kind of Christmas with Kraig Parker –December 2 at 4 p.m.
- Classic Christmas Movies – See such classic Christmas movies for $5 – Die Hard, Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas/How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Grapevine Opry – Several Christmas shows
Did you get to see the ICE exhibit this year? We wanted to this past weekend when driving through DC, but opted out in fear of traffic getting home. Looks great for kids though.