I was filling out our Calendar of events to attend this year during the Holidays and I thought you might like to see what all I found going on as well. Because you can Discover the Magic of Christmas in Grapevine, Texas Christmas Capital of Texas.
Experience seasonal family-friendly fun at more than 1,400 events in 40 days
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS (November 13, 2018) — Discover the magic in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas®! With more than 1,400 events in 40 days, Grapevine’s charming Christmas setting makes the city the must-visit Texas destination of the season. Millions of magical lights, enormous decorations and seasonal events perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Walk through a winter wonderland at the largest ICE!® event in the state at Gaylord Texan Resort; experience a journey to Santa’s Workshop aboard the North Pole Express®, presented by Great Wolf Lodge; watch beloved Classic Christmas movies at the Palace Theatre and a whole lot more.
Make plans now to join the more than one million guests who visit the Christmas Capital of Texas for exciting events and activities.
Join in the Reindeer Games at Gaylord Texan Resort’s Lone Star Christmas and ICE! – Christmas is back and better than ever during Gaylord Texan Resort’s Lone Star Christmas! Be amazed this Christmas season with more than two million twinkling lights, an amazing 54-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with 15,000 ornaments, an 8-foot-tall gingerbread house, cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus, and ICE!, featuring the classic story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, carved from more than two million pounds of ice.
The beautiful ice sculptures are hand-carved by a team of remarkably talented master ice artisans from Harbin, China and feature magical holiday scenes, brilliant characters, “On the Blocks” ice bar (21 and up) and two-story tall ice slides. The 17,500-square-foot attraction is kept at a wintry 9 degrees and the resort provides complimentary parkas but bring your own mittens and hats. Additional fun activities include an outdoor Ice-Skating Rink, Snow Tubing, Gingerbread Decorating Corner and so much more! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit November 9 – January 1, 2019.
Journey to Santa’s Workshop On Board the North Pole Express, presented by Great Wolf Lodge – There’s no better place to feel the magic of Christmas than on board the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express! Board the beautifully decorated Grapevine Vintage Railroad coaches and begin your journey to the North Pole while enjoying Santa’s Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk, served in a special memory mug, with a delicious Christmas cookie. As the train arrives at Reindeer Ridge, Mrs. Claus boards the train and presents each child a “We Believe” bell. After the train arrives at the North Pole, guests walk through the North Pole Forest before entering Santa’s Workshop, where a cast of elves and Santa’s helpers are busy fulfilling Santa’s toy requests.
Finally, Santa arrives and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas before meeting guests in the North Pole General Store for a complimentary photo. November 23, 24, 25 and 30; and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Tickets are $28.50 per person. More information available at GVRR.com.
Guests can explore the North Pole Neighborhood where all good little girls and boys can have their photo taken with live reindeer; ride the Carousel; enjoy festival food; and hear Christmas tales and sing a song with Santa during Story Time with Santa, November 27 and 28; and December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15, 3 – 3:45 p.m. Tickets are $25 per child; sibling discount available. For more information and to purchase reservations for Story Time with Santa, visit
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Makes for a Howling Good Holiday – Bring joy to your family this Christmas season with uninterrupted time together under the enchanting spell of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge. Guests at this family-friendly resort will get swept away in the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, holiday trees and indoor snow showers along with special visits from Santa, cookie decorating events with Mrs. Claus and dining inside of a life-size Gingerbread House. Snow land activities continue throughout the resort with a daily Polar Wolf Walk, the Great Clock Tower show and nightly Snow land-themed Story Time. Apart from the Snow land activities, families can “melt-away” in the comfortable 84-degree weather found in the resort’s massive indoor water park. For information and reservations, visit November 24 – January 4, 2019.
Celebrate a Bricktacular Holiday at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and See Scuba Diving Santa at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium – Don’t miss your chance to meet LEGO® Santa at LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s Holiday Bricktacular December 15, 16, 22 and 23. Put your skills to the test and help our Master Model Builder create a Holiday Quilt, write letters to Santa and more! Dive into SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium and find out if you’ve been naughty or nice when Scuba Diving Santa returns! Dives take place at 11:30 a.m. December 12, 15, 19 and 22.
Have an “Instagrammably” Merry Christmas – Grapevine’s Tower Gallery
Welcomes Hometown Christmas. Experience the charm and spirit of a classic American town preparing for Christmas. Stroll through vintage vignettes and snap pictures to create Instagrammable memories. This interactive Christmas exhibition will delight kids of all ages. November 19 – January 6, 2019. This exhibition is free. Grapevine’s Tower Gallery is located at 636 S. Main St. For more information, visit
Gift A Few of Their Favorite Things – Make your list, check it twice and shop for all those who are naughty and nice! With shopping options for every taste and budget in Grapevine, you’re sure to find a little something for everyone.
- Historic Downtown Grapevine’s more than 80 locally-owned shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, winery tasting rooms, home décor, collectibles and more! Stores such as The British Emporium, Good Things For All Seasons, Crowned by Grace, Palm Tree Boutique, Bermuda Gold & Silver, One Posh Place, The Spice & Tea Exchange and many more will delight even the most seasoned shopper!
- Shop ‘til you drop at Grapevine Mills! With shopping from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. on Thanksgiving night (hours are 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, November 23) and a variety of exciting holiday events, Grapevine Mills offers even the most dedicated shopper a holiday paradise. The 1.7 million-square-feet of shopping euphoria includes popular spots such as Coach, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, Disney Store Outlet, H&M, J. Crew, Gap, Gymboree, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call and many more! Special Santa events include Santa’s arrival at his brand-new home located near Converse.
- November 9; Caring Santa (Available for children with disabilities who prefer a calm and less crowded Santa experience)
- Sunday, December 2, 9:30 – 11 a.m; Pet Photos with Santa
- December 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m.; and Breakfast with Santa at Rainforest Café,
- December 15, 16 and 22, 8 – 10 a.m. Reservations required through Event brite.
- Put the spirit of the outdoors in your Christmas season at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
- Enjoy Santa’s Wonderland featuring old-time model trains, arcades and free crafts every week.
- Santa arrives November 10 and will be onsite daily through December 24.
- And shopping traditionalists will love Grapevine Towne Center, home to brands such as Target, Ross Dress for Less, Haltom’s Jewelers and more.
Sweet Christmas Treats at Dr. Sue’s Hot Chocolate Happy Hour – Chocolate and Christmas go hand-in-hand, so be sure to savor the chocolate Christmas flavors at Dr. Sue’s Chocolate Hot Chocolate Bar and Happy Hour.
From 2:30 – 5 p.m. daily, the aromas of delicious, hand-crafted hot chocolates linger in the air, inviting even the most discriminating palate. The Hot Chocolate Barista serves top quality European cocoa in flavors such as Peppermint, Mexican Spice and Old Fashioned hot chocolate with customizable toppings, like marshmallows, whipped cream and spices.
Pricing starts at $4.50. November 23–December 23. 417 S. Main St.
Vetro Glassblowing Studio Brings A Whole New Meaning to The Christmas Song – Melt glass on an open fire without Jack Frost nipping at your nose at Vetro Glassblowing Studio. Bring the entire family and create your own personally designed ornament choosing from five preselected colors or Vetro’s full color palette, depending on the event.
Kids of all ages are welcome to the Traditional Ornament Making but must be 14 years of age or older to participate in the Extreme Ornament Making process. Any person under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
November 16 – December 29. Pricing is $30 for the Traditional Ornament Making, $50 for the Extreme Ornament Making, taxes not included.
For more information, call 817-251-1668 or visit 701 S. Main St., Studio 103.
Memorable Christmas Performances and Classic Christmas Movies at the Palace Theatre – Get your tickets now for your traditional favorites, new and old, at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre!
All ages will love sharing in all the seasonal fun at this beloved venue.
Tickets can be purchased at Palace-Theatre.com or by calling 817-410-3100. 300 S. Main St.
- The Texas Tenors present “Deep in the Heart of Christmas” – From seasonal favorites like “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” to The Righteous Brothers’ crowd pleaser “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” and original hit “Bootdaddy,” The Texas Tenors bring a unique blend of music to the stage with thrilling harmonies and award-winning arrangements. Last year they celebrated the season by performing at the National Tree Lighting in Washington, DC., now they are in Grapevine to celebrate Christmas with you!
- Tickets are $44. December 11, 7:30 p.m.; December 12, 7:30 p.m.; December 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; December 14, 7:30 p.m.; and December 15, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- “A Merry Little Christmas Show with Ricki Derek” – One of Derek’s most anticipated shows of the year is his “A Merry Little Christmas Show,” which has become a tradition for many. In its 10th year, this holiday musical experience includes affectionate nods to the past with its lush orchestrations backed by Ricki’s Ho, Ho, Ho Orchestra and its feel-good approach to the most wonderful time of the year. Ricki grew up watching the Christmas specials with Frank, Dean and Bing and loved them so much he wanted to recreate that feeling with his live shows. The show has all your favorite holiday tunes and features some very special guests. It’s a wonderful way to get you swinging into the holidays.
- Tickets start at $27. Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m.
“An Elvis Kind of Christmas Starring Kraig Parker and the Royal Tribute Band” – Kraig Parker returns with his new show, “An Elvis Kind of Christmas,” that promises to put you in the holiday spirit and offers something for the entire family. Parker, backed by his 10-piece Royal Tribute Band, continues to sell out venues around the country with his authentic tribute to Elvis Presley.
His looks, moves, voice and charisma will take you back to the golden years of rock and roll. This show brings to life many favorite songs of Christmas mixed with classic hits of the King. Rumor has it there may even be a visit from Santa. Don’t miss this opportunity to ring in the Christmas season with this soon-to-sell-out show.
Tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under, $15. Sunday, December 2 at 4 p.m.
Rocky Gribble presents “A Grapevine Opry Christmas” – We all have traditions but those associated with our most beloved holiday of the year carry special meaning. This year will mark the 31st year of Grapevine Opry Christmas shows at the Palace Theatre so it’s only natural that Rocky Gribble’s show continues the tradition.
“A Grapevine Opry Christmas” is filled with holiday music, both new and old, and offers an incredible yuletide experience. Whether you are a faithful follower or, discovering the show for the first time, you’ll find the show never fails to illustrate the full story of Christmas, and may possibly inspire a new holiday tradition for you and your family. And remember, sun or snow, there is always a Christmas celebration in store at “A Grapevine Opry Christmas.”
- Tickets $25. Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.
- Classic Christmas Movies – Watch beloved Classic Christmas movies this season at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre. Tickets $6.
- Movies include Home Alone (1990) November 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- A Christmas Carol (1951), November 30 at 7:30 p.m.
- A Christmas Story (1983), December 3 and 16 at 7 p.m. and December 19 at 2 pm
- Holiday Inn (1942), December 5 at 7 p.m.
- White Christmas (1954), December 7, 18 and 22 at 7 p.m. and December 18 and 21 at 2 pm
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947), December 9 and 17 at 7 pm
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), December 10, 19, 20, 21 and 23 at 7 p.m. and December 20 at 2 pm
- An animated double feature of A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), December 22 and 23 at 2 p.m. and December 22 at 4 p.m.
Have A Very Merry Nash Farm Christmas – Experience Grapevine heritage this Christmas at Nash Farm. On Saturday, December 1, from 3 – 6 p.m., step back in time and experience a Victorian Christmas with a tour of Nash Farm ending with a campfire, cider and cookies. Join the farmhands for a family-friendly celebration including making ornaments, listening to traditional music, refreshments and more.
$3 per person. On Saturday, December 8, from 1 – 4 p.m., experience traditional Christmas celebrations on the farm at the Farmstead Christmas Celebration.
$5 per person. On Thursday, December 13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., enjoy Nash Farm’s Parlor Sociable with coffee, tea and sweets along with parlor games. 626 Ball St. $15 per person.
Make Yours A Vintage Christmas at Settlement to City Museums – Pioneer and Victorian era crafts, activities and stories are only a handful of ways to make yours a vintage Christmas at Grapevine’s Settlement to City Museum. Create and mail your own Grapevine-themed Hometown Holiday greeting card, construct Victorian-era decorations and enjoy a bit of history in the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Special events include Christmas with the Keelings, December 15, 1 – 3 p.m.;
Victorian Christmas Card Printing, December 1, 1 – 3 p.m.
Tales of a Victorian Christmas, December 22, 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. 208 W. Hudgins St.
Watch Christmas Parades on Land and Water – Whether you’re a fan of parades on land or water, Grapevine is the place to be this holiday season
On December 6 at 7 p.m., bring the entire family to the Parade of Lights. This Grapevine tradition features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Look for Santa Claus on the last float! This annual tradition welcomes thousands of visitors each year so come early to claim your spot along Main Street. The theme for this year is Holiday Magic on Main. Free.
- For water parade fun, see the beautiful Twinkle Light Boat Parade. It’s a floating festival of lights on Lake Grapevine with a parade of boats decorated in their holiday finest! This lighted boat parade starts at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina, Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake, as it circles the lake. The parade is visible from the shores of Lake Grapevine and the Glass Cactus Nightclub at Gaylord Texan Resort.
- December 1, 6 – 9 p.m. Free.
Get Wrapped Up in the Spirit of Christmas at the Carol of Lights – Experience the spirit of Christmas with family and friends at Grapevine’s Annual Carol of Lights and lighting of Historic Downtown Grapevine! The event features live performances, dazzling dance numbers and breathtaking fireworks. Arrive early to take pictures with Santa and live reindeer, create seasonal crafts and savor tasty food. This year, WFAA’s morning show hosts, Kara Sewell and Ron Corning, will emcee the Rockefeller Center-style show and entertain the crowd as Mayor William D. Tate “flips the switch” on the Christmas Capital of Texas. ALL NEW for 2018: A limited number of reserved seats will be available for purchase for $5 per person. Standing room will still be available. Activities begin at 3 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. in front of Grapevine City Hall. Monday, November 19.
For more information or to purchase reserved seating, visit
Admission to this event is free. 200 S. Main St.
It’s the Most Flavorful Time of the Year – From tasty to trendy, find your holiday favorites in Grapevine. With flavor-packed dishes at more than 200 restaurants, Grapevine offers a variety of cuisines at prices to fit a range of budgets. Or, stop by one of Grapevine’s winery tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail for a glass of wine and refreshments before merrily continuing your Christmas Capital of Texas experience.
Warm Your Heart with Laughter During A Cold Hearted Christmas at the Texas Star Dinner Theater – At the Texas Star Dinner Theater, sounds of the holiday season dance through the evening air, but there’s someone in town who wants to make it A Cold-Hearted Christmas. E.B. Neazer, the meanest, nastiest, “grinchiest” citizen in town, has decided now is the time to spread his own wicked brand of Christmas cheer. It seems the hero, Marshal Jim Courtright, will never get his Christmas stocking hung by the chimney with care, unless you join the posse and help find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. This is one interactive murder mystery dinner experience that will be of good cheer this holiday season!
Tickets are $59.95 per person (not including tax and gratuity).November 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30; and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 and 29. For tickets, visit 816 S. Main St.
Travel to the World of Whoville in Grapevine – This season, visit Whoville at Grapevine’s Town Square Gazebo. This attraction features Who-houses, post office, you know WHO’s lair and your favorite Whoville characters in cut-out form just waiting for your family photos all season long. And don’t forget, each evening there’s a 100% chance of snow flurries.
November 19 – January 6, 2019. 325 S. Main St.
Explore the Beauty of Christmas on Main – Experience Christmas on Main this season and enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the Victorian-style buildings dressed up with ribbons, bows and wreaths, all set aglow with twinkling lights. Climb aboard tractor-drawn wagon rides behind the Town Square Gazebo, 325 S. Main St. The ride will take you through the seasonally decorated historic neighborhoods on the east side of Main Street. Tractor-drawn wagon rides are $1 per person.
November 23, 24, 25 and 30; and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23.
Fridays, 2 – 5 p.m.; Saturdays, Noon – 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m.
Shop Local at the Christmas Farmers Market – Shop locally and regionally sourced produce, baked goods, local cheese, nuts, gift baskets and more at the Christmas Farmers Market, Town Square Gazebo.
November 23, 24, 25 and 30; and December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
Open daily from 1 – 9 p.m Visit for more information. 325 S. Main St.
A Holly, Jolly Warhammer Citadel Christmas – Join the Warhammer Citadel team for fun holiday-themed building, painting and gaming activities during the Warhammer Citadel Christmas. For anyone curious about the Warhammer Citadel Store & Café, this is the perfect time to pay them a visit and ask the team about gaming and create the ultimate gift list. While you’re there, enjoy a hot cup of cider, coffee or tea.
November 23 – January 1, 2019. Celebrate the season with the BIG Citadel Christmas Party, December 15 and 16, a weekend long Christmas party hosted by Warhammer Citadel. This will be the biggest Secret Santa gift exchange and will feature several holiday-themed activities such as painting contests and games.
All activities are free. 616 S. Main St.
HOLIDAY HOTEL PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE. For additional information, please contact the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185 or visit
ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
