Photo credit: @visitgrapevine
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For Texans seeking the ultimate holiday escape without leaving the state, skip the sleigh ride to the North Pole and head directly to Grapevine, Texas. Proudly proclaiming itself the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” this charming Dallas-area city transforms into an unrivaled winter wonderland, offering a month-long celebration packed with lights, events, and unique yuletide attractions.
Located just outside of Dallas, Grapevine is celebrated year-round for its rich culture and history, but during the holiday season, it truly shines, delivering festive merriment that a Grinch would find impossible to resist.
A Grand Scale Holiday Celebration
Grapevine goes above and beyond, hosting 40 days of traditional holiday events, featuring millions of sparkling lights and elaborate decorations. The scale and variety of its offerings create a holiday experience unmatched in the Lone Star State.
Photo via Shutterstock Must-See Festivities
The city is home to several major destinations that host elaborate, themed Christmas events:
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Each year, The Gaylord Texan transforms into the epicenter of holiday entertainment with a massive, multi-sensory environment that is a destination unto itself. Running from November 14 – January 4, 2026, the holiday event is set to feature critically acclaimed experiences, Christmas villages, kids’ activities, and more. Some of the highlights this season include:
Ice! at The Gaylord Texan
ICE! As featured in CNN, Forbes, and the like, ICE! is a critically acclaimed holiday experience built with over 2 million pounds of ice. The signature event is featuring a special Elf theme this year, bringing Buddy the Elf’s classic story to life with its characters, scenes, and interactive activities — including two-story-high ice slides.
Christmas Village at The Gaylord Texan
In addition to ICE! The Gaylord Texan also features a dazzling Christmas Village on the grounds, where adults and kids alike can rejoice in a plethora of wintry fun. Featured experiences at the Christmas Village include:
A six-lane tubing hill built from real, frozen ice. A 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink Snowball Build and Blast snowball target game Cirque Frost, high-flying Cirque-style show inspired by the story of Jack Frost ICE! On The Blocks, exclusive 21+ sub-zero bar
Other holiday experiences at The Gaylord Texan this year include:
Gingerbread Decorating Corner Elf Training Academy Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions TwElf Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt Photos with Santa 
Photo credit: @visitgrapevine The Grapevine Vintage Railroad Experiences
The historic 1920s-era engine is fully decked out for two distinct holiday train journeys:
The Christmas Wine Train
The sophisticated, adults-only journey transports passengers on a two-hour journey in an atmosphere of pure festive joy. Guests can sip on fine Texas wine, munch on charming hors d’oeuvres, and listen to holiday classics. The Christmas Wine Train takes place on one day only, November 21.
Santa’s North Pole Express
Perfect for children, this magical journey invites good boys and girls to snuggle up in their pajamas for a ride in beautifully decorated vintage coaches. Running from November 28 to December 30, 2025, the festive train ride includes Mrs. Clause-made chocolate chips alongside Santa’s Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk, caroling elves, as well as an ultimate meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.
Peace Plaza Ice Rink
What some have referred to as the “Rockefeller Center of the Southwest”, Peace Plaza Ice Rink is a Texas-sized ice rink located in front of Grapevine Main Station. From November 22 — January 6, visitors can go for a Yuletide glide at the foot of Grapevine’s epic 64-foot-tall Christma tree.
Palace Theatre
The wonderfully restored historic theater on Grapevine’s Main Street is set to host a magical array of Christmas activities this holiday season, including Christmas concerts and other live performances, screenings of classic Christmas movies, as well as classic Christmas cartoons and crafts. Featured events at Palace Theatre this holiday season include:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (November 14 – 15) A Sinatra Christmas Tribute (November 30) The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas (December 15) Last-Minute Shopping & Historic Charm
With the big day fast approaching, Grapevine offers fantastic options for finishing your holiday gift list. Visitors can cram in their last-minute shopping at the massive Grapevine Mills Mall or enjoy the festive glow of the Historic Main Street, which is beautifully lined with holiday decor and unique local boutiques.
Grapevine proves that you don’t need to travel to the North Pole to find the ultimate holiday spirit—a simple trip up I-35 will more than suffice.