Grapevine may be fully dressed for Christmas, but the weather is refusing to cooperate. Instead of frosty air and snowflakes, visitors are finding sunshine, warm temperatures, and a holiday season with a distinctly Texas twist.

Still, crowds continue to arrive in what is known as the Christmas Capital of the World, soaking up the decorations, music and festive atmosphere.

“It’d be nicer if it was cooler, but being in Texas, we’re used to it,” visitor Robert McCollum said.

For some families, the heat has disrupted holiday plans. Several visitors were hoping to lace up skates at the Grapevine ice rink, only to find it closed due to unsafe conditions caused by melting ice.

“We were expecting to have some skating, but I think they’re not going to open it today,” Juan Luis Peralta said while visiting with his family.

Karen Pratt, general manager of Ice Stars, said the warm stretch has taken a toll on the ice.

“We’ve had several days now in a row where people have been skating on literally through the water,” Pratt said. “The more water we lose, the less ice we have, and then we would have to close completely because the ice wouldn’t be thick enough to skate on safely.”

According to Pratt, more than an inch of water had pooled on the ice during one recent afternoon session, prompting crews to take action to preserve the rink for the remainder of the holiday season.

“We have brought in a temporary blanket cover to try to maintain the ice for today and tomorrow. And we plan to reopen Friday at 4 p.m.,” Pratt said.

She said a crew began installing the tarp late at night, with five workers spending several hours covering the rink to block direct sunlight and keep the ice frozen.

Ice Stars said they plan to reopen the Grapevine rink at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with skating also scheduled for Sunday. Pratt said the rink will return to its regular schedule through January 6.

Despite the heat and the temporary closures, families continue to focus on what they said matters most this time of year.

“We’re just enjoying it as much as we can. It’s good to be able to get them outside,” visitor Samantha Savage said.

For many, the holiday spirit remains strong, even without a white Christmas.