As the UK emerges from its fifth heatwave of the summer, many will be dreaming of crisp winter mornings. Fortunately, that festive feeling is closer than you might think. Grapevine, officially known as the Christmas Capital of Texas®, is already counting down to the most wonderful time of the year as it unveils its 2026 Christmas programme.
Located just minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the charming Vintage Texas town transforms into a festive wonderland each winter, offering visitors the chance to swap soaring temperatures for seasonal cheer. Recently crowned the Best Christmas Town in the U.S. by Newsweek readers in both 2024 and 2026, Grapevine attracts more than 2 million visitors annually with an extraordinary celebration featuring 1,400 festive events across 40 magical days.
Think dazzling light displays and larger-than-life Christmas attractions, shopping, shows and family-friendly fun. Grapevine proves that when it comes to Christmas, everything really is bigger in Texas.
Marking the start of the town’s yuletide season, celebrations will begin on the 23rd of November, with Grapevine’s 38th Annual Carol of Lights Festival on Historic Main Street. From the moment the lights switch on, visitors can expect nothing less than a Christmas wonderland. But that’s just the beginning, here are just a few of the 1,400 festive events and attractions you can join in on from November to January:
ice! at Gaylord Texan Resort - This winter, Harry Potter ™ comes to Grapevine! A must-see exhibit with more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, featuring your favourite Harry Potter ™ characters and Christmas scenes.
47th Parade of Lights -The largest Christmas light parade in North Texas featuring 100 lighted floats and marching bands, with Santa Claus making a grand appearance on the last float.
6th Annual Merry and Bright Christmas Drone Show - Decorations defy gravity as 400 drones work their Christmas magic over the town, painting colourful festive patterns and images over Historic Main Street.
Santa’s North Pole Express – Take a ride on Grapevine’s Vintage Railroad magical 45-minute Christmas excursion. Cosy, light-filled railcars invite visitors to try Santa’s favourite Christmas treats, join in on festive singalongs and even pose for a photo with Santa and his elves. For a more grown-up celebration, climb onboard the adult-only Christmas Wine Train to imbibe in some delicious Texan wine with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Peace Plaza Ice Rink - Considered the Rockefeller Centre of the Southwest, visitors glide across a Texas-sized outdoor ice rink illuminated by a live 60-foot-tall Christmas tree and festive cheer at Grapevine Main Station.
Christmas at the Historic Palace Theatre – Sit back and relax into your favourite Christmas classics and live Broadway-style performances in Grapevine’s Historic Main Street District.
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge – The lodge turns into a Winter Wonderland with daily snow showers, dance parties, Christmas activities and more.
Load up on gifts at the Grapevine Christmas Market
In the Christmas Capital of Texas®, you'll not only find the perfect gifts while shopping on Historic Main Street, but also at the Grapevine Christmas Market held in the Historic Cotton Belt Depot District. Explore a variety of handcrafted, unique products from local artisans and vendors. Alternatively, head to Grapevine Mills, the largest mall in North Texas, spanning 1.8 million square feet and featuring more than 180 stores, restaurants, and attractions. Consistently recognized as one of America's top shopping destinations, including being ranked #7 Mall in America by USA Today 10 Best, it's the perfect place to shop, dine, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment all under one roof. International shoppers can indulge in tax-free shopping by presenting qualifying receipts at the mall's refund kiosk open during regular hours.
Plan your visit to the Christmas Capital of Texas today and experience the magic for yourself. For further information and more events, visit ChristmasCapitalofTexas.com
Posted by: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
Posted on: 25/09/2026