Grapevine, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, is one of the leading entertainment and shopping areas in Texas. Blessed with a vibrant historic downtown that epitomizes small town Texas, the city has billed itself as the Christmas Capital of Texas for a few years now due to its impressive and numerous Christmas displays and activities.
The holiday activities for 2009 kickoff with the opening of "ICE!" at the Gaylord Texan resort. This is the fifth year the resort has hosted this attraction and the design for 2009 will be based on the holiday classic, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss. "ICE!" is an attraction made from 2 million pounds of ice carved by artisans from China that recreates several different holiday motifs.
Horse Wine Charms
The Gaylord Texan is also decorated throughout with holiday décor including 1.5 million lights, gigantic ornaments draped from the huge glass atrium and a life sized gingerbread house. The kids will also enjoy the several model railroads and can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The drive up to the resort is also decorated with lights and figurines that depict a Texas Christmas.
The historic downtown district is the hub of activity for the Christmas capital of Texas. Main Street, which runs through downtown, is decorated with hundreds of thousands of lights as well as multiple animated holiday displays with favorite Christmas characters and scenes. On weekends, there is an abundance of entertainment such as horse drawn trolley rides, strolling carolers in period costume as well as Santa Claus, Rudolph, and Frosty the Snowman.
At the south end of Main Street is the Grapevine Vintage Railroad which will be hosting the North Pole Express on weekends throughout the holiday season. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas while riding the train where they can hear stories, carols and even meet Santa Claus.
For the adults, downtown Grapevine also boasts many unique shops and bistros as well as several wine tasting rooms. Most of the downtown merchants get into the holiday spirit with impressive holiday décor, painted windows and special events.
Grapevine also features two Christmas parades one on land and the other on water. On December 3rd is the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas with more than 100 floats that run through the downtown area. Just two days later is the Twinkle Lights Boat Parade on Lake Grapevine. Dozens of boats decked out with Christmas lights will sail around the lake while spectators watch along the shoreline.
At the Palace Arts Center, in downtown, the Broadway style Christmas musical will be performed throughout the holiday season. This show captures the charm and wonder of a traditional American Christmas with live music, dancing, and family friendly humor all staged with Christmas themed sets.
All of these fun activities, along with the warmth and hospitality of the local residents and merchants, are what help make Grapevine the Christmas Capital of Texas. Grapevine, has holiday fun for the whole family that will make lasting memories.