Find out why Grapevine calls itself the ‘Christmas Capital of Texas’
Christmas in Grapevine. Those three words have brought joy to folks for years, bringing over three million visitors to the area over its history, earning the city the title the Christmas Capital of Texas.
And now, after operating at limited capacity in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festivities are back in full force now through the first weekend in January.
“The settlers who founded our community in 1844 awoke on Christmas morning to a white Christmas. Down through the years, our traditions have evolved with a spirit of giving in good times and in times of challenge,” said Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate. “Christmas has always been a time of celebration as our townspeople were ready for some excitement after the crops were harvested.
“We look forward to Christmas all year long. It is the best time of the year for our merchants. Our popular traditions will be displayed throughout our community as we unwrap a classic Christmas in Grapevine.”
Brady Closson, Deputy Executive Director of the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, added that people like coming to Grapevine because the city offers that traditional Christmas experience that also honors their history and heritage. He praised Grapevine community organizations, leaders and volunteers for consistently uniting and having intentionally created a traditional Christmas experience.
On Dec. 2, the city will host its popular Christmas Parade with more than 100 lighted floats, and marching bands.
New this year is “Mission: Save Christmas Featuring Elf,” a Warner Bros. themed entertainment. Join Buddy the Elf and save Christmas. Team up with Mr. Narwhal and friends in the candy cane forest, stay ahead of the toy quota in the North Pole, prepare for Santa’s arrival at the iconic department store, take part in an epic virtual snowball fight in Central Park and so much more.
Also new this year is “Merry & Light,” a whimsical, walk through an outdoor Christmas lights attraction featuring more than 400,000 lights, a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree with an animated light show, a North Pole display with real falling snow and more. Inside find a snow-tubing hill, indoor ice-skating rink, snow to build life-size snowmen and many more family-friendly activities.
Visit ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com.
“As the oldest community in Tarrant County, Christmas was the first celebration of these pioneers in Grapevine. Grapevine has been celebrating Christmas fervently ever since,” said Paul W. McCallum, Executive Director of the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Over the decades Grapevine community organizations, leaders and volunteers have consistently united and intentionally created a traditional Christmas experience for our visitors and our community.
“The Christmas Capital of Texas events honor Grapevine’s history while also offering a variety of activities and entertainment,” said Paul W. McCallum, Executive Director of the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There is something for everyone, and I think that’s why we are a popular Christmas destination.
“It’s this unity of spirit that continually brings our town together, keeps the tradition alive and welcomes visitors to celebrate Christmas with us.”
For additional information about all the holiday events, contact the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185 or visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com/Christmas.
This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 6:00 AM.