Grapevine, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, is the so-called Christmas Capital of Texas. Each year, the town hosts a variety of holiday-themed events like a boat parade, family Christmas movies, musicals, train rides and decorating contests. Most events occur during the weekends in December, but several events begin as early as the weekend after Thanksgiving. There are events for adults and children alike. Does this Spark an idea?
North Pole Express
Each year, the city of Grapevine offers a North Pole Express experience for children and families at the North Pole Fun Park. This event is hosted every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Children can ride the train and engage in a number of activities like ornament making, taking pictures with Santa and singing Christmas carols.
Christmas on Main Street
During weekends in December, Grapevine's Main Street in the historic downtown area hosts a series of events for visitors and residents. You can take pictures with Santa, take a free hay ride or decorate your own Christmas ornaments. Christmas characters like Stilt Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and Ellie the Elf are around during the day on weekends to play games like "Santa Says" or musical squares with children.
Home for the Holidays
Each year, the city of Grapevine hosts the Broadway-style musical, "Home for the Holidays," at its Palace Arts Center. This play features live music, seasonal sets and beautiful costumes and combines singing, dancing and humor for 80 minutes of Christmas-themed entertainment.
Parade of Lights/Carol of Lights
Each year, Grapevine hosts north Texas' largest lighted Christmas parade, the Parade of Lights. The parade features over 100 lighted floats with holiday-themed music from marching bands. And each year the town hosts a Carol of Lights in the downtown gazebo, during which time Mrs. Claus and the city mayor illuminate millions of Christmas lights throughout the historic downtown, including the 35-foot Christmas tree.
