Holiday Events in Grapevine, TX

Christmas tree, giant presents, lights, and other decor in the courtyard of the Gaylord Hotel and Resort in Grapevine.
Photo Courtesy of Fort Worth Magazine
  • Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas, has many holiday events and attractions, including:
    • Twinkle Light Boat Parade
    • Brunch With Santa in Bacchus
    • Merry & Bright Drone Show
    • North Pole Express
    • Gaylord Hotel & Resort
    • Santa House

With 40 days of celebration and an endless list of holiday events, it’s no wonder that Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas. Of course, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by visiting this quaint, historic town. So whether you’re a local or a first-time guest, you don’t want to miss these upcoming holiday events in Grapevine!

Twinkle Light Boat Parade

Boat with twinkling lights and festive trees on Grapevine Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Grapevine Parks and Recreation

Get ready to experience the finest Christmas boat parade in all of Texas! The Twinkle Light Parade features hundreds of festive vessels drifting across the picturesque Grapevine Lake. So grab a hot chocolate or warm cider, and enjoy these scenic views with friends and family..

  • When: Saturday, December 3, 5:30–8:00 pm
  • Where: Grapevine Lake. The event begins at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake during its loop around the lake.
  • Cost: Free

Brunch With Santa in Bacchus

Wreaths made from ornaments over tables inside Bacchus Kitchen + Bar.
Photo Courtesy of PaperCity Magazine

Named after the Roman God of Wine, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar knows how to celebrate the holiday season. Mediterranean flavors of Spain, Italy, France, and Greece mingle with merry festivities. Every Saturday in December, you can enjoy a holiday menu and receive a visit from Santa at your table! Check out the holiday specials here.

  • When: Every Saturday in December (including Christmas Eve)
  • Where: 215 E Dallas Road, Grapevine, Texas, United States, 76051
  • All guests are encouraged to make a reservation by calling 817-251-3040

Merry & Bright Drone Show

Drone show creating a reindeer as a family looks on.
Photo Courtesy of DFW Child

The Christmas Capital of Texas will soar to new heights with the second annual Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show. Watch in wonder as a fleet of 160 drones displays the magic of Christmas in the sky over Main Street. Try to arrive early as the show will begin promptly at eight and last eight to ten minutes. After the event, Harvest Hall will have treats and eats for all guests to enjoy.

  • When: Saturday, December 3, 8:00–8:10 pm
  • Where: Peace Plaza: 815 S Main Street Grapevine, 76051
  • Cost: Free (but VIP seating is available for purchase)

North Pole Express

People dressed as elves in front of the iconic North Pole Express in Grapevine.
Photo Courtesy of Lillipop Productions

On Grapevine’s jubilant North Pole Express, you can join Mrs. Claus on an adventure to Santa’s Workshop. Along your journey, you will sing and dance, walk through the Snowy Tree Trail, take pictures with Santa, and receive a fresh cookie and chocolate snow milk from Mrs. Claus’s North Pole Kitchen. So, grab your Christmas pajamas and get ready to enjoy these festive sights. For more information, view the North Pole Express’s FAQs page.

  • When: The train rides start on November 25 and run through December 23. View a list of dates and times here.
  • Where: 701 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Cost: First-class coach tickets cost $40, and touring class coach tickets are $35.

Gaylord Hotel & Resort

Christmas tree, giant bells, and lights inside the Gaylord Hotel and Resort in Grapevine, TX.
Photo Courtesy of Gaylord Hotels
Millions of pounds of ice forming a railroad for the holiday attraction at Gaylord Hotel and Resort---they Polar Express.
Photo Courtesy of Gaylord Texan

You can’t experience the Christmas Capital of Texas without witnessing the colossal decorations at the Gaylord Hotel and Resort. In addition to decking the hotel halls, they put on a mesmerizing display entitled ICE!—a dazzling winter wonderland that recreates the Polar Express. The attraction utilizes more than two million pounds of colorful ice and features slides, sculptures, and more. You can get additional details about ICE! and purchase tickets here.

  • When: November 11, 2022–January 1, 2023
  • Where: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Cost: View the hotel’s decor for free. For ICE!, weekday tickets are $16.99 for ages 4–11 and $25.99 for 12+. On the weekends, tickets are $23.99 for ages 4–11 and $34.99 for 12+.

Santa House

Hundreds of Santas and a sleigh in front of the iconic Santa House in Grapevine, TX.
Photo Courtesy of South Lake Lifestyle

The Santa House encapsulates the unique Christmas spirit in Grapevine. The Murillo family started the attraction to raise money for Tarrant County families in need during the holidays. The Grapevine Santa House partners with Grace Grapevine’s Christmas Cottage to provide these families with a budget to purchase toys, home goods, and appliances. This year, the Murillo family’s goal is to raise $10,000 to provide Christmas to 80 local families.

  • When: Lights begin Saturday, November 21
  • Where: 3373 Spruce Ln, Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Cost: Free, but donations are accepted. 100% of donations provide Christmas for children in need.

With these holiday events in Grapevine coming up, you can experience the fullness of the Christmas Capital of Texas. Cheers to the holiday season, and Merry Christmas from Lake Grapevine!

FAQs

The Twinkle Light Boat Parade on Lake Grapevine occurs Saturday, December 3, 5:30–8 pm.

Brunch with Santa at Bacchus is every Saturday in December (including Christmas Eve).

All guests are encouraged to make a reservation by calling Bacchus at 817-251-3040.

The Drone Show is in Peace Plaza, 815 S Main Street Grapevine, 76051

The Drone Show takes place Saturday, December 3, 8–8:10 p.m.

The train rides start on November 25 and run through December 23. View a list of dates and times here.

701 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

First-class coach tickets cost $40, and touring class coach tickets are $35.

Gaylord’s Christmas decorations are up from November 11, 2022–January 1, 2023.

1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051

For ICE!, weekday tickets are $16.99 for ages 4–11 and $25.99 for 12+. On the weekends, tickets are $23.99 for ages 4–11 and $34.99 for 12+.

3373 Spruce Ln, Grapevine, TX 76051

The Murillo family started the attraction to raise money during the holidays for Tarrant County families in need. The Grapevine Santa House partners with Grace Grapevine’s Christmas Cottage to provide these families with a budget to purchase toys, home goods, and appliances.