Your 2026 Guide to Christmas in Grapevine, Texas: Holiday Events, Attractions & Things to Do
If there's one North Texas destination that knows how to do Christmas, it's Grapevine. Officially known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine transforms into a holiday wonderland every year, bringing together thousands of visitors for festive attractions, Christmas markets, live entertainment, family activities, and plenty of holiday magic. And if you think there's nothing to do around North Texas during the holidays, Grapevine would like a word!
From larger-than-life ice sculptures and Christmas markets to holiday pop-up bars, vintage train rides, drone shows, Santa sightings, and even scuba-diving Santa, there's something happening around nearly every corner.
Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night, or simply looking for an excuse to get into the holiday spirit, here's your guide to Christmas in Grapevine for 2026.
November 2026: Let the Christmas Festivities Begin
The holiday season gets underway in November, with attractions opening throughout the month and several of Grapevine's signature Christmas traditions returning.
November Events
November 6: Bad Santa's Boathouse opens
November 7–December 24: Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
November 9–January 2: Rudolph's Gift at Grapevine Escape
November 11–January 2: Christmas ornament making at Vetro Glassblowing Studio
November 13–January 3: ICE! featuring Harry Potter at Gaylord Texan
November 13–February 12: Winter Wonderland Bubbles at Hotel Vin
November 14: Dean Martin & Friends Christmas Celebration
November 20–December 27: No Home for the Holidays at Texas Star Dinner Theater
November 20–January 3: Holly Jolly Pop-Up Bar at Third Rail
November 20–December 30: Christmas movies at the Historic Palace Theatre
November 21–January 5: Peace Plaza Ice Rink
November 23: 38th Annual Carol of Lights
November 23–January 5: Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
November 24: Santa at Laura Kellerman Studio
November 27–December 30: Santa's North Pole Express
November 27–January 5: Hometown Christmas
November 27–December 30: Grapevine Christmas Market
November 27–December 23: Dr. Sue's Hot Chocolate Bar
November 27–December 25: Christmas Cookies & Coffee Flights at RE Coffee House
November 28–29: Christmas in Grapevine Craft Show
November 29: Frank Sinatra Christmas Tribute
December 2026: More Christmas Magic Around Every Corner
December brings even more opportunities to celebrate, from the annual Parade of Lights to holiday performances, hands-on activities, and unique experiences you won't find just anywhere.
December Events
December 3: 47th Annual Parade of Lights
December 3–31: Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
December 4: Prairie Christmas at Historic Nash Farm
December 4–20: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (select dates)
December 5: A Merry Little Christmas with Ricki Derek
December 5, 12 & 19: Scuba Diving Santa at SEA LIFE Grapevine
December 6: Elvis Christmas Special
December 7: Merry & Bright Drone Show
December 11–12: Beach Boys Experience Christmas Tribute
December 12: Victorian Christmas at Historic Nash Farm
December 13: Grapevine Opry Christmas
December 13: Custom Candle Pop-Up at RTown Gallery
December 15–17: The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas
December 15–31: A Handmade Christmas at Historic Nash Farm
December 18–24: Christmas at Dig World + Construction Santa
A Few Grapevine Christmas Experiences Worth Adding to Your List
Beyond the individual events, there are a few holiday attractions that deserve a spot on your Christmas calendar.
ICE! at Gaylord Texan
If you've never experienced ICE!, this is one of Grapevine's signature holiday attractions. This year's theme features Harry Potter, with incredible hand-carved ice sculptures created from more than two million pounds of colorful ice.
Santa's North Pole Express
All aboard! Climb aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a festive train ride featuring Christmas singalongs, Santa, his elves, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Grapevine Christmas Market
Historic Grapevine transforms into a Christmas market filled with artisan vendors, seasonal treats, festive activities, and plenty of opportunities to find unique gifts.
Peace Plaza Ice Rink
Grab your skates and enjoy an outdoor ice-skating experience beneath Grapevine's towering live Christmas tree. It's a classic holiday activity with a Texas twist.
Historic Main Street Christmas Lights
Sometimes the best holiday experience is simply walking around and taking it all in. Historic Main Street is filled with Christmas decorations, festive storefronts, photo opportunities, and seasonal charm.
Start Planning Your Christmas in Grapevine!
And this is just a sampling of what's happening in the Christmas Capital of Texas. With more than 1,400 events taking place over 40 days, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
A little advice? Don't wait until the last minute to plan some of the bigger attractions. Popular experiences like ICE! and Santa's North Pole Express can draw large crowds, and tickets may sell out.
For the complete event calendar, ticket information, and updates, visit the official Christmas Capital of Texas event calendar.
Now I want to know: Which Grapevine Christmas tradition is at the top of your list this year? Are you team ICE!, a North Pole Express kind of family, or just here for the hot chocolate and Christmas lights?
Happy holiday planning, North Texas!
Event dates, times, availability, and ticket information are subject to change. Always check with the event organizer before making plans.
Comments