Grapevine: The Christmas Capital of Texas
Published: September 30, 2016
By: Becky J. Beall
Folks often plan for vacations in the summertime when kids are out of school, but a great alternate or additional idea for families to consider, however, is holiday travel offering a nice retreat before the busyness of the winter season steals away their time and energy. Booking in advance, a spectacular trip to Grapevine, Texas could be just the ticket for putting the dazzle back in your December!
At this point, you might be asking, “Where in the world is Grapevine?” I asked that question once upon a time as well. A trip a little far by car, choosing to fly may be the way to go. Many airlines have direct flights from Birmingham to Grapevine, making for a fantastic “first time to fly” for many small travelers.
Second question: why Grapevine for holiday travel? Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas and they really know how to get people in the holiday spirit! A small town of only 48,000 folks, Grapevine thrives on the tourism industry giving many options for family fun!
Stroll the streets of the quaint downtown, check out the unique boutiques, sip the local flavors and enjoy the town square Christmas carolers. And, whatever you do, take some time for a special stop at Dr. Sue’s Chocolate (http://www.drsueschocolate.com) where you’ll find daily hot chocolate tastings not to be missed!
Where to stay…
There are two fabulous accommodations that I highly recommend in Grapevine and honestly, both are so family-friendly and chock-full of amenities that there is no bad choice! Let’s start with the Gaylord Texan Resort (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalgt-gaylord-texan-resort-and-convention-center/) which feels like a city within a city. Paths and walkways meander through the lush property leading to restaurants, gift shops and other super cool places like the pool, fitness center, jogging track and much more! There are decorations on every corner displaying elaborate colors and lights that represent the season. Rooms are comfy with down bedding and modern conveniences. The adjacent convention center is perfect for meetings and events such as the annual ICE!® exhibit!
This year’s ICE!® exhibit features Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town from November 10 of this year to January 1, 2017 and is the epitome of family wholesome fun and entertainment. Learn how Santa Claus started giving toys to good girls and boys in the retelling of the classic television special by the same name. Two-story tall ice slides are always a hit with the young and old alike, and don’t forget your coat and gloves – you’ll need them for the chilly walk-thru at 9 degrees. Your family will love every minute of this wildly popular holiday attraction and indoor winter wonderland that’s part of Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan Resort. For tickets and information, phone 817-778-1000.
Another family lodging option is Great Wolf Lodge (http://www.greatwolflodge.com) offering a magical twist to the busy holiday scene in Grapevine! Children will not find much more excitement than popular Snowland featuring Santa visits, North Pole University activities, holiday carol sing-alongs, a life-size Gingerbread House, Santa’s letter-writing Depot, holiday shows, the Polar Wolf Walk, Snowland-themed Story Time in the evenings and more! My favorite part of a winter stay at Great Wolf Lodge is that it snows…right in the lobby!
Does your family need to run off some energy and have a little fun? Mine always seem to! Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect venue to transition kids from bundles of energy to enjoying visions of sugar plums. How is that? This family-friendly resort has an 84-degree indoor waterpark with tons of adventure and splash!
My favorite Grapevine activities…
Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery is a state-of-the-art studio specializing in hand-blown and lamp-worked art glass, and has created a wonderful little hands-on holiday activity where guests make their own ornaments! Choose your colors and get a lesson in glassblowing! Not only is it a great experience, but it is also a fabulous keepsake. Find out more at http://www.vetroartglass.com.
Texas Star Dinner Theater is a fun way to laugh the night away solving a murder mystery! Dismay in the Manger was the adequately-named holiday dinner theater production that I saw, and it was packed with holiday havoc and Texas pageantry. For 2016, the holiday show that is sure to be over-the-top fun is Unseasonable Greedings. Enjoy a better-than-average dinner theater-type meal (mine was a lovely tilapia with veggies, asparagus and rice…and strawberry cheesecake to top it off) coupled with your favorite beverage and a setting just large enough to allow everyone to feel involved. Characters roam the room and interact with guests. You can find out more by visiting http://www.texasstardinnertheater.com.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is such a hit with families! The 35,000-square-foot attraction known as LEGOLAND is a child’s dream! Interactive, educational and just plain fun…your kid’s will have a blast exploring all things LEGO (http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com)!
SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium is yet another fun attraction in a two-story, 45,000-square-foot aquarium housing more than 30 displays of marine life! From shrimp and starfish to seahorses, sharks and rays, enjoy this fabulous look at marine life, and its stunning centerpiece – the tropical ocean tank with walk-through underwater tunnel! Check out all the details at http://www.visitsealife.com/grapevine.
I think it would be difficult to visit the Christmas Capital of Texas without seeing the Main Street Live Christmas Show at the Palace Theatre. High-energy performances of your favorite holiday songs help folks celebrate the season or you might take in a classic holiday movie. To stay up on showtimes, visit http://www.palace-theatre.com.
Culinary treats…
Main Street Bistro and Bakery is the perfect way to start a day with breakfast or come in for a lunch treat! This lovely restaurant specializes in hand-crafted breads, pastries and gourmet cuisine using traditional methods from France and Europe. If you want the “Best Croissant in Dallas Fort Worth” as chosen by Dallas Morning News, then you must visit Main Street (http://www.themainbakery.com)!
Chill (http://www.chillgrapevine.com) is a super place to grab some appetizers or, well, just chill with your favorite beverage. It’s a sports bar atmosphere so watching sporting events here is an option.
For true Texas cuisine, visit Tolbert’s Restaurant on Main Street. You’ll make plenty of walking trips down Main Street anyway to see all the sights and sounds of Christmas, so plan on stopping in for Tolbert’s Bowl of Red (chili) or a chargrilled steak or burger. Plan on a casual atmosphere and good food.
One more Grapevine eatery that you’ll want to taste is Love & War in Texas. Dubbed an epic name for an epic restaurant, Love & War’s concept is to promote Texas, Texans, Texas food and Texas Heritage. Fresh Texas Gulf seafood is on the menu, as well as other authentic Texas recipes. You’ll find Texas singers and songwriters and a wine list that, you guessed it, all Texas. Find out more about this classic restaurant at http://www.loveandwarintexas.com.
So, there you have it! Grapevine offers a myriad of attractions and activities designed to promote family togetherness and maybe even the first opportunity for your family to fly to a destination. Plan now to celebrate later and enjoy your travels!
Becky J. Beall is a freelance travel journalist, blogger, speaker and radio show host. Follow her at http://www.thetravelvoicebybecky.com.