After 25 years of calling Texas home, I’ve learned to appreciate its many charms—a food scene that rivals any coast, classic Southern hospitality, unmatched margaritas, and gorgeous Hill Country scenery. What the state isn’t known for, however, is a traditional white Christmas. Still, there’s one North Texas town that manages to capture all the magic of the season—twinkling lights, festive parades—without ever dipping below freezing.
Just a 30-minute drive from Dallas, Grapevine transforms each December into a storybook winter wonderland worthy of its official title, the Christmas Capital of Texas. Beyond its candy-cane charm, Grapevine has quietly become a year-round destination for travelers seeking elevated dining, world-class wine, and resort level relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Dallas’ urban jungle ambience.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay
Marriott
Dining room at Bacchus Kitchen + Bar.
Before chef Stefano Secchi earned a Michelin star for his New York City restaurant Rezdôra, he was perfecting the art of Italian cooking under the guidance of his parents, Francesco and Jane Secchi, at their flagship Grapevine restaurant, Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House. The family-owned spot blends the soul of a northern Italian trattoria with the homespun sophistication of a Texas steakhouse (think: house-made pasta, decadent rib eyes, and a wine list worthy of its namesake.
Over at Bacchus Kitchen + Bar inside Hotel Vin, crystals hang from a chandelier, resembling the branches of an aged Texas oak tree. Enjoy a slow-cooked short rib or sautéed halibut from the Mediterranean-inspired menu with a glass of wine. During the day, expansive glass windows filter in the beauty of Texas’ sunlit rays.
For those craving a true slice of Tex-Mex, head to Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano. While many know Grapevine as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Esparza’s has been dubbed the Margarita Capital of Texas—a tall order for a state that has many restaurants and bars that pride themselves on their spin on the classic tequila-based drink, Esparza’s serves favorites the Iceberg (a 22-oz. Dos Equis XX lager topped with their frozen margarita) the Meltdown (a classic frozen margarita topped with a shot of a liqueur of your choice).
Grapevine’s historic downtown corridor is home to a collection of family-owned tasting rooms, but Messina Hof Grapevine Winery is a standout. This offshoot of the beloved Bryan, Texas, winery carries on founders Paul Vincent and Merrill Bonarrigo’s mission: celebrating Texas-grown grapes with passion and flair. Housed inside a replica of the historic Wallis Hotel, the Grapevine location offers multiple tasting areas, shareable bites, and themed wine events throughout the year with a setting that feels equal parts historic and homey. Among the 30-plus wineries worth visiting in Grapevine are Landon, Grape Vine Springs, Bull Lion Ranch and Vineyard, Cross Timbers, and Bingham Family Vineyards.
Things to Do
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Oversized Christmas tree ornaments for Grapevine the Christmas Capital of Texas.
The Texas state senate declared Grapevine the Christmas Capital of Texas in 2009—and for good reason. The town hosts more than 1,400 events over 40 days—a holiday extravaganza unlike anywhere else in the state. Ride the North Pole Express (also known as the Grapevine Vintage Railroad every other month of the year), wander through the Christmas Village, or marvel at millions of twinkling lights strung from storefronts to lampposts. Even outside the holiday season, Grapevine charms with its art galleries, vintage railroad, and scenic trails that hug the shores of the picturesque Lake Grapevine. It’s nearly impossible to be a Scrooge when Christmas comes to Grapevine.
The 8,000-acre Lake Grapevine is enjoyable for visitors year-round, with opportunities to swim, ski, sail, and sunbathe.
Where to Stay
Marriott
Guest room inside Hotel Vin.
As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas—particularly a stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, recognized by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the best resorts in Texas. Overlooking Lake Grapevine, the approximately 1,800-room resort features four-and-a-half acres of lush indoor gardens, a world-class spa, and a sprawling water park. During the holidays, it becomes a Christmas destination in its own right, complete with the immersive Ice! experience, themed cocktails, a 6,000-square-foot skating rink, and a towering Christmas tree.
Over at Hotel Vin, the atmosphere is intimate and romantic. The 120-room boutique property boasts a hidden speakeasy, a European-style food destination called Harvest Hall, and a location centrally set within a 10-minute walking distance of downtown Grapevine.
The Great Wolf Lodge is another family-friendly hotel in Grapevine, complete with the only indoor water park in North Texas, themed kid-friendly suites, an ice cream shop, and plenty of on-site dining and drink options for both kids and adults.
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