THE CHRISTMAS CAPITAL OF TEXAS IS IN FULL SWING!
Below, you’ll find important information and dates for upcoming events. It’s essential for us to stay informed about everything happening to ensure we provide the best experience for our visitors. Please note, I have provided links to most events for more information—feel free to explore them to get all the details you need. Your knowledge and enthusiasm make all the difference! Thank you for all you do to make CCOT extra special!
- Tom T. Turkey Pardoning – Mayor Tate pardons Nash Farm’s Tom T. Turkey from the Thanksgiving dinner table as Grapevine says goodbye to Fall and welcomes the Christmas Capital of Texas. Monday, November 25 at 10 a.m. Followed by Santa’s North Pole Express media rides.
- 36th Annual Carol of Lights presented by Texas Health - Official kickoff event for the Christmas Capital of Texas. (Main Street closes to traffic, becomes a festival) Monday, November 25, 4:00 – 8:30 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m. Main Street Christmas lights will officially turn on for the season
- 6:30 p.m. Santa Claus will appear
- ICE! – Experience two million pounds of carved ice set into a famous Christmas scene at Gaylord Texan Resort, November 15 – Sunday, January 5, 2025.
- Snowland – Great Wolf Lodge turns into a Winter Wonderland with daily snow showers, dance parties, activities and more. Monday, November 25 – Monday, January 6.
- Santa’s Wonderland – The popular annual tradition at Bass Pro Shops includes games, crafts and free photos with Santa and runs November – December.
- Santa’s North Pole Express presented by Trinity Metro TEXRail and Great Wolf Lodge – Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 30. (Closed December 24, 25 & 26) Trains are at capacity.
- Christmas Wine Trains presented by Trinity Metro TEXRail – Wednesday, December 11 and Thursday, December 12. Trains depart at 7:25 p.m. Tickets are $52 - $395. (21+) Trains are at capacity.
- Peace Plaza Ice Rink presented by Baylor Scott & White – Saturday, November 23 – Wednesday, January 7. Multiple time slots available to choose from each day. Tickets are $20 per person for a one-hour session, including skates. Grand Opening at 6:15 p.m. with a show featuring Olympic figure skaters, including Ashley Cain.
- Christmas Lights and Photo Opps on Historic Main Street – Enjoy festively decorated shops, cafes and winery tasting rooms on Historic Main Street and photo opportunities along the way including in Liberty Park Plaza, the Cotton Belt Depot District and more.
- Grapevine’s Live Christmas Tree– Take in the beauty of a fully decorated 50’ live Christmas tree from the Pacific Northwest at Grapevine Main Station’s Peace Plaza.
- Hometown Christmas– Stroll through the charm and spirit of a classic American town preparing for Christmas in this interactive Christmas exhibition inside the Grapevine Tower Gallery. Tickets $2. Monday, November 25 – Sunday, January 5. (Closed December 24, 25 & 26.)
- Grapevine Christmas Market – Shop a variety of different artisan vendors at the Town Square Gazebo. November 30, December 1, December 7 – 23. Mondays – Saturdays 1 – 9 p.m. Sundays 1 – 7 p.m.
- 45th Annual Parade of Lights – Thursday, December 5 (On Historic Main Street) 7 p.m.
- 4th Annual Merry & Bright Drone Shows – Monday, December 2 & Monday, December 9 at 7 p.m. on Historic Main Street. (Historic Main Street will be fully closed to traffic for the shows.)
- Crime at Christmastime Murder Mystery Dinner – Friday, December 6 at Messina Hof Winery Tasting Room. $75 per person.
- Vetro Glassblowing Studios – Create Ornament Events ($65) and Snowmen Ornament Create Events ($75) will begin Friday, November 1 and continue through Monday, December 30.
- Texas Star Dinner Theater – “Dismay in a Manger” shows will open Friday, November 22 and runs through New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, December 31). Shows are Thursday through Sunday at 5 p.m. There is an additional show on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 p.m.
- Elf Adventure – Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 30 (Closed December 24, 25 & 26) at the Settlement to City Museums. $10 for the passport (Includes all 5 activities) or $4 for each individual Museum and $2 for Hometown Christmas.
- Farmstead Christmas Celebration – Guests can make ornaments, enjoy music and refreshments with the farmhands. Saturday, December 7 at Nash Farm from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. $5 per person.
- First Fridays on the Farm - Prairie Christmas at Nash Farm. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Friday, December 6. $5 per person.
- Winter Wonderland Bubbles – Hotel Vin’s infamous Bubbles on the WineYard lawn feature fur blankets, heaters and decadent treats. Open late November through Valentine’s Day.
- Holly Jolly Pop-Up Bar at Third Rail – Enjoy Christmas cocktails, festive décor and live entertainment from late November – December. Inside Harvest Hall at Grapevine Main Station.
- Holiday Hideaway Pop-Up Bar – Chicken N Pickle’s seasonal bar features festive cocktails, lodge vibes, summit views and a cozy atmosphere. New this year- there are two festively decorated igloos on the patio. Reservations open in November.
- Unreal Winter at Meow Wolf Grapevine - Step into a world of wintry wonder at an immersive celebration running from December 1-21. Throughout the event, The Real Unreal will be transformed into a magical realm of frosted fun, blending creativity, interactive art, and seasonal surprises. Visitors can expect themed activities, art workshops, and festive delights designed to ignite the imagination and bring out the joy of the season.
Historic Palace Theatre Movies sponsored by Amazon -
- 27 different Christmas Movies – includes classics like “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “White Christmas,” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” - $10
- 23 different Cartoons and Crafts events- Watch classic Christmas cartoons like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” while making a fun Christmas craft. $8 kids (includes craft, popcorn and drink) $4 adults (includes water)
Palace Theatre Live Shows:
- North Central Ballet presents: “Nutcracker – Short and Sweet” – Saturday, November 23 & Sunday Nov 24. $15 tickets for the ballet with an optional $12 tea party add on.
- Elvis Christmas Special with Kraig Parker – Sunday, December 1. Tickets from $15 - $42.
- Dean Martin & Friends Christmas Tribute presented by Tribute Masters – Friday, December 6, two shows. Tickets are $44.
- A Merry Little Christmas with Ricki Derek – Saturday, December 7. Tickets are $32.
- Rocky Gribble presents A Grapevine Opry Christmas – Sunday, December 8. Tickets are $30
- The Texas Tenors – Deep in the Heart of Christmas – Monday, December 9 – Wednesday December 11, with four shows in total. Tickets are $48.
- Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait – Friday, December 13, with two shows. Tickets are $38.
- A Bublé Christmas Tribute presented by Tribute Masters - Saturday, December 14 & Sunday December 15, three shows total. Tickets are $44.
- Endless Summer – The Beach Boys Experience Holiday Edition – Friday, December 20, with two shows. Tickets are $44.
- William Lee Martin’s The Nuttier Cracker Comedy Show – Saturday, December 21, two shows. Tickets are $35 - $45.
Kindly Note:
- All dates, times, prices are subject to change. This is not an exhaustive list.
- There will be no tree lighting or fireworks this year. We appreciate your understanding and ask that you avoid using photos or videos from past tree lighting or fireworks events.
- Additionally, please note that the title "Christmas Capital of Texas®" is not self-proclaimed. It became an official designation in 2009 through a Texas State Senate Proclamation, solidifying what locals and visitors have long celebrated!
- Visit ChristmasCapitalOfTexas.com for more details on events.
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