Culture
Main Street
During this season, the entire town comes to life with decorations, lights, Santas on every corner (explain that to your kids) and tons of activities. Of course all the shops are decked out from top to bottom with Christmas cheer, including that always festive Good Things for All Seasons where you can find any ornament — from golf clubs to barbecue sauce to dinosaurs. Each year, the shops along Main Street have a contest to see who can decorate the best, which means just walking around Main Street will get you in the Holiday Spirit.
ICE at the Gaylord Texan
During the Holidays, the Gaylord Texan Resort becomes a Christmas wonderland, with toy soldiers, snow and giant ornaments. However, the decorations aren’t even the main attraction — don’t miss the ICE display made by artists from China who spend countless hours making amazing displays out of solid ice, including a giant slide. They keep the sculptures in a conference room with the thermostat set to 9 degrees — which is ICE cold but they give you giant parkas to keep you warm. There’s also a 25 foot indoor snow tubing hill that will make you think youre on the side of a mountain.
Vetro Glassblowing
Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Make your own at Vetro Glassblowing, where visitors get a chance to be part of the glassblowing process and make an actual ornament by melting glass in a giant furnace! It’ll definitely be the hottest gift you’ll give this year…
North Pole Express
The North Pole Express transforms the Grapevine Vintage Railroad into a train ride to the North Pole complete with a visit from Santa, singing with the elves and frosty chocolate snow milk. You can even wear your favorite Christmas pj’s! Its fun for kids of all ages (and grown up too).
Cross Timbers Winery
Of course the name Grapevine comes from somewhere, so there are lots of wineries in town that can all pour you a glass of merriment. I love Cross Timbers Winery, not just for the wine but because its located in an 1800s house with a ghostly experience reminiscent of A Christmas Carol. Just keep your eyes peeled for those merry ghosts.
Food
Main Street Bistro and Bakery
Before starting your merry journey through town, start your day at the Main Street Bakery and Bistro which makes the most amazing french pastries and breakfast. And if that doesnt sound hearty enough for you, order the croque madam, a sandwich with ham, eggs and cheese. Let me know if you finish it .Ill be waiting.
Tolbert's
If the weather suits (or not), get a Bowl of Red (which in Texan means “Chili”) from Tolberts. This is a Texas institution started by the famed writer and chili expert Frank X Tolbert. Despite what some may believe, chili is the official dish of Texas, so grab yourself a classic bowl of Texas. And celebrate Christmas by adding some green jalapenos to your bowl of red.
