The Jolliest Christmas Road Trip

By chet | December 13, 2018

At this point, you’re probably running around trying to find the perfect gift for Aunt Sue, decking the halls with ALL the boughs of holly and prepping for the five-course meals you’ll be making for all those Christmas parties. Yet, before the spirit of Christmas gets lost, here’s one last road trip full of giant trees, the brightest lights, and even a few ice rinks to bring you and your family together in the midst of the Holiday season craziness. This road trip is as magical during the day as it is at night, and you might even get some Christmas shopping done along the way. MERRY TRIPPIN’!

HERE’S THE MAP

christmas-map

dtsite_gpv131215_001

Destination 1: Grapevine Main Street

Of course your first stop on this merry road trip is the “Christmas Capital of Texas.” Shop along Main Street, with stores as full of Christmas gifts as they are decorated with wreaths, garland and lights. Sip hot chocolate and people-watch at Main Street Bistro’s sidewalk cafe or celebrate Christmas like the early Grapevine residents with crafts and historic tales at the Settlement to City Museums. At night, see Main Street aglow with hundreds of lights, and stop by the gazebo where a light show plays continuously from 6-11 p.m.

Dreaming of a White Christmas? To make all your snowy dreams come true, stop into the Great Wolf Lodge nearby where it snows in the lobby during story time and every inch of the rustic “lodge” is decked out for the Holidays. For true Christmas magic, stay at the hotel to splash around the indoor water park and dine in a giant Gingerbread house!

 

Destination 2: Enchant Christmas in Arlington, TX

Next you’re on to fill your sleigh with gifts and fill your heart with Christmas cheer. At Enchant Arlington, there’s something for everyone! Ice Skate, wander through the giant dazzling lights maze, and peruse tons of authentic German goods straight from the famous Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village in Rothenburg, Germany.

 

sundancesquare_nov13_13810

Picture by Sundance Square.

Destination 3: Sundance Square in Fort Worth

In the heart of downtown at Sundance Square is a live 56-foot tree so decked out in Holiday Cheer, you’d expect the Who Village Choir to be holding hands around it, singing gibberish Christmas songs. Down in front, Santa sits in his sleigh in the Plaza waiting for you to come share your Christmas desires, but he’s got a tight schedule (preparing for that big Christmas Eve flight and all) so check here before arriving. Surrounding the tree and plaza is the beautiful downtown skyline outlined in twinkling lights — quite a sight to see!

Christmas Cheer Around The Square: Wander around downtown to see incredible Christmas window displays at Haltom’s Jewelers, Flowers To Go and LOFT. Bring out your inner child at Houston Street Toy Company or just gawk at the giant moving Ferris Wheel in the window. Nearby, wish a season’s greeting to the iconic angels adorning Bass Performance Hall.

 

Picture by Trinity River Vision Authority.

Picture by Trinity River Vision Authority.

Destination 4: Panther Island ICE

Your final stop is to slip…err, um skate around the ice rink at Coyote Drive-In. Fort Worth’s favorite summer hot spot has been transformed into an outdoor rink in Fort Worth so grab a pair of skates, the arm of your favorite family member or friend and hit the ice for a cool time. If you’d rather watch folks slide around the ice than partake in it, sit back and sip hot cocoa from the Coyote Drive-In Canteen.

 

Keep Exploring

Articles