This week I’m exploring the Christmas Capital of Texas: Grapevine, Texas. I’ve heard that everything is bigger in Texas, and I was excited to see how Grapevine shares the holiday spirit. My visit is packed with Christmas events, festive lights, wine, and local flavors — and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
TL;DR: Top picks from my trip:
🏨 Hotels and vacation rentals for a comfortable stay
📍 Guided tours and wine experiences to make the most of Grapevine
Grapevine, Texas Christmas Guide
Grapevine brings a joyful, over-the-top approach to the holidays. The town blends small-town charm with big celebrations, and Historic Main Street — lined with more than 80 locally owned shops, restaurants, wineries, and tasting rooms — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grapevine also leans into its agricultural roots and the region’s wine scene; Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., and the local wine community is thriving.
Grapevine preserves a welcoming, historic downtown and the calm of Lake Grapevine and nearby green belts. Visitors can enjoy local shops, restaurants, jewelry stores, winery tasting rooms, and more along Historic Main Street.
I stayed at the Gaylord Texan Resort, an impressive property I first visited years ago for a conference. Returning with time to explore made a big difference — the hotel’s decorations and activities are a major part of the holiday experience here. From the lobby displays to Santa’s photo area, the Gaylord feels like a festive destination in its own right.
Grapevine’s wine scene was a highlight: wine tours, a wine train, and tasting rooms are woven throughout the town. I couldn’t resist trying several local offerings.
My trip began with dinner at Dino’s Steak and Claw House, a restaurant housed in a vintage bank building. The flavors were memorable — a small moment of pure joy came from a butter accented with a sweetened balsamic reduction. The meal included mac and cheese, potatoes, and crème brûlée — a comforting, indulgent start to the visit.
After dinner I toured historic Grapevine by car to see the holiday lights. The town is decked out with photo-worthy displays and charming street scenes — perfect for a spontaneous holiday photoshoot.
Back at the Gaylord Texan, I was struck by the millions of lights and the festive atmosphere. My room overlooked Santa’s photo area and soft holiday music drifted through the halls. Exploring the hotel on foot that morning netted thousands of steps — and plenty of photos of incredible decorations and holiday displays.
Breakfast at the resort was outstanding — bowls of fresh fruit, smoked gouda grits, made-to-order omelets, and freshly baked biscuits. It’s a breakfast buffet that’s worth experiencing before a day of exploring.
The wine tour was a favorite part of my trip. The Grapevine Wine Tours bus is painted with grapevine imagery, setting a festive tone from the start. Our guide, John, was friendly and attentive, helping guests and keeping the mood light and fun. We visited several wineries and enjoyed tastings, good conversation, and plenty of laughs.
S&W Winery, our first stop, is run by retired military owners who developed their appreciation for wine while stationed in Germany. They offer a diverse selection from both Texas and California vineyards. I especially enjoyed their Symphony and picked up a few bottles to take home. I also grabbed a Zinfandel to share with a friend — a great souvenir from the trip.
Lunch at Winewood was relaxed and welcoming — wine already poured at the table makes any meal better. A must-order side? The gouda mac and cheese. Trust me on this one.
Su Vino, our final tasting stop, offers a wide variety of wines and a fun gift section. They produce dozens of varieties throughout the year, from fruit-forward selections to unique offerings like an almond champagne and a salted caramel port — a great place to try something unexpected.
For dinner, Farina’s Winery and Café in downtown Grapevine served something unforgettable: spaghetti pizza. It sounds unusual, but combining pizza with spaghetti works beautifully — comforting, playful, and delicious. Pair it with a glass from their strong wine list for a satisfying evening.
We strolled along Main Street before my next activity, soaking in holiday window displays and the festive atmosphere. Later I tried Painting with a Twist — my first full-canvas painting class — and loved it. The session was relaxing, social, and filled with laughter (and wine). It was an unexpectedly calming way to end a busy day of tastings and sightseeing.
My first day in Grapevine was full of surprises: outstanding food, festive displays, and excellent wine. There’s a special kind of magic around a Grapevine, Texas Christmas — lively, welcoming, and deliciously festive. I’m excited to see what the rest of the trip brings.
Additional Grapevine, Texas Articles
Grapevine Restaurant Guide
Things to Do in Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine Wineries Guide
Christmas at the Gaylord Texan
Vetro Glass Blowing in Grapevine
Best Small Towns to Visit for Christmas