If there’s one place you’ll have no trouble finding Santa and Rudolph this Christmas, it’s Grapevine, Texas. Starting in November, the city transforms into a Christmas wonderland with millions of lights and ornaments on every facade, streetlight and tree. It shines so brightly that Rudolph probably doesn’t need his nose to navigate.

Officially named the Christmas capital of Texas Enacted by the state legislature in 2009, Grapevine hosts a whopping 1,400 events in just 40 days. Kicking off the season is the annual Carol of Lights Parade, featuring Santa photo ops, live music, food trucks and the synchronized lighting of all of the city’s Christmas lights. Bonus? The event is free. If you can’t perform the Christmas carol, don’t worry because you still have 27 days of festivities left.

Here’s everything to see and do in Grapevine, plus insider tips for navigating the holiday stress.

Things to do in Grapevine

With so many seasonal things to do in Grapevine, it’s wise to plan ahead—you probably won’t be able to experience everything in just one visit. Highlights include the North Pole Express, which doubles as the Grapevine Vintage Wine Train; the annual Merry & Bright drone show near the train station; daily films and evening performances at the Palace Theater; live music; an old-fashioned carousel for children; Ice skating at Peace Plaza and parades scheduled throughout the season.

Ice skating at the Peace Plaza ice rink

Located right next to the TEXRail station, Peace Plaza is a popular outdoor rink for ice skating. Once you’ve skated to your heart’s content, snap an Insta-worthy photo (or two) next to the 60-foot live Christmas tree that traveled all the way from Oregon.

Insider tip: If you want to go ice skating, you must book a time slot in advance. Ice skates are provided and each booking is for one hour.

Board the North Pole Express

Adjacent to Peace Plaza is the Santa’s North Pole Express depot, where you can board a vintage train from the 1920s. The experience includes singing along to a Christmas carol, a visit from Santa Claus and a helpful elf handing out warm cookies and hot chocolate. It’s a Christmas experience worth visiting for you and your little ones.

Insider tip: As you exit the train, walk along the path with fresh evergreen trees on both sides and lots of snow – a perfect end to your holiday train ride.

Visit Hometown Christmas

Housed in the Grapevine CVB Tower, Hometown Christmas feels like a nostalgic stroll through small-town America, decorated for the holidays with characters and landscapes reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. Because there is so much detail in the exhibit, you don’t want to rush through it. Since the exhibition changes every year, it is worth visiting again, even as a returning guest.

Insider tip: Hometown Christmas is the perfect place to experience a quieter side of the holidays. This interactive exhibit features animated reindeer, live musicians, and plenty of photo opportunities with beautifully lit backgrounds.

Where to Shop in Grapevine

Main Street stretches for just over a mile, making all holiday events easy to get to. Most shops stay open late during the Christmas season, but if you don’t want to miss anything, I recommend you go early.

My favorite places include: Brigay’s unique gifts for Tibetan healing bowls and salt lamps; Dr. Sue’s chocolates For the cherry pecan bark, she is a real doctor who believes in the healing power of dark chocolate; Good things for all seasons for over-the-top Christmas decorations and collectibles and Bingham family vineyardsYou can pick up a bottle of Texas wine in the tasting room. For a unique experience go to Vetro glassblowing studiowhere you can make (book in advance!) or buy a Christmas decoration.

There is also an outdoor market at the Town Square Pavilion where you can purchase unique, handcrafted gifts such as Texas honey, baked goods, locally roasted coffee and original photographs. It’s probably the closest thing to a European Christmas market in North Texas.

Insider tip: The city offers… 2,300 free parking spacesthey fill up quickly and traffic can be slow. Instead of driving, I recommend ridesharing, carpooling, or using the TEXRail transit system.

Where to eat and drink in Grapevine

There are many restaurants in Grapevine, from local Tex-Mex restaurants to popular eateries Esparzas To Main St Bistro for French-inspired coffee specialties and pastries. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, give this a try Winewood Grill or Bacchus Kitchen and Bar at Hotel Vin. Winewood Grill is known for its Texas-sized steaks and comfortable seating. Both Bacchus Kitchen and Winewood Grill have a sommelier to help you select wines.

My personal favorite is Farina’s winery and cafean Italian-American restaurant known for its generous portions of classic recipes like lasagna and chicken parmesan. My favorite order is spaghetti pizza. It’s exactly what you’d expect: spaghetti on a pizza pie. You just have to trust me on that.

Where to stay in Grapevine?

Make the most of the Christmas Capital of Texas by staying here Hotel Vinwhich is conveniently located on Main Street, or Hilton Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Lakes Executive Conference Centerjust five minutes away by car. Hotel Vin is the most convenient because you can walk directly to Main Street from the hotel. However, room prices can be slightly higher. For cheaper rates, you can book a stay at the Hilton DFW Lakes, which offers a free shuttle to Main Street. If you’re driving (and free parking is important to you), the Hilton is your best option.

Although I’ve strolled the city’s historic Main Street many times, I’ve only recently discovered the joys of Christmas in Grapevine. It feels like a community event with all families present, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere. Whether you are with family, friends or alone, it is the perfect place to capture the magic of the season. I recommend it to locals and visitors alike.