Grapevine Is the Christmas Capital of Texas and These Award-Winning Displays Prove It

Officially, Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas. Official it is because the Texas Legislature proclaimed it as such in 2009.

Fast forward to 2024 and Grapevine now boasts 1,400 events in 40 days. The place is lit up from before Thanksgiving through the new year. Flashing tunnels, drone shows, marching bands, Las Vegas entertainment, train rides, giant ornaments, ice skating, ice sculptures and, of course, Santa Claus himself are part of it. The merchants, restaurants, and hotels are decorated in a big way, too. If it’s in Grapevine, it’s gonna get a bow, an ornament, or some glitter because it’s the Christmas capital, don’cha know?

It’s Christmas on steroids.

And it’s serious business, too, very worthy of recognition. For 19 years, the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau has conducted a citywide Christmas decorating contest. The CVB’s Heritage Programs and Preservation Division has announced the winners of this year’s Historic Township of Grapevine’s 19^th Annual Christmas Decorating Contest.

According to David Klempin, the town’s historic preservation officer, independent outside judges made selections among 300 homes in the historic township, which flank both sides of Main Street. The judges, who do not live in the area, reviewed decorations and judged them based on the number of lights, design, coordination or theme, color, and variety. They drove every one of the picturesque streets looking closely at each home’s décor.

These homes were the winners in the residential category of the competition:

• First Place: The top honor went to 521 S. Dooley St., a charming white brick home with classic white lights, a large red bow above the door, and gorgeous backlit tree silhouettes.

• Second Place: 320 E. Texas St. secured the second spot with an elaborate presentation that captured the judges’ attention with a rooftop display of Santa’s sleigh, red landscape lights, and lighted garland on the two-story’s white picket fence.

• Third Place: Rounding out the winners, 205 E. College St. earned third place for elegant white lighting and front-yard nativity cutout.

• Honorable Mention: The house at 232 Austin St. also received recognition with an honorable mention, offering green-lit wreaths and perfectly outlined gables.

Each of these winning houses, which are marked by yard signs, brought something special to the table, showcasing the creativity and dedication of their owners.

So, anyone looking for one more holiday activity, just pile the family in the minivan with a thermos of hot chocolate. Driving the streets looking at Christmas decorations could entertain all the good girls and boys for one evening eyeing the top decorations.

More Tinsel

In case more glittering lights are requested, Grapevine businesses have decorating awards, too. These merchants were recognized for their impressive displays and professionally designed installations:

1. Kilwins Grapevine (338 S. Main St.)
2. Good Things For All Seasons (334 S. Main St.)
3. Reilly-Chance Collections (413 S. Main St.)

Then there are the merchants who were honored in the DIY division, whose owners, family, and staff put the loving touches of decor into their shop displays.

1. Holy Grounds (336 S. Main St.)
2. Grapevine Bridal Boutique (120 S. Main St.)
3. Ruthie Jane’s (412 S. Main St.)

More Than Decor

There’s soooo much more to do in Grapevine besides look at the decorations. The town touts having 1,400 holiday events in 40 days, and that means a little bit of everything. Because Grapevine’s holiday events have been wildly popular, many of them are sold out (apparently the North Pole Express has been sold out since September), but there’s stuff plenty to do:

Visit the Gaylord Texan

Wishing for cold weather? Check out ICE! with a focus on Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer through Jan. 5 at Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Texan Resort.

Outdoor Ice Skating

Strapping on the skates is another option at Grapevine Peace Plaza Ice Rink. It’s outdoors at the intersection of Main Street and Dallas Road.

Watch Christmas Movies

For movie lovers, Grapevine Historic Palace Theatre is showing Christmas favorites on the big screen through Saturday at 300 S. Main St.

Instagrammable Spot

Oh, but there’s more….Hometown Christmas, located at Grapevine’s Tower Gallery, makes an easy spot for all those wanting to pose for Instagram photos.

Blow Glass Ornaments

Need more ornaments for next year’s tree? Dec. 27 through Dec. 30th, Vetro Glassblowing Studio, 701 S. Main St., will help entire families blow glass decorations to hang at home.

Grapevine’s decking all the halls, y’all. Enjoy!