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Grapevine Lights Up for the Holidays with Carol of Lights

Community gathering around a large illuminated Christmas tree in Grapevine, Texas.

Grapevine, Texas, November 27, 2025

Grapevine, Texas, commenced its holiday celebrations with the 37th Annual Carol of Lights, transforming Historic Main Street into a vibrant display of lights. The event featured the lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree, celebrating community spirit and resilience. New attractions like Santa’s Racetrack and the Frozen Fun Zone added family-friendly fun, while Grapevine’s recognition as the Best Christmas Town by Newsweek strengthens its reputation as a premier holiday destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of upcoming events and convenient transportation options.

Grapevine Lights Up for the Holidays with Carol of Lights

Discover New Attractions and Events in the “Christmas Capital of Texas”

Grapevine, Texas, kicked off the 2025 holiday season with the 37th Annual Carol of Lights on November 24. This beloved celebration officially marks the start of Grapevine’s renowned festivities, transforming Historic Main Street into a dazzling showcase of lights and community spirit. As thousands gathered to witness the lighting of a majestic 60-foot Christmas tree, the event highlighted the innovative spirit of local organizers dedicated to enhancing community engagement while fostering holiday cheer.

Despite the challenges posed by bureaucracy in event planning, Grapevine’s efforts exemplify the power of community resilience and personal initiative. The success of the Carol of Lights serves as an encouraging reminder that with minimal red tape, communities can come together to create memorable experiences that draw visitors from near and far. The city’s commitment to making the holiday season enjoyable showcases what can be accomplished when local leadership and resident involvement combine with civic pride.

New Attractions and Activities

This year’s Carol of Lights introduced an array of exciting attractions, including Santa’s Racetrack and the Frozen Fun Zone, which featured delightful bounce houses and a snow hill for children to enjoy. Families were thrilled with the opportunity to capture cherished memories through free photographs with Santa and reindeer, enhancing the event’s family-friendly atmosphere. Photos with Santa will continue daily from November 28 to December 30, excluding December 24-26.

Upcoming Events in Grapevine

The holiday festivities in Grapevine continue with several much-anticipated events:

  • Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show: Taking place at 7 p.m. on December 1 and December 8, this spectacular show will feature 400 drones forming enchanting patterns in the sky near Main Street and Northwest Highway.
  • 46th Annual Parade of Lights: Scheduled for December 4 at 7 p.m., this parade promises to dazzle with over 100 lighted floats and performances from area marching bands, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
  • Grapevine Christmas Market: Located at the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District, the market will operate daily from November 28 to December 23, along with additional dates on December 27-30, offering visitors a chance to shop for unique holiday gifts.

Recognition as Best Christmas Town

In a recent announcement, Grapevine was recognized as the Best Christmas Town by Newsweek in a readers’ choice award. This accolade reflects the city’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional holiday experiences that delight both residents and visitors alike. Grapevine has successfully positioned itself as a premier destination for holiday festivities, showcasing what a vibrant community can achieve through dedication and creativity.

Transportation and Parking Information

To facilitate access to the holiday events, Grapevine offers a range of parking options. Visitors can take advantage of free parking lots that provide complimentary shuttle services, in addition to various paid lots. The Trinity Metro TEXRail also enhances connectivity, with stops conveniently located near Santa’s North Pole Express and the Grapevine Christmas Market.

About Grapevine’s Holiday Celebrations

Welcoming guests as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine hosts a remarkable array of over 1,400 festive events during the holiday season. Spanning 40 days, these activities turn the city into a whimsical destination that offers something for everyone, fostering community bonds and showcasing local culture through creative initiatives.

Conclusion

The Carol of Lights serves as a shining example of how community collaboration and effective local leadership can result in extraordinary holiday celebrations. As Grapevine continues to embrace its identity as the Christmas Capital of Texas, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in these festive events, supporting local initiatives and cultivating a spirit of generosity and engagement within the Dallas TX community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Carol of Lights?

The Carol of Lights is an annual event in Grapevine, Texas, marking the official start of the city’s holiday festivities. It features the lighting of a large Christmas tree and various family-friendly activities.

When is the Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show?

The Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show is scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 1 and December 8, 2025, featuring 400 drones in 12 custom formations near Main Street and Northwest Highway.

How can I get to Grapevine’s holiday events?

Visitors can use various parking options, including free lots with complimentary shuttle service and paid lots. Additionally, Trinity Metro TEXRail provides convenient access to the festivities, with stops near Santa’s North Pole Express and the Grapevine Christmas Market.

What is the significance of Grapevine being named the Best Christmas Town?

Grapevine’s recognition as the Best Christmas Town by Newsweek highlights the city’s dedication to creating memorable holiday experiences, as determined by readers’ choice awards across the United States.

What other events are part of Grapevine’s holiday celebrations?

Other notable events include the 46th Annual Parade of Lights on December 4, 2025, and the Grapevine Christmas Market at the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District, open daily from November 28 to December 23, and again on December 27-30.

Key Features of Grapevine’s Holiday Celebrations

Event Date Description
Carol of Lights November 24, 2025 Official start of Grapevine’s holiday festivities, featuring the lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree and various family-friendly activities.
Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show December 1 and December 8, 2025 Drone show featuring 400 drones in 12 custom formations near Main Street and Northwest Highway.
46th Annual Parade of Lights December 4, 2025 Parade showcasing over 100 lighted floats and marching bands from area schools.
Grapevine Christmas Market November 28 to December 23, and December 27-30, 2025 Market located at the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District, offering holiday shopping and festivities.
Recognition as Best Christmas Town Announced November 25, 2025 Grapevine named the Best Christmas Town by Newsweek readers’ choice awards across the United States.

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STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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