Once you fly into Dallas, you are not touchdown in Dallas — you are touchdown in one in all many sprawling suburbs that make up the DFW Metroplex.
Right here at Journey Off Path, as a lot as all of us love exploring concrete jungles, there’s one thing intangible about small cities that makes us really feel proper at residence.
Sandwiched between the rootin’ tootin’ Yosemite Sam vibes of Fort Value and the glitz and glamour of Dallas lies a storybook city boasting stunning luxurious, an underrated wine scene, and a pleasant downtown district that transforms right into a festive winter wonderland.
Lined with down-home eateries and boutique retailers the place it is all however a criminal offense to not greet you with a “howdy, ya’ll!”, you will really feel the draw of southern hospitality within the charming city of Grapevine, just lately hyped by Southern Dwelling as one of many South’s must-visit locations to cap off 2025.
Welcome To The ‘Christmas Capitol Of Texas‘
Here is a query you doubtless by no means thought you’d ask your self:
“Ought to I jet off to Europe’s Christmas markets, or accept a simple to flight to Dallas as a substitute?”.
Nicely, the selection is yours, however Grapevine is undoubtedly the less complicated possibility, and one that may absolutely blow your thoughts.
Should you’ve flown into DFW earlier than, you have already been to Grapevine, whether or not you understand it or not.
However, as most guests do, it is doubtless you headed by the airport toll sales space and ventured down one in all many freeway overpasses to both Dallas correct or Fort Value’s Stockyards.
If there have been ever a time to plan a visit to Grapevine as your principal cease, it is winter.
Dubbed the ‘Christmas Capitol of Texas’, as reported by Southern Dwelling, there are a whopping 1,400 festive occasions spanning 40 days all through the vacation season.
The one factor lacking right here is timeless, ornate plazas housing architectural marvels to gawk at as you sip countless cups of Glühwein.
In any other case, Grapevine is without doubt one of the most cheery Christmas getaways conceivable — and downtown is on the coronary heart of it.
A Actual-Life Hallmark Film
Wintertime in Grapevine is basic. I imply, simply guess what the principle road known as…
Important Road — similar to the flicks.
Be ready for decent cocoa to grace your lips, and even mulled wine at choose spots. The city is known as Grapevine in any case, recognized for its City Wine Path.
Sadly, you missed out on September’s GrapeFest, however there’s all the time subsequent yr!
I have been visiting Grapevine for years and years as an alternative choice to Europe’s fairytale Christmas markets after I do not feel up for the long-haul flight.
Whereas Grapevine’s festivities will not maintain a candle to the likes of Munich or Vienna, for Southern requirements, it could not be any extra storybook.
Historic Important Road lights up with tens of millions of lights, festive facades, and even a Grinch sighting to maintain the kiddos off the naughty record!
Rustic retailers with old-timey common retailer vibes are open promoting vacation trinkets and souvenirs, and the entire city spreads Christmas.
Downtown could be very walkable, however one in all Grapevine’s year-round sights are classic trains that change into much more attractive come Christmas time with the North Pole Categorical departing from Historic Cotton Belt Depot, steps away from the motion.
Surprisingly Luxurious Stays – And Extra Festive Past Downtown
Throughout from the aforementioned practice depot, you will discover a crowd heading indoors as a result of, sure, North Texas does change into a frigid winter getaway.
It could lack a quintessential “white Christmas” most years as postcard blankets of snow uncommon, however do not be like me carrying shorts as proven above (what was I considering?!).
That is how I do know crowds collect at Lodge Vin to heat up and absorb much more festivities with the soundtrack of Sinatra amongst different catchy Christmas hits.
They’re presently promoting their very own Winter Wonderland going down December 3 – February 14 because the “WineYard” transforms right into a ski lodge-style escape.
Away from downtown, the Gaylord Texan is a powerhouse of Christmas spectacle. One of the best half you may get a begin on Christmas cheer earlier than you even take a chew of Gam Gam’s bland turkey.
The Gaylord is beginning Christmas early with dazzling shows of vacation decor November 14 – January 4.
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