'Tis the Season

Celebrate 40 jolly days of festive Christmas magic in Grapevine

Just north of Dallas-Fort Worth lies the Christmas Capital of Texas: Grapevine. From icy wonderlands and historic train rides to artisan experiences and seasonal shopping, there are more than 1,400 festive events across 40 days, meaning that Christmas cheer is truly around every corner.

Discover distinctive gifts from locally owned boutiques at the Grapevine Christmas Village, showcasing fine Texas artisans. At Grapevine Mills, peruse top-name brands and explore Meow Wolf’s Phenomenomaly immersive experience. Stroll Historic Main Street, rich with charm, music, and the aroma of roasted nuts and cocoa.

Grapevine Christmas The city is covered in Christmas cheer. Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Savor the season along the Urban Wine Trail, featuring eight Texas winery tasting rooms pouring mulled wines, sparkling rosés, and bold reds, or refine your palate with a wine-and-cookie pairing class.

Create lasting memories with hands-on experiences like glass ornament-making at Vetro Glassblowing Studio, racing through a Christmas-themed escape room at The Grapevine Escape, or helping Marshal Jim Courtright turn around A Cold Hearted Christmas at Texas Star Dinner Theater.

Glide across the Peace Plaza Ice Rink beneath a 60-foot live Christmas tree. Sip a seasonal cocktail at a Christmas pop-up bar and catch the 5th Annual Merry & Bright Drone Shows on Mondays, December 1 and 8.

Grapevine Christmas drone show Keep an eye on the skies for the drone shows.Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Continue your holiday adventure at Gaylord Texan Resort with Lone Star Christmas and its signature ICE! attraction. This year, 40 master artisans from Harbin, China, are sculpting two million pounds of colorful ice into swirly, twirly scenes from the beloved movie Elf. But don't worry: Guests don a blue parka to explore nine-degree tunnels, slide down icy slides, and marvel at the glowing sculptures.

Keep the magic going at Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland, where indoor snow falls daily. Enjoy the 84-degree water park before retreating to cozy cabin-style suites. At Bass Pro Shops, Santa’s Wonderland offers free photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, and outdoor-inspired gifts for everyone on your list.

Hop on the complimentary Grapevine Visitor Shuttle to Historic Main Street, where a picture-perfect holiday scene awaits. Wander beneath festive lights, take in the giant decorations, and enjoy the aroma of roasted nuts and warm cocoa.Settle in for classic holiday films like Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, and White Christmas at the Historic Palace Theatre, which is also the venue for live performances from The Teas Tenors, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and more. At the Lancaster Theatre, kiddos can watch beloved Christmas cartoons, including A Charlie Brown Christmas and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, while making a fun Christmas-themed craft.

After a magical day, unwind in one of Grapevine’s 20-plus hotels and wake up ready for another day of holiday fun. Visit ChristmasCapitalofTexas.com to start planning your Christmas getaway today.

Discover the best wine pairings for Christmas cookies.

Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Discover the best wine pairings for Christmas cookies.

grapevine christmas holiday travel christmas capital of texas promoted

all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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