The overview
Grapevine Event Production Manager Erin Burke updated City Council on the expansion of the Carol of Lights during the Oct. 1 council meeting.
The cost for all the Christmas lights and decor will be $150,000 for installation and maintenance, according to city documents.
Main Street will turn into a pedestrian-focused pathway from North West Highway to north of the railroad at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad stop, Burke said. Concession stands with water, chips and other grab-and-go items will be placed on Main Street.
All activities will be on side streets and in parking lots, Burke said.
Other features include:
- Three stages located on the north side near City Hall, the south side near the Conventions and Visitors Bureau and at the Town Square Gazebo
- Six Christmas-themed bounce houses, including a 50-foot-tall gingerbread house
- A rock wall and live reindeer along Jenkins Street.
- Snow hills, an inflatable maze, a snow globe for photos and a toboggan tunnel
- Appearances from Santa
What to expect
Additional food vendors will be added during the festivities for 24 total, an increase from the 18 vendors that were present in 2023.
All parking lots related to the event will close at midnight on Nov. 24, Burke said. Main Street will close at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25 and Jenkins Street will close 11 a.m. Nov. 25.
Digital parking and traffic maps will also be provided.
What else?
The drone show will also have changes from last year. Two shows will occur, with one happening north of Main Street on Dec. 2 and the other occurring south of Main Street on Dec. 9. Both shows can be viewed from the entirety of Main Street from Dallas Road to North West Highway.
The show will have 200 more drones than last year for a total of 400 drones. More custom formations will be introduced in the show, increasing the total from five to 12 formations. Audio will be included along Main Street for synchronized music and announcements, Burke said.
Main Street will close 5:30 p.m. on both dates and anticipates reopening at 8:30 p.m.
Zooming in
The city of Grapevine has more than 2,400 parking spots in the downtown area, which includes the expanded parking from the old police department building that is being torn down. There will also be 200 parking spots available at the Grapevine Convention Center and shuttle services will be provided at the Grapevine Public Library, according to the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce.
For more downtown parking details click here or more information on shuttle rides click here.
Learn more
The Carol of Lights will kick off Nov. 25, from 4-8:30 p.m. for 40 days of festivities. The street lighting will start at 5:30 p.m. and Santa will appear on all three stages at 6:30 p.m.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include parking information.
