If you’re looking for a destination to celebrate the holidays this year, no place seems better suited than Grapevine, which proudly claims the title “Christmas Capital of Texas.”

While other towns are scaling back their celebrations, Grapevine has been hard at work creating safe holiday events for families. This north Texas gem, conveniently close to both Dallas and Fort Worth, has always led the way when it comes to the holidays. And this year looks no different. In truth, the entire town seems to be in the midst of a Renaissance, with the building of Hotel Vin, an Autograph Collection boutique property, and Harvest Hall, an upscale European food hall, leading the way.

Hotel Vin occupies a prominent piece of real estate on the corner of Main Street and Dallas Road, adjacent to the Grapevine TEXRail station. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airport is less than ten minutes by car. The hotel is walking distance to the wine tasting rooms, boutiques and restaurants of Grapevine’s Historic District, making it perfect place for a weekend getaway.

ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Hotel Vin, guests are greeted by the valet, and given a choice of self parking in the hotel’s garage, or valet parking. They are then directed to the hotel lobby which is elegantly designed with bright lighting, box beam ceilings, and stunning modern decor. It’s hard to miss the hotel’s bar and restaurant, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, which sits front and center.

Check-in at Hotel Vin is very pleasant, and staff is very quick to ensure they answer any and all questions. They even offered us glasses of champagne to start off our stay, which was a nice touch.

Elevators to the guest rooms are down the hall, just before the doors of Harvest Hall (the hotel will have direct access). Hotel Vin is doing an excellent job of providing hand sanitizers throughout the property (and in front of each elevator bay) and enforcing masks when walking through public spaces.

ROOMS

Hotel Vin has 120 spacious rooms perfect for relaxing. The rooms have the latest technology features, including an Alexa personal assistant and Smart TV with streaming features. Each room has a coffee station, high end toiletries, and luxurious bathrobes and slippers. Guests might be tempted to stay in their cozy rooms the entire time, but we highly recommend getting out to explore the property and downtown area.

DINING

Hotel Vin carries the wine theme throughout the hotel, a nod to Grapevine’s wineries and vineyards. The property has a private wine tasting room, Riedel Wine Room, with a fully-stocked wine wall and dining for twenty. The Rioja Rooftop Terrace can be booked for private events and has stunning sunset and city views.

The main restaurant is Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, serving locally sourced American fare as well as handcrafted beer and cocktails. We thoroughly enjoyed the Crab Gnocchi and Lamb Ragu, with Cinnamon Sugar Beignets for dessert.

Perhaps the best part of Hotel Vin is its outdoor dining and entertainment space. The spacious outdoor patio overlooks the Grapevine rail station, and string lights crisscross the tables and chairs, providing a lovely ambiance in the evening. On weekends, the hotel brings in various bands for live music and even food trucks on occasion. It’s a great space to gather with friends and enjoy a cocktail or two.

When the much-anticipated foodie heaven of Harvest Hall opens, there will be six additional restaurants and two bars for guests to enjoy. It will also offer live music and event space for locals and hotel guests.

ACTIVITIES

Hotel Vin has a fitness center on-site with cardio equipment and free weights but no pool. There are several walking trails in Grapevine and strolling down Main Street is always a good idea.

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Cover: Onboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Photo courtesy Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kirsten Maxwell is the owner of Kids Are A Trip, an award winning travel website inspiring families to explore the world beyond their backyards. She has been featured in many national outlets including Vogue, Lonely Planet and AFAR. Maxwell enjoys spending time with her husband and three teen boys in the Dallas suburbs when she isn’t on the road.