Enjoy 40 Days Of Winter Activities In This Charming Texas Town

We aren't blessed with very many white Christmases here in Texas, but this might be even better. Every year, one charming North Texas town transforms into a magical winter wonderland complete with brightly lit downtown streets, red mailboxes for letters to Santa, two million pounds of ice sculptures, and so much more. See for yourself:

Grapevine is the self-proclaimed "Christmas Capital of Texas," so it can be assumed this city takes the holiday pretty seriously.

From citywide parades to red mailboxes for Santa letters to giant ice slides, the town turns into a world of whimsy and magic during the most wonderful time of year.

North Texas' largest Christmas parade takes place on December 6, featuring more than 100 vibrantly illuminated floats.

Other celebrations include the annual street lighting on November 19 and a boat parade on December 1. Admission to all three events is free.

All aboard the North Pole Express! This festive train, modeled after the popular movie, takes passengers on an enchanting journey to meet Santa Claus himself.

Each guest will receive a glass of milk, Christmas cookie, and sleigh bell with the words "We Believe" engraved on it. Elves perform whimsical dance numbers, and the big man in red poses for complimentary photos with the tiny tots.

Perhaps the most magical display of Christmas cheer is Gaylord Texan Resort, which transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.

Over two million twinkling lights, 15,000 ornaments, a 54-foot tall Christmas tree, and three different attractions, kids from one to 92 will walk around this decked out lobby with an undeniable sparkle in their eye.

ICE! is the hotel's primary holiday event, with over two million pounds of hand-carved sculptures in a 14,000 square-foot, nine degree room.

Talented artists have sculpted well-known characters and symbols of Christmas with such precision, you'll swear they could come to life at any moment! Also in the exhibit are 1.5 million lights, 12,000 ornaments, and a 52-foot tall rotating tree.

Slides made entirely of ice plus a snow tubing hill bring one of the most timeless winter activities to the South.

The hill has eight lanes covered in real snow, letting friends and family go head-to-head against each other. Last one to the bottom gets a lump of coal in their stocking!

Great Wolf Lodge also boasts a number of festivities. The entire resort is bursting with holiday charm, from glittering lights to towering trees and even indoor snow showers!

Families can stay in a Snowland Suite, your own personal winter wonderland complete with garland, lights, and a fully decorated tree. A copy of the storybook "Unique as a Snowflake" plus milk and cookies before bed will have little ones dreaming of sugar plums. There's even a life-sized gingerbread house that serves as a private restaurant for one family at a time!

Music lovers rejoice, because the Palace Theatre is hosting talented choirs, orchestras, and bands all throughout the month of December.

Classic Christmas movies like "It's a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will also be played. Click here for a full schedule.

Even the Visitors Center gets in the holiday spirit!

Hometown Christmas is a free, interactive display depicting an old-fashioned American town preparing for the holidays. Plenty of photo-ops allow families to capture cherished moments and create an unforgettable Christmas season.

Whatever you decide to do in Grapevine over the next 40 days, expect to get infected by the contagious Christmas bug sweeping the town.

Even looking at these cheerfully lit streets is enough to have us counting down the days until December 25!

Have you ever been to Grapevine during the holiday season? What's your favorite thing to do?

For more Christmas cheer in Texas, check out Watch The Texas Countryside Whirl By On This Unforgettable Christmas Train.