A Texas Christmas

Day 1 – Welcome to Texas!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX for our scheduled non-stop flight arriving at the DFW Airport this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. We’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and continue the short distance to the Hilton DFW Lakes where we'll enjoy a four-night stay at this upscale, lakeside resort nestled in 40 forested acres. This evening we’ll head to downtown Grapevine, Texas the official “Christmas Capital of Texas.” We’ll enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite and then explore Grapevine’s historic downtown and its beautiful display of Christmas lights and decorations. Hallmark Channel, this town is calling your name! The nightly City Hall Light Show Spectacular features hundreds of thousands of brilliantly choreographed Christmas lights. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Dallas, Southfork Ranch

Following an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide for a tour of Dallas, Texas. Known for its larger-than-life persona, Dallas is home to incredible history as well as a plethora of cultural and artistic sights. We’ll visit Pioneer Plaza, home to 49 gigantic bronze statues of Texas Longhorns and Texas Cowboys. Visit Thanks-Giving Square and see the Chapel of Thanksgiving, the spiral-shaped interfaith chapel featuring an awe-inspiring art installation of 73 stained-glass panels along a tall spiral. At Dealey Plaza, we'll see the infamous Grassy Knoll, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and visit the Sixth Floor Museum located in an early 20th century warehouse formerly known as the Texas School Book Depository. The exhibits feature films, photographs and artifacts that chronicle President Kennedy’s life, death and legacy. Later, we’ll tour Southfork Ranch, the renowned Texas legend made famous by the hit television series Dallas. On a guided tour of the “World’s Most Famous Ranch,” we’ll stroll the grounds and the interior of the Ewing mansion which features props from the show and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. We’ll top off a memorable day with an included dinner at Southfork Ranch. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Grapevine, Fort Worth

After an included breakfast we’ll join a local guide for a holiday-themed tour of Grapevine, Texas. Step back in time to the late 1800s and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas at Nash Farm. We’ll gather at the Pole Barn before taking a tour through the historic barn and around to the 1869 farmhouse while learning how the Nash family celebrated Christmas in Victorian times, and the origins of a number of Christmas traditions. Experience the charm and spirit of a classic American town preparing for Christmas at Hometown Christmas, Grapevine’s annual interactive Christmas exhibition. Stroll through vintage vignettes and marvel at the millions of lights in this special display created for the holiday season. Unwrap a Christmas classic while exploring historic Grapevine’s Main Street, filled with more than 80 locally-owned, Victorian-style boutique shops, galleries and studios adorned with twinkling lights, decorative wreaths, garland, candy canes, ribbons and bows. This afternoon we’ll continue to Fort Worth, Texas. Fort Worth is where the West begins, and nothing embodies Western heritage better than the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Get your cameras ready for the Long Horn Cattle Drive right down the middle of Exchange Avenue. We'll visit Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk featuring three acres under one roof including a Texas-sized dance floor, dozens of bars and a gift shop that features a massive selection of cowboy hats, boots and other Texas gifts. We’ll enjoy an included barbecue dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 – Waco, Grapevine

Following an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide and travel south to Waco, Texas, a historic city that has never looked better, thanks to Chip & Joanna Gaines and their hit HGTV show, Fixer Upper! We’ll visit Magnolia Market, the beautiful home design store owned by the HGTV stars. Joanna personally curates the collection of products and inspiring visual installations in the shop to reflect the colors, textures and beauty of each season. Shop for your home, purchase a souvenir, observe the carefully crafted displays or just find some home inspiration. After a driving tour along the 'Magnolia Trail' to see some of the Fixer Upper homes, we’ll visit The Silos with time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own. Food Truck Park features a variety of food trucks along with comfortable outdoor seating. Silos Baking Co. sells cupcakes, pastries, and other treats in a little white building that Chip and Joanna brought back to life on Season 4 of Fixer Upper. This evening we’ll enjoy an included dinner and a visit to Gaylord Texan, the massive resort on the shores of Lake Grapevine that goes all out for the holidays! The resort is decorated with 1.5 million lights, 12,000 ornaments, a 54-foot tree, and an eight-foot gingerbread house. Browse the decorations and then don a signature Gaylord blue parka and step into Ice!, a magical world of Christmas-themed ice sculptures carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Dallas, Journey Home

After an included breakfast, we’ll visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum – a state-of-the-art facility on the campus of Southern Methodist University. This monument to the life and presidency of George W. Bush features a precise replica of Bush’s Oval Office, twisted beams from the World Trade Center, a Texas Rose Garden, and a number of interactive exhibits. This afternoon we’ll have a different kind of “Cowboy” experience at the $1.3 billion AT&T Stadium, home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. On a private tour of the largest domed structure in the world, we’ll visit a private suite, locker room, post-game interview room and see the largest video screen in the world! Later, we’ll arrive at the DFW Airport to board a scheduled, non-stop flight arriving in Los Angeles this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (scheduled to change) to coordinate a similar flight departure time. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your understanding, flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. While these have always been necessary traits for travelers, they are needed now more than ever! Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary. Now more than ever, our 30 years of knowledge and tour planning experience helps us navigate a unique travel environment on your behalf. You can put your trust in us knowing we are experts in travel planning and will do everything possible to provide wonderful new experiences and create amazing new memories for our guests while on the road with us.