Hey hey y’all,

Well, it feels like the holiday season is in full swing, so as we begin buying gifts, decor, meals, and even coffee to fuel errand-running, it’s important we remember to shop small when we can.

Texans are under more financial strain than usual with the ending or reduction of federal aid programs, astronomical health care costs, and a housing affordability crisis. Food and supply costs are up, and the small businesses that play a huge role in shaping our culture are struggling. And “struggling” is an understatement.

I want to share local businesses that can source the goods and services we’re already going to be spending money on. I’d love it if you could take 60 seconds to tell me your favorite small businesses in DFW. I’ll create a list and share it in a future newsletter and on our social media channels. Let’s inspire each other to keep our shopping local and send love to the businesses we want to see around for years to come.

Send your recs here.

Grapevine is the official Christmas Capital of Texas. (Grapevine CVB)

By Rebecca Deurlein

When it comes to Christmas, Grapevine, Texas, is the little city that could. With a population of just 51,000 and an area of about 35 square miles, Grapevine hovers in Dallas’ shadow—or it would, if it weren’t so dang cute.

Dubbed the Christmas Capital of Texas by the Texas State Senate in 2009, Grapevine has only become more popular since. Its population explodes during the holidays, when more than two million visitors attend the 1,400+ events that span 40 days between November and December.

It may be the Hallmark Christmas feeling the town evokes, or it may be the fact that wine flows freely in a town that is aptly named and sits squarely on the Urban Wine Trail. Whatever it is, Texans don’t just talk about it—they buy up train tickets and book hotel rooms months in advance, they carve out a weekend in their already busy calendars for Grapevine Time, and they pack for a road trip that will bring home fantastic holiday memories.

So what does this iconic Christmas town have to offer?

🩻 If your insurance drops your doctor: Hospital and insurer disputes have become more common in recent years, leaving patients shocked when they suddenly find out their doctors are now out of network. If this happens to you, here’s what you should know. 

🍽️ Is this the best restaurant in Dallas? OpenTable has released its 2025 Top 100 Restaurants in the US list, and Dallas scored one spot with Highland Park’s Mister Charles. The list is based on reviews from diners who have completed reservations on the OpenTable app. (Dallas Observer)

🐗 Watch out for the hogs: North Texas has a feral hog problem, and patrols have ramped up in Roanoke after a sighting, until the city can begin a trapping strategy. The hogs cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year in the state, and a herd of at least a dozen was seen between Coppell and Irving just a few days ago. (WFAA)

Here are some things to do around the metroplex this weekend 

The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Fort Worth Parade of Lights

Texas Christkindl Market

Opening weekend of Stockyards Rodeo Rink

Cowboys vs. Eagles

Coca-Cola Classic Christmas opening weekend

Deep Ellum Block Party

Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Christmas in the Garden

Gobble Hobble 5K and Fun-Run

Santa Visit & Photos at Texas Giving Machine

Klyde Warren Park’s Movie in the Park

Christmas in the Square

Fort Worth Opera’s pay-what-you-can weekend

Reach 55,000+ Texans who care about their communities! Sponsor COURIER DFW’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Click here to get started.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere, with reporting from Rebecca Deurlein. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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