The beloved Christmas tradition, “ICE!,” returns to six destination resorts across the country along with a lineup of festive activities including Broadway-style Cirque shows, themed character dining as well as a variety of family-friendly holiday experiences. Visited by tens of millions over the years, ICE! is a larger-than-life frozen showcase featuring more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, crafted into floor-to-ceiling scenes from treasured Christmas classics.
Starting this November, the holiday lineup featuring ICE! will be offered to overnight and day guests at Gaylord resorts across the nation. Founded in 2001, ICE! creates a walk-through spectacle filled with more than 10 immersive scenes, thrilling two-story ice slides and awe-inspiring passageways. Highlights include:
- ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN (November 7, 2025–January 3, 2026)
- ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, FL (November 14, 2025–January 7, 2026)
- ICE! featuring Warner Bros. “The Polar Express” at Gaylord National Resort on the Potomac in National Harbor, MD (November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026)
- ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, CO (November 24, 2025–January 2, 2026)
- ICE! featuring New Line Cinema’s Elf at Gaylord Texan Resort on Lake Grapevine, TX (November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026)
- ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, TX (November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026)
Each ICE! attraction is brought to life by 40 master artisans from Harbin, China, home of the Harbin Ice Festival, who spend over a month sculpting these frozen masterpieces using more than 6,000 blocks of ice and a 300-page design book. Totaling over 20,000 square feet at each destination, the ice exhibits are enhanced with vivid colors, LED lighting and intricate detail that spotlight the carvers’ generational craftsmanship.
Each ICE! location will feature a robust lineup of classic and unique Christmas activities designed to immerse guests in holiday cheer. Christmas activities vary by resort, highlights include:
- Original Cirque-style shows such as the debut of “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance,” a new musical show based on the acclaimed book series and TV special at Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Palms with world-class acts, immersive storytelling and lavish costumes. “Cirque: Frost” at Gaylord Texan and “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” at Gaylord National also bring holiday stories to life through high-flying stunts and acrobatics.
- Ice tubing returns to all destinations, offering guests the thrill of racing down icy lanes for a high-speed winter adventure.
- Snowball Build & Blast, where guests can dig into real snow and launch snowballs at festive targets, available at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, Gaylord National and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country.
- Elf Training Academy, where kids can learn the secrets of magical gift-giving and create a keepsake craft, featured at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan and Gaylord Rockies.
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, a cozy storytelling and cookie-sharing experience, featured at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, Gaylord National, Gaylord Rockies and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country.
- Holiday Atrium Light Shows at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord National, featuring thousands of lights synchronized to festive music.
- Ice skating, available at Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Texan.
- The Naughty or Nice Escape Room at Gaylord Palms challenges guests to solve riddles and escape Santa’s office before he returns, in a race to get off the Naughty List.
- Carriage rides through glittering holiday grounds are a magical experience exclusive to Gaylord Opryland.
Guests who stay overnight will be able to access resort-only benefits including Chill Pass, which allows overnight visitors front-of-the-line access to the attraction. Benefits may vary among resorts. Guests can book special early bird packages or tickets online to receive their limited-time discount. Terms, conditions and blackout dates apply.
For more information, visit ICE.marriott.com.
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