Experience Two Million Pounds of Hand‑Carved Ice and Festive Entertainment at Gaylord and JW Marriott Holiday Destinations
(IN SHORT) ICE! is returning to six Gaylord and JW Marriott resorts this holiday season, presenting a colossal ice-carving exhibit with over two million pounds of ice sculpted into classic Christmas scenes. Kept at a crisp nine degrees Fahrenheit and spanning some 20,000 square feet per venue, the walk-through attraction includes two-story ice slides, thermal parkas, and immersive story moments from A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Polar Express™, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, Elf™, and Frosty the Snowman. Crafted by 40 artisans from Harbin, China, ICE! combines LED-enhanced artistry with multisensory holiday cheer. Complementing the frozen showcase, each resort offers ice tubing, snowball activities, elf training, character dining, live Cirque-style shows, ice skating, escape rooms, and festive light displays. Guests can book tickets and early-bird packages now at ICE.marriott.com.
(PRESS RELEASE) BETHESDA, MD, 2025-Jul-24 — /Travel PR News/ — Gaylord Hotels is once again decking its halls—and its ice walls—with ICE!, the monumental winter spectacle, at six premier destinations nationwide. This signature holiday event showcases over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, arranged into breathtaking, floor-to-ceiling dioramas inspired by beloved Christmas tales. Guests of all ages wander through this frozen wonderland, delighted by intricate artistry and unforgettable seasonal storytelling.
Beginning this November, both overnight and day visitors can experience ICE! at the following resorts: Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland; Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, Colorado; Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine, Texas; and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas. Tickets are available now—along with an exclusive, limited-time offer—at ICE.marriott.com.
Since its 2001 debut, ICE! has expanded into a sprawling, 20,000‑square‑foot attraction at each location. Kept at a frosty nine degrees Fahrenheit, it features more than ten whimsical scenes, exhilarating two-story ice slides, and winding passageways. Depending on the resort, visitors can step into Frosty the Snowman’s winter frolic, join Charlie Brown on his quest to rediscover Christmas spirit, board The Polar Express™ for a magical journey, witness the Grinch’s heartwarming change of heart, cheer on Rudolph and his luminous nose, or accompany Buddy the Elf™ on his uproarious North Pole-to–New York adventure. Complimentary thermal parkas ensure everyone stays toasty as they capture photo-worthy moments throughout the attraction.
Each ICE! installation is sculpted by a team of 40 master artisans from Harbin, China—the home of the famed Harbin Ice Festival. Armed with a 300‑page design tome and over 6,000 blocks of crystal-clear ice, these craftsmen spend upwards of a month carving every detail. LED lighting and vibrant pigments bring each scene to life, showcasing generational techniques and spectacular color.
Beyond ICE!, Gaylord Hotels delivers a full holiday extravaganza under one roof. Marvel at towering Christmas trees and twinkling atrium light shows, then choose from an array of festive activities: high-speed ice tubing runs; Snowball Build & Blast experiences; the interactive Elf Training Academy; cozy Claus’ Christmas Traditions storytelling sessions; live Cirque‑style performances (including the debut of POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance and returning favorites like Cirque: Frost and Cirque: Spirit of Christmas); immersive scavenger hunts; character dining; ice skating; escape rooms; carriage rides; and more. North‑Star perks like the Chill Pass grant overnight guests VIP access to front-of-the-line thrills. Special holiday packages and early‑bird discounts are available now at ICE.marriott.com. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply.
2025–2026 ICE! Dates by Resort
- Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN): November 7, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL): November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
- Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD): November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO): November 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX): November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country (San Antonio, TX): November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
All character and story trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact
Ali McFarland
Public Relations ManagerGaylord Hotels
Ali.McFarland@GaylordHotels.com
SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.
