Celebrate Christmas with Gaylord Hotels: ICE! Attractions and Festive Fun at Six Resorts, All You Need To Know

Written By: Soumi Chowdhury

Soumi Chowdhury

I am a Content Writer at Travel and Tour World, covering global travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, and cruise industry developments. I create engaging, SEO-focused content that delivers timely news and industry insights.

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November 25, 2025 4:30 AM

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This holiday season, Gaylord Hotels invites travelers to experience a spectacular frozen wonderland as the beloved ICE! Christmas attraction kicks off at six resorts across the United States. With over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures brought to life, each ICE! display captures the magic of iconic holiday stories through towering ice sculptures and awe-inspiring, larger-than-life scenes. Available at Gaylord Resorts in popular U.S. destinations, this immersive experience is set to be a holiday highlight for families, couples, and travelers seeking unforgettable seasonal memories.

Explore Classic Christmas Tales in Ice

The hallmark of Gaylord Hotels’ holiday celebrations, the ICE! experience offers visitors a chance to step into beloved Christmas stories, intricately carved from ice. The experience is set in an environment maintained at a crisp 9°F (-13°C), allowing visitors to enjoy not only stunning ice displays but also two-story ice slides and photo opportunities within ice tunnels and scenes. The attractions, which are created by more than 40 master artisans, reflect the tradition of bringing the world-famous Harbin Ice Festival in China to the U.S. since 2001.

This year, each of the six participating resorts will feature a different themed ICE! attraction, with visitors able to walk through immersive, floor-to-ceiling ice sculptures based on their favorite holiday classics. Highlights include:

• Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN: ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas (Nov. 7, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026)
• Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL: ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026)
• Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, MD: ICE! featuring The Polar Express (Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026)
• Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, CO: ICE! featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Nov. 24, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026)
• Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, TX: ICE! featuring Elf (Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026)
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, TX: ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman (Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026)

An Unforgettable Holiday Experience for All Ages

The ICE! Christmas experience is designed to be a fun and interactive experience for families, couples, and anyone eager to dive into the holiday spirit. In addition to the main attraction, Gaylord Hotels offer a wide variety of family-friendly activities that ensure everyone has a memorable time during their visit. Highlights include Broadway-style cirque performances such as POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance and Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, along with live stage shows that combine stunning acrobatics with heartwarming holiday themes.

Guests can also enjoy ice tubing adventures, where they can race down snowy lanes, and visit themed dining experiences such as the Elf Training Academy and Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, offering fun activities for children. Many resorts also feature photo ops with Santa, scavenger hunts, and the chance to explore enchanting Christmas villages.

For those who enjoy the thrill of live entertainment, the ice skating rinks at select resorts, including Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Texan, allow guests to glide across real ice in festive surroundings. These experiences are complemented by sparkling light displays and themed events that make Gaylord Resorts the perfect destination for holiday celebrations.

Book an All-Inclusive Holiday Getaway

Beyond the ICE! attraction, Gaylord Hotels transforms their properties into ultimate holiday destinations filled with holiday cheer. Guests can enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and holiday décor throughout the resorts. Special holiday packages that include access to the ICE! experience, premium seating for shows, and exclusive benefits such as the Chill Pass, which offers front-of-the-line access to the attractions, are available for those booking a stay.

Each resort offers its own mix of festive activities and experiences, with benefits varying by location, including carriage rides through glittering holiday grounds at Gaylord Opryland, a live musical experience with Cirque at Gaylord Palms, and themed escape rooms at Gaylord Palms and Gaylord Texan. For visitors looking for a comprehensive holiday escape, Gaylord Hotels provide the perfect all-in-one solution for an unforgettable seasonal getaway.

A Magical Christmas Adventure Awaits at Gaylord Hotels

Whether it’s marveling at the breathtaking ICE! Christmas displays or enjoying the wide array of festive activities, Gaylord Hotels provide an immersive and magical way to experience the holiday season. With resorts across the country offering different themed ICE! experiences, guests can enjoy a unique Christmas adventure no matter where they are in the U.S. From the charming scenes of A Charlie Brown Christmas to the wonder of The Polar Express, this year’s ICE! attractions promise to be a highlight for anyone looking to make the most of their holiday travels.

For a memorable holiday experience filled with family-friendly activities, world-class entertainment, and breathtaking ice sculptures, Gaylord Hotels offers an all-encompassing festive experience that is sure to create lifelong memories.