ICE! at The Gaylord Texan
Are you looking for a magical Christmas experience that the whole family will remember forever? Well, look no further than the Gaylord Texan Resort, located in Grapevine, TX. Each holiday season, the Gaylord offers the spectacular ICE! exhibit, as well as a plethora of other fun and festive activities. Whether you are local or visiting from afar, a trip to the Gaylord Texan is sure to be an enchanting holiday adventure.
The Highlight: ICE! Exhibit
The Gaylord Texan's ICE! exhibit is an annual holiday tradition that draws visitors from near and far. You’ll step into a world of frozen enchantment constructed from over two million pounds of ice. Talented artists spend almost two months hand-carving these remarkable sculptures. This exhibit boasts over 17,000 square feet of stunning holiday-themed displays. That’s a ton of ice!
The Gaylord chooses a unique theme each year, making it a must-see attraction even for those who have visited before. From frosty ice slides to life-sized ice sculptures, you'll be mesmerized by the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating this winter wonderland. Last year (2022), the theme was ‘The Polar Express.' We can’t wait to see this year’s theme, Dr. Suess' 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas!'
Advice: Be sure to bring warm clothes no matter the outdoor temps! The Gaylord provides you with a parka, but make sure the little’s have hats and gloves too! I suggest the whole family wearing them as the exhibit stays at a constant 9 degrees. I severely underestimated just how cold that is and the whole time I was wishing I brought myself some gloves! Don’t be like me! Bundle up!
Lodging
If you're planning to visit the ICE! attraction, staying at the Gaylord Texan Resort will elevate your experience to a new level. The resort's luxurious accommodations offer a cozy retreat after a day of holiday fun. From elegant guest rooms to spacious suites, there's an option to suit everyone's needs. Plus, with easy access to ICE!, you can fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
After exploring the unlimited options for holiday fun, it’s nice to have a retreat to escape to and drop off your arts and crafts and even get some rest between activities. Perhaps my favorite perk of staying on property is the option to enter ICE! early, before the crowds! Tubing down the slides after bedtime sure is fun too!
Holiday Activities for Kids
At the Gaylord Texan, it's not just the ICE! exhibit that will delight the little ones. The resort also offers a range of activities tailored specifically for kids, making it a true family destination. Children can indulge in the Build-A-Bear Workshop, where they can create their own furry friend to cherish forever.
The hotel also hosts a scavenger hunt, which adds an element of excitement as kids explore the property to complete the hunt and receive a special prize at the end. Last year, my son loved painting his own Christmas tree canvas and building a gingerbread house! Head over to the Gaylord Texan’s website for the full list of activities!
Fun for the whole family
The Gaylord Texan truly embraces the spirit of Christmas, with numerous ways for the whole family to get involved. Adults and kids alike will love witnessing the stunning holiday lighting that transforms the resort into a twinkling wonderland, setting the perfect mood for the season. This view is made even more spectacular from the inward-facing balconies in your guest room. We love sitting there at night, marveling at the lights, and listening to the Christmas music playing throughout the atrium.
Aside from the world-class decor, there are many activities located at the entrance of ICE!, such as Santa's Snow Throw, where guests can throw snowballs at various targets, perfect for family bonding and laughter. My son’s favorite activity is snow tubing. I highly recommend buying the unlimited pass and doing it again and again! They also have an indoor carousel and ice skating rink! So much fun!
Enjoy your visit!
ICE! at The Gaylord Texan promises an unforgettable family experience for the Christmas season. From the captivating ICE! exhibit, to the plethora of activities for kids, this Texan resort offers an enchanting winter getaway that will create cherished memories for years to come. So, gear up for a magical adventure and make this holiday season truly special at the Gaylord Texan! I’d love to hear about your experience! Thanks for being here, I appreciate you all!
