Harbin Ice Artists Return to Carve Christmas Scenes at 8 US Resorts
Bethesda – October 19, 2026 -- Starting in November, the ice! Christmas attraction opens at eight Gaylord Hotels and JW Marriott resorts across the United States, with new Harry Potter, Home Alone and Nightmare Before Christmas themes. More than 300 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, have arrived to build it.
Artisans carve for nearly 40 days before opening
The crew will sculpt millions of pounds of ice into scenes covering more than 20,000 square feet. They work with chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and chainsaws, turning 300-pound blocks into details no bigger than a coin and scenes taller than 30 feet. Their 300-page design books and generations-old techniques guide the work. A proprietary coloring process and accent spotlights add color.
Once the attraction opens, several artisans stay on site to maintain the sculptures and give daily live carving demonstrations.