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.
Guests walk through ice at 9 degrees Fahrenheit
Gaylord Hotels launched ice! in 2001. Each version has walk-through scenes, passageways and two-story ice slides. The temperature is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and guests wear the attraction's signature blue parkas. The format is inspired by the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
Johann Krieger, regional vice president of Marriott International, called the artisans' return one of the most anticipated milestones of the holiday season.
Two resorts debut the attraction this year
- Gaylord Pacific Resort, Chula Vista, Calif.: "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Nov. 20, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, Ariz.: New Line Cinema's Elf, Nov. 18, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
Three new themes join the lineup
- Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tenn.: Home Alone, Nov. 6, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027
- Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, Colo.: Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, Nov. 20, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, Texas: Harry Potter, Nov. 13, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
Three returning themes complete the eight
- Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Md.: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Fla.: The Polar Express, Nov. 13, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Nov. 23, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
Each resort also runs a "So Much Christmas" program with seasonal decor and additional holiday attractions. Offerings vary by resort, and terms, conditions and blackout dates apply.