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Why Gaylord's ICE! is a Must-See Holiday Event

Writer's picture: Kristina LightKristina Light

Gaylord ICE!
Gaylord ICE!

Over the years, we have enjoyed many magical holiday getaways as a family, but one of our absolute favorites has to be Gaylord's ICE!


This annual winter attraction is far more than just another holiday event; it offers an extraordinary one-of-a-kind experience. With stunning ice sculptures and Christmas decor, Gaylord’s ICE! is an enchanting experience for all ages.


Unforgettable Ice Sculptures



Gaylord's ICE! features hundreds of intricate ice sculptures created by skilled artisans. A team of sculptors works for more than six weeks on each exhibit sculpting 6,700 massive blocks of ice, weighing an impressive 2 million pounds. The artists use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and chainsaws to craft the frozen works of art. Many of the sculptures stand over 10 feet tall, and each is meticulously detailed.


Walking through this winter wonderland feels like stepping into a storybook. Our family experienced "A Charlie Brown Christmas" ICE! event, and it was as charming and delightful as the Christmas classic.


Gaylord ICE!
Gaylord ICE! Slides

Visitors are provided with parkas to wear as they walk through the winter wonderland. And mats are provided for riders who ride the indoor ice slides or snow tube hills.


A Magical Atmosphere – Perfect for All Ages



Our entire family, including grandparents, enjoyed this holiday event. The holiday fun doesn’t end with the ice sculptures! Gaylord’s ICE! features a variety of activities, including stage shows, character meet and greets, Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, craft sessions, and holiday foods. In addition to the ICE! Event, Gaylord pulls out all the stops on Christmas decorations throughout the luxury hotel.


Warm Up with Delicious Treats


Gaylord ICE!
Gaylord ICE!

Gaylord's ICE! also offers dining choices, from cozy cafes to more festive dining experiences. Indulge in rich hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, and seasonal dishes that burst with flavor.


Tips for Visiting ICE!


Gaylord ICE!
Gaylord ICE!

Tips to enjoy your visit to Gaylord's ICE!:

  1. Purchase Tickets in Advance: Book your tickets in advance for an assigned date and time.

  2. Dress Appropriately: They provide parkas for guests, but it is still wise to dress for the experience. To keep the sculptures from melting, the display is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

  3. Take Photos: Capture the memories with plenty of pics.

  4. Lodging at Gaylord is optional: The Gaylord offers luxury hotel accommodations that are unmatched, but ICE! guests are not required to stay at the hotel.


2024-2025 Themes and Locations

Gaylord's ICE! is a holiday must-see. With five locations nationally, this is an incredible winter wonderland experience for the family bucket list.

6 Comments


Guest
Dec 19, 2024

Looks like a fantastic winter wonderland.

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Julia
Dec 19, 2024

Looks unbelievable! How long is it available for viewing after a Christmas holiday?

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Daphne
Dec 19, 2024

Ohh wow! Thanks so much for posting this! I'll be in Nashville for New Years and can visit the one there. Its so pretty :)

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Kelly
Dec 18, 2024

I've always wanted to go to something like this! It's great that there are 5 locations to choose from. I would love to go down one of the ice slides. It looks like so much fun!

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Linda (LD Holland)
Dec 18, 2024

It was fun to read more about Gaylord’s ICE.  I do love to see the great creativity in ice sculpture design.  Amazing to see what 6,700 blocks of ice can create!  We would certainly look for a warming drink in a cozy cafe afterwards.

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