Marriott International Inc. Unveils Holiday Magic with Gaylord Hotels' ICE! Christmas Experience
As the holiday season approaches, Marriott International Inc. is set to enchant guests across the United States with the launch of Gaylord Hotels' immersive ICE!™ Christmas experience. This annual tradition, featuring elaborate hand-carved ice sculptures and festive activities, kicks off at six destination resorts nationwide, promising an unforgettable holiday experience for families and friends.
1. A Festive Showcase of Holiday Cheer
The ICE! Christmas experience invites guests to step into a winter wonderland, showcasing over 2 million pounds of meticulously crafted ice sculptures that transform beloved holiday stories into breathtaking floor-to-ceiling displays. With temperatures maintained at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, guests can wander through ten immersive scenes, glide down thrilling two-story ice slides, and capture memorable moments against the backdrop of enchanting ice art.
Locations and Attractions
The ICE! experience will be available at the following Gaylord Hotels resorts, each featuring unique holiday themes:
- Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN: *ICE! featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas"* from November 7, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Follow Charlie Brown on his journey to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
- Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL: *ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™* from November 14, 2025, to January 7, 2026. Guests can relive the classic tale of Rudolph and his journey to save Christmas.
- Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, MD: *ICE! featuring Warner Bros.' The Polar Express™* from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Families can embark on a magical train ride to the North Pole.
- Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, CO: *ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!* from November 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026. Experience the transformation of The Grinch in this heartwarming story.
- Gaylord Texan Resort, Lake Grapevine, TX: *ICE! featuring New Line Cinema's Elf™* from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Follow Buddy the Elf as he navigates his way to New York City.
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, TX: *ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman* from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Experience the magic of Frosty in this frozen holiday wonderland.
2. A Complete Holiday Experience
Beyond the ICE! attraction, each resort will transform into a festive haven filled with dazzling lights, towering Christmas trees, and a variety of holiday activities designed to create cherished memories. Highlights of the holiday offerings include:
- Broadway-style Cirque Performances: Original shows such as *POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance* and *Cirque: Spirit of Christmas*, combining magical storytelling with acrobatics and stunning visuals.
- Ice Tubing Adventures: Thrilling high-speed fun on icy lanes, available at all destinations.
- Interactive Family Activities: From the *Elf Training Academy* for kids to exclusive storytelling sessions with Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Holiday Light Shows: Dazzling displays synchronized to festive music will light up the atriums at select resorts.
- Naughty or Nice Escape Room: A fun challenge at Gaylord Palms where guests can race against time to avoid Santa's naughty list.
3. Booking and Exclusive Offers
Guests can purchase tickets and book exclusive holiday packages by visiting ICE.marriott.com. Overnight guests can take advantage of benefits like the *Chill Pass*, offering front-of-the-line access to the ICE! experience, along with other resort-specific perks.
4. Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition Reimagined
Introduced in 2001 and inspired by the renowned Harbin Ice Festival in China, Gaylord Hotels’ ICE! Christmas experience has become a cherished holiday tradition for millions. With the combination of artistry, storytelling, and festive activities, Marriott International Inc.'s Gaylord Hotels are set to deliver a magical holiday season, encouraging families to create lasting memories together.
As the year draws to a close, this immersive experience promises to not only celebrate the joy of the season but also reinforce Marriott's commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences.