Grab your cold weather gear and get ready for “ICE!” to make its return to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.
After a two-year hiatus, the longtime holiday tradition returns with its first-time “Polar Express” exhibit. A 17,000 square-foot frozen wonderland will be carved from 2 million pounds of clear and colored ice and bedazzled by LED lights that cleverly bring the attraction to life.
“We can’t wait for our guests to once again experience the magic and wonder of ICE! during this year’s Lone Star Christmas celebration,” said Chuck Pacioni, general manager of Gaylord Texan Resort, speaking with NBC 5.
Some 40 artisans will put in 12,000 man-hours of work carving sculptures in meticulous detail, following a 300-page design, with some pieces reaching heights of 30 feet tall.
Guests will be provided with the Gaylord Texan’s signature blue parkas so they can enjoy the exhibit in comfort since the sculptures will be located in a room kept at a chilly nine degrees Fahrenheit.
“Since debuting here in 2005, ICE! has always been a one-of-a-kind attraction for our guests, and we’re excited to welcome this Gaylord Hotels tradition back this year with The Polar Express and all the beloved characters from the classic holiday movie,” said Pacioni.
Children and adults of all ages can enjoy the two-story tall ice sliders, the Carver’s Showcase, a trip through ice tunnels and arches, and watch a live ice sculpture carving presentation. And of course, a Nativity scene made entirely of clear ice is the final set piece to bring the ICE! experience home.
Unique to the Gaylord’s ICE! exhibit is the labor force that travels 7,000 miles to Grapevine from their homes in Harbin, China — the world-famous ice carvers who create the DFW holiday spectacle.
Harbin, known as “Ice City,” is home to the world’s largest ice and snow sculpting festival.
ICE! at the Gaylord Texan opens November 11 and runs through January 1, 2023.