Christmas just got a whole lot cooler. Gaylord Hotels has announced its biggest expansion of ICE! ever, and three brand-new themes are making their debut this holiday season!
For years, ICE! has been one of the country’s most beloved holiday traditions, bringing iconic Christmas stories to life through more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. Now, Gaylord Hotels is taking the experience to the next level with three all-new licensed themes inspired by some of the biggest names in film.
Whether you’re a Disney fan, a Harry Potter enthusiast, or someone who still quotes Home Alone every December, there’s a brand-new ICE! experience waiting for you in 2026.
Three Brand-New ICE! Themes Debut This Holiday Season
For the 2026 Christmas season, Gaylord Hotels is introducing three completely new ICE! experiences across the country:
ICE! featuring Home Aloneâ„¢
Gaylord Opryland Resort — Nashville, Tennessee
November 6, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Guests will step inside Kevin McCallister’s unforgettable Christmas adventure as scenes from the beloved holiday classic are recreated entirely from hand-carved ice sculptures. From booby traps to memorable movie moments, this marks the first time Home Alone has been featured as an ICE! attraction.
ICE! featuring Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmasâ„¢
Gaylord Rockies Resort — Aurora, Colorado
November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Disney fans have an exciting new reason to visit Colorado this holiday season. Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and the residents of Halloween Town will be transformed into towering frozen sculptures in what promises to be one of the most visually stunning ICE! themes ever created.
The combination of Tim Burton’s gothic style and colorful illuminated ice sculptures feels like a perfect match for the attraction, making this one of the most anticipated additions to the 2026 lineup.
ICE! featuring Harry Potterâ„¢
Gaylord Texan Resort — Grapevine, Texas
November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Perhaps the biggest surprise announcement is the arrival of Harry Potterâ„¢.
The all-new experience will bring scenes inspired by the beloved film series to life using over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice, allowing guests to encounter Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hedwig, and other fan-favorite characters throughout an immersive frozen walkthrough.
It’s the first time the Wizarding World has been featured as an ICE! attraction, making it one of the year’s must-see holiday experiences for Potter fans.
ICE! Is Bigger Than Ever in 2026
Beyond the three new themes, Gaylord Hotels is expanding ICE! to eight resorts, making this the attraction’s largest lineup since it debuted in 2001.
New locations joining the lineup include:
- Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California, featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas
- JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort in Arizona, featuring Elf
Returning favorites include:
- Gaylord Palms (Florida) – The Polar Express™
- Gaylord National (Maryland) – How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country (Texas) – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™
What Makes ICE! So Special?
Since its debut in 2001, ICE! has become one of the country’s signature holiday attractions.
Every installation features:
- More than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice
- Around 60,000 colorful ice blocks
- More than 300 master artisans from Harbin, China
- Towering two-story ice slides
- Immersive walk-through scenes inspired by beloved holiday stories
- Indoor temperatures maintained at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, with signature blue parkas provided to every guest.
Each resort pairs ICE! with an entire holiday celebration featuring millions of Christmas lights, themed dining, live entertainment, Santa meet-and-greets, ice tubing, holiday shopping, festive scavenger hunts, and seasonal décor. Experiences vary by location.
Holiday Travel Just Got More Exciting
The addition of Harry Potter, Home Alone, and Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas gives travelers even more reasons to plan a festive getaway this holiday season.
Whether you’re dreaming of spending Christmas with Jack Skellington, reliving Kevin McCallister’s hilarious holiday adventure, or stepping into the Wizarding World through breathtaking frozen sculptures, Gaylord Hotels’ expanded 2026 lineup may be its strongest yet.
Reservations, overnight packages, and early-bird ticket offers are now available for all participating resorts.
Be sure to keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for the latest holiday event announcements, Disney news, Universal Orlando updates, seasonal travel guides, and everything happening around Central Florida and beyond.
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