ice! Christmas Experience Expands to Eight Resorts

ice! Holiday Attraction Adds New Themes and Resort Locations

The ice! Christmas experience will return this holiday season with its largest rollout to date, expanding to eight destination resorts across the United States. The attraction will also introduce three new themes inspired by Harry Potter, Home Alone and Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The attraction will make its debut at Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California, and JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. It will also return to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and other Gaylord Hotels across the country.’

Guests can now book early holiday packages and purchase tickets through SoMuchChristmas.com.

Commenting on the expansion, Johann Krieger, Regional Vice President at Marriott International, said the company is introducing the attraction to Arizona and California while expanding the experience to more resorts, giving more families the opportunity to enjoy the festive season.

Inspired by the Harbin Ice Festival in China, the attraction features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures created by over 300 artisans from Harbin. Around 60,000 ice blocks are transformed into themed displays featuring large-scale scenes, ice slides and interactive walkthroughs.

Maintained at 9°F (-13°C), the attraction provides guests with signature blue parkas while they explore more than 10 themed scenes at each location.

Holiday themes and locations for the 2026 season

New locations

Gaylord Pacific Resort, Chula Vista, California – A Charlie Brown Christmas (20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, Arizona – Elf™ (18 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)

New themes

Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee – Home Alone™ (6 November 2026 – 2 January 2027)
Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, Colorado – Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas™ (20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)
Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, Texas – Harry Potter™ (13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)

Returning themes

Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)
Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida – The Polar Express™ (13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ (23 November 2026 – 3 January 2027)

In addition to ice!, participating resorts will offer a range of seasonal activities, including festive light displays, Christmas trees, themed dining experiences, ice tubing, scavenger hunts, live performances, holiday villages and visits with Santa.

Guests can explore the full programme, book accommodation packages and purchase tickets through SoMuchChristmas.com. Experiences and availability vary by resort.

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