Key takeaways
- Gaylord's 'ice!' introduces three new movie-themed ice sculptures: Harry Potter, Home Alone, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
- The event expands to Chula Vista, California and Phoenix, Arizona for the first time, doubling its presence across new markets.
- Marriott Bonvoy members save up to 25% on admission, up to 15% on packages, and can redeem points or free nights for overnight stays.
Gaylord Hotels’ annual “ice!” event returns this November with expanded reach and three fresh themes that will delight movie fans across multiple franchises.
Gaylord’s “ice!” Grows with New Themes and Locations
For families seeking a memorable holiday tradition, Gaylord’s signature “ice!” event has become a seasonal staple. The experience will unfold across six Gaylord Hotels properties nationwide in partnership with select JW Marriott locations, all launching in early November. This year brings three entirely new ice sculpture themes alongside expansion into previously untapped markets.
Three franchise-inspired walkthroughs debut this year, each hand-carved from solid ice. Guests can now explore environments themed to “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Harry Potter,” and “Home Alone”—a significant expansion from traditional holiday properties like “Elf,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “The Polar Express” that have anchored the event in prior seasons.
Equally noteworthy, “ice!” has announced its arrival at two new locations. Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California will host the event for the first time, as will JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona. Johann Krieger, regional vice president of Marriott International, emphasized the significance: “Having welcomed tens of millions of guests over the years, this beloved holiday tradition continues to capture the spirit of the season, and we are proud to introduce our largest footprint to date, allowing even more families the opportunity to experience how our resorts create extraordinary holiday memories.”
The Scale and Artistry Behind the Ice Carvings
The production logistics are staggering. More than 300 expert artisans arrive in the United States annually to hand-carve the ice landscapes, drawing parallels to the famous Harbin Ice Festival in China. At each location, these craftspeople carve approximately two million pounds of ice, transforming massive quantities of frozen water into floor-to-ceiling, multi-room walkthroughs that feel immersive and photo-ready.
The sculptural environments extend beyond simple aesthetic displays. Each walkthrough incorporates immersive storytelling elements, multiple photo opportunities, and—a favorite among younger visitors—two-story ice slides. The combination of architectural ambition and thematic storytelling creates an experience that justifies the event’s prominence in holiday travel planning.
Activities and Experiences On Site
While the ice carvings themselves are the centerpiece, properties offer varying supplementary activities depending on location. Many guests participate in the following experiences:
- Scavenger hunts throughout the themed environments
- Ice skating rinks
- Tubing experiences
- Carriage rides through the resort grounds
- Photos with Santa and holiday characters
- Character-themed breakfast dining experiences
Families planning to make a full holiday weekend of their visit will find sufficient activities to fill multiple days, especially if they choose to stay overnight at the resort. Most activities require separate ticket purchases beyond the base admission to “ice!”
Ticket Pricing and Advance Booking Savings
Gaylord encourages advance ticket purchases, particularly for those planning visits during high-traffic periods. Holiday dates and weekends attract peak crowds, and certain time slots can sell out entirely. Purchasing tickets in advance is not merely convenient—it can yield substantial savings.
General Discount Opportunities
The resorts offer bundle packages that combine “ice!” access with other holiday activities. These bundled tickets can deliver savings of up to 30 percent compared to purchasing individual attractions separately. To stay informed about new discount windows as they open, guests can monitor individual property websites or follow resort social media accounts.
Marriott Bonvoy Member Advantages
Loyalty program members enjoy exclusive pricing that exceeds standard discounts. Participating properties extend up to 25 percent off “ice!” admission specifically for Bonvoy members. For those planning overnight stays, hotel and activity package discounts reach up to 15 percent off combined pricing. Beyond ticket discounts, Bonvoy members can apply earned points or free night awards toward room reservations, substantially lowering the cost of a multi-night holiday retreat. All guests who book overnight stays access additional perks, including skip-the-line privileges and prioritized wait time management throughout the event—a meaningful advantage during busy periods.
Maximizing Value for Loyalty Program Members
For Marriott Bonvoy cardholders and elite members, “ice!” represents a high-value holiday redemption opportunity. The combination of discounted admission, hotel savings, and the ability to deploy free night certificates makes a multi-night winter holiday stay economically attractive. The skip-the-line access alone justifies the premium loyalty positioning when busy December weekends draw extended queues.
Exploring the Two New Destinations
Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista
The addition of Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista marks the first time “ice!” has operated in Southern California. The region, home to millions of residents and significant holiday travel demand, was previously underserved by this particular event.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
Phoenix’s inclusion through JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge opens “ice!” to Arizona’s hospitality market, another region where documented demand for holiday experiences remained unmet by this offering.
Experience the Holidays Through Cinema
Whether visitors aspire to defend their home against the Wet Bandits alongside Kevin McAllister, explore Halloween Town with Jack Skellington, or finally walk through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the “Harry Potter” walkthrough, the expanded “ice!” event delivers franchise-driven immersion wrapped in Marriott’s hospitality infrastructure. With early booking discounts available and Bonvoy member benefits stacked, planning a winter holiday trip to one of the “ice!” properties offers strong value for both casual visitors and frequent travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three new 'ice!' themes for 2026?
The new themes are Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter, and Home Alone, all hand-carved entirely from ice.
Where are the two new 'ice!' locations?
The event is expanding to Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California and JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona.
What benefits do Marriott Bonvoy members receive at 'ice!'?
Members enjoy up to 25% off 'ice!' tickets, up to 15% off hotel and activity packages, can redeem points or free night awards, and overnight guests get skip-the-line access.
