ice! immersive Christmas experience. Credit: Marriott International Marriott International's popular frozen Christmas attraction, ICE!, is expanding to a record eight resorts across the United States for the 2026 holiday season, introducing two new destinations and three new themes inspired by well-known holiday movies.
The attraction, created by Gaylord Hotels in 2001, 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 five Gaylord Hotels and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort in Texas.
This year's new themes include Harry Potter, Home Alone and Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. The experiences join returning attractions inspired by classic Christmas stories, including Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Polar Express and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Photo: Marriott InternationalICE! is built using more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice. Visitors explore more than 10 themed scenes featuring characters and settings from popular films and Christmas stories, alongside ice slides and elaborate frozen sculptures.
The attraction is maintained at a temperature of 9 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately -13 degrees Celsius). Guests are provided with signature blue parkas to wear while exploring the installations.
Home Alone. Photo. Marriott International According to Marriott, the process involves expert ice artisans spending nearly 40 days transforming thousands of ice blocks into intricate displays covering more than 20,000 square feet. The craftsmanship draws inspiration from the traditional ice-carving techniques associated with China's Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
"We're thrilled to welcome guests to the most expansive ICE! season to date," said Johann Krieger, regional vice president of Marriott International, highlighting the addition of new destinations and themes.
Grinch. Photo: Marriott InternationalThe eight participating resorts will host different themes and operate on separate schedules, with most attractions running from November into early January.
New locations:
-Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California: A Charlie Brown Christmas, November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
-JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona: Elf, November 18, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
New themes at returning resorts:
-Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee: Home Alone, November 6, 2026, to January 2, 2027.
-Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colorado: The Nightmare Before Christmas, November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
-Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas: Harry Potter, November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Returning attractions:
-Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
-Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida: The Polar Express, November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
-JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, November 23, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
ICE! is part of a wider holiday program at the participating resorts, which transform their properties into Christmas destinations with seasonal decorations, entertainment and family activities.
Depending on the location, visitors can enjoy themed character dining, ice tubing, interactive scavenger hunts, live performances, Christmas villages and photo opportunities with Santa.
The resorts also feature extensive Christmas lighting displays, decorated trees and seasonal installations. Tickets and accommodation packages are available through the official SoMuchChristmas website.