The holiday season works its magic in Grapevine – and one of the stars of the show is the Gaylord Texan Christmas.
Gaylord Texan turns into this crazy amazing light show, with twinkling lights and decorations spread out over acres. And guess what? It’s not just about looking pretty. This Lone Star Christmas party has so many things to do! The showstopper is the ICE! exhibit. Literally 2 million pounds of ice is carved by super talented artists into these mind-blowing sculptures and icy slides.
As you stroll through this winter wonderland, you’ll find tons of other holiday-themed stuff to dive into also. How about some snow tubing action? Check. Gingerbread house decorating? Check. Cookies with Mrs. Claus? Check. Snowball Games and Holiday Escape Rooms? Check and Check.
We spent last Christmas in Grapevine and were amazed by all this town has to offer. The Gaylord Texan did not disappoint and the ICE! exhibit was especially amazing. We can’t wait to go back and do the activities that we missed. This “Christmas Capital of Texas” is well deserving of this honor and I’m sure you’ll love the whole town as much as we did!
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Gaylord Texan Christmas 2023
Gaylord Texan Resort, located in Grapevine, Texas (one of Texas’ BEST Christmas towns!), is gearing up for an unforgettableChristmas 2023season, filled with magical festivities and gorgeous holiday décor. The resort’s Lone Star Christmas celebration offers SO MANY activities for adults and children to enjoy.
The atrium is filled with a huge, beautiful tree, with many other Christmas decorations filling the resort. Don’t forget to look up! The ceiling is my favorite part of the resort’s architecture!
Outdoors are my favorite part! The grounds are covered in thousands of twinkling lights with merry pathways leading the way from one attractions to another. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the dazzling décor and whatever you do, don’t leave before dark.
Staying Overnight at the Gaylord Texan
Fully enjoy the festive atmosphere by booking anovernight stayat theGaylord Texanduring Christmas 2023. As an overnight guest, you’ll have access to exclusivedealsand plenty festive holiday fun at the Gaylord for Christmas. With all there is to offer during the season, staying onsite will allow you to fully participate in all the activities that interest you and take advantage of avoiding the crowds when lines are short.
Accommodations range from Standard Rooms that sleep two people up to Family Suites that can accommodate six. If you’d like a room that looks out onto the twinkling lights from your window, spring for the Atrium view! The rooms were recently updated, cozy, and spacious.
>>> Check Rates and Availability <<<
One struggle our family often has is finding great food onsite without leaving a resort – that is NOT a problem here! The Gaylord Texan offers delicious restaurants ranging from authentic Mexican food to the popular Texan Station.
We recommend booking two nights at the Gaylord Texan to have enough time to experience all the activities and shows. But if you can only swing one night, it is still worth it. Check rates and availability for your stay for Christmas the Gaylord.
Christmas at Gaylord Texan: ICE!
More than two MILLION pounds of vibrant, colorful ice take center stage at ICE! at Gaylord Texan Christmas event. Skilled artisans work their magic for weeks before the event, transforming the ordinary convention center into an icy wonderland.
Of all the festivities at the Gaylord for Christmas, ICE! is their most popular activity. You’ll wander through intricate ice exhibits, slide down ice-carved slides, and view a sculptured Nativity and festive characters that seem unreal.
This year, Gaylord Texan’s ICE! is taking you on a journey through Whoville when the Grinch Stole Christmas. When you encounter the Grinch and sweet CindyLou, these stunning ice sculptures will have you grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.
And don’t worry about the chill – they’ve got you covered with cozy blue parkas that’ll keep you snug and warm, even in the frosty embrace of a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit. But we do recommend wearing layers anyway as the parks won’t keep your sandaled feet toasty! Don’t forget your mittens either for ICE! in Texas at Gaylord.
So, how can you be part of this frosty fiesta at Gaylord Texan’s ICE!? It’s easy – just grab your tickets in advance and be sure to arrive at least an hour early to park (if you aren’t staying at the Gaylord, of course!). See below for more tips and info for parking.
We highly recommend visiting ICE! on a weekday. It gets REALLY crowded on the weekends and during school breaks and it makes it hard to enjoy the experience – we cannot recommend going on these dates. The photos in this post were taken on a Tuesday morning in early December and our family had a great experience.
Gaylord Texan Christmas Attractions and Activities
The Gaylord Texan offers an incredible number of activities for adults and children to experience from ice skating to escape rooms. Guests have the option of purchasing activities “a la carte” or choosing from two different package options. The Silver and Gold packages will save you 20% or 30% respectively and include most activities, but not all.
- a la Carte Pricing: $6.99-$28.99
- Gold Package: $113.70/adults + $107.40/children
- Includes ICE!, Grinch’s Scavenger Hunt, Tubing, Snowball Blast, Ice Skating, Gingerbread Decorating, Carousel
- Silver Package: $66.65/adults + $59.45/children
- Includes ICE!, Grinch’s Scavenger Hunt, Tubing
Snow Tubing at Snow Flow Mountain
- a la carte: $22.99/all day fun
- Included in the Silver and Gold Packages
While Texas is not the place where you can typically enjoy a White Christmas, the Gaylord Texan Resort brings the snow to you during their Christmas festivities. Visitors can enjoy an exhilarating ride down the eight-lane snow tubing hill on an inflatable tube. Unlimited runs are allowed on the day of your pass!
Similar to the ICE! exhibit, lines for Snow Tubing can be very long on weekends and school breaks. While the package covers unlimited rides, on busy days it can take 30-60 minutes of waiting per ride, so plan on doing this when crowds are low to get your money’s worth!
Snowball Build & Blast
- a la carte: $12.99/one bucket
- Included in the Gold Package
This super fun activity is a favorite among my sons. Guest will receive a bucket of snow to make snowballs and then will get to fire them at targets to compete and see who can earn the most points.
Ice Skating
- a la carte: $22.99/all day fun
- Included in the Gold Package
The resort has a beautifulskating rinkfor ice skating. For one set price, you can skate as long as you’d like. Located right next to the carousel gives the activity an extra festive atmosphere.
Christmas Village and Carousel
- a la carte: $6.99/ride or $14.99/unlimited rides
- Included in the Gold Package
Young children will enjoy theChristmas Carousel which is so festive is hard to pass up. If you expect that your little one will want to ride it over and over again, check out the unlimited ride pass out or purchase the Gold Package and the Carousel is included!
Grinch Scavenger Hunt
- A la carte: $12.99/each
- Included in the Silver and Gold Packages
That sneaky Grinch has hidden clues all over the resort. Can you help save Christmas?
This activity is fun way to explore the property and find new spots that you otherwise would have missed. Once the puzzles are all solved, you will win a cute themed stocking stuffer.
Keep in mind that a whole family can do the scavenger hunt together for one price, but that will result in just one prize too.
Gingerbread House Decorating
- A la carte: $29.99-$49.99/depending on Gingerbread house kit chosen
- Included in the Gold Package
The perfect souvenir awaits at the Gingerbread Decorating Corner. Choose from a traditional house, Oreo house, or cookie kit to create (and eat?!) with your family.
Don’t miss a photo opportunity with Nutmeg – the cutest gingerbread man you’ve ever seen!
Cirque Winter Wonderland
- Ticket prices: $44.99 and up
For those seeking an unforgettable show, theCirque Winter Wonderlandevent combines awe-inspiring acrobatics, incredible juggling, and astonishing performances in one grand show. The performance centers around a discouraged child who is striving to bring back the joy of the Christmas season.
Holiday Escape Rooms
- A la carte only: $156 for 4 people
Gaylord Texan Christmas events include not one but two different holiday scape rooms. Choose to either track down the stolen holiday artifact from the North Pole or race against the clock to find your phone at school before the janitor locks up for the break.
A fun, interactive activity for the whole family as you work through puzzles locate clues, and solve the mystery before the time runs out. This is one of our family favorite activities with our older children!
Elf Training Academy
- a la carte only: $19.99 per project
Little (and big) artists will love the opportunity to create a special work of art to take home with them. Paint a beautiful Christmas tree to keep or gift!
Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
- a la carte only: $16.99/each
Join Mrs. Claus for the sweetest gathering including story time, sing along songs, cookies and milk.
Photos with Santa
- Photo Packages start at $40
- Reservations required
No Christmas getaway to the Gaylord Texas is complete without a visit with Santa! Share your wish list and take a fun photo to commemorate the experience!
Ice on the Blocks
- $16.50/one drink
Adults 21+ can check out the ice bar for a drink in a cool atmosphere – no pun intended! The design makes for a fun photo spots and mini adult getaway!
Breakfast with the Grinch
For an extra special breakfast buffet, much on tasty omelets and pancakes at the Texan Station with your favorite Christmas characters – The Grinch (after his heart grew!) and his buddy Max. Make reservations in advance here – this is a popular one!
Gaylord in Grapevine Texas
The Gaylord Texan is located in the charming town of Grapevine which is hailed as the Christmas Capital of Texas. While you could sped your whole Christmas getaway at the Gaylord without running out of things to do and see, I would be remiss not to recommend that you explore the town a bit as well!
Spend an evening walking down Main Street and seeing the light show, and taking photos by the Mistletoe Booth. Visit Nash Farm for a taste of an old-fashioned Christmas and stop by the Visitor’s Center to see their gorgeous décor and intricate train station and village.
>>> Read Next: Experience a Magical Grapevine Texas
Important Tips for Visiting the Gaylord Texan at Christmas
- The best way to enjoy all the festivities at the Gaylord are by spending a night or two. There is SO much to see and do.
- Parking at the Gaylord is pricey so prepare for that and avoid surprises. Many reviewers get frustrated with the parking fee that they don’t expect, so here is your heads up!
- Arrive AT LEAST one hour early for your ICE! reservation. Parking lines are long and you need to take a shuttle.
- Parking is $22 (at the time of this post)
- Expect to wait outdoors for your shuttle, so dress accordingly
- Weekends and School Breaks are VERY busy. If you are visiting then, you can still have an amazing time, but remember to pack your patience and arrive early for your ICE! reservation (minimum of 1 hour early for parking and shuttle). Expect that it will be crowded and more difficult to see the exhibits.
- Price out the activities that you most want to do and compare that against purchasing a whole package. The package may save you some cash even if you don’ t do everything included.
- Most activities allow you to enjoy them all day unlimited times so plan on staying as long as you can to get your money’s worth!
FAQS: Christmas at the Gaylord Texan
What’s the Christmas Village?
The Christmas Village at Gaylord Texan is a festive wonderland filled with holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and joyful activities for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a variety of events and attractions throughout the village, including ice skating, snow tubing, and visits with Santa Claus himself.
How much is the ICE show?
The cost of admission to the ICE show may vary depending on factors like guest age, date, and group rates. It’s recommended to check theofficial event websitefor the most up-to-date pricing information.
What’s this year’s ICE theme?
The 2022 ICE show at Gaylord Texan showcased the holiday movie,The Polar Express. The 2023 season features the classic The Grinch Stole Christmas theme.
Is ICE happening this year?
It sure is! Starting November 11th head to Gaylord Texan to experience ICE! with a Grinch Stole CHristmas theme for the 2023 season.
Any discounts for ICE?
Discounts for ICE and other Christmas at Gaylord Texan events are available for early bird pricing discounts through October. Keep an eye on theirofficial websitefor the latest information on special offers and promotions to save some Christmas dough.
Read More Christmas Events in Texas:
- Festive Christmas Towns in Texas
- Best Christmas Lights in Austin
- Christmas in Grapevine Texas
- Best Christmas Tree Farms in Texas
- Guide to Christmas in Fredericksburg
