Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine will open a Harry Potter-themed ICE! exhibit Nov. 13, featuring 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures from the film series.
The walk-through attraction, first reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in July, replaces the 2025 "Elf" theme and runs through Jan. 3, 2027. It is part of the resort's 22nd annual Lone Star Christmas celebration. Tickets start at $33.32, according to Community Impact.
Visitors will walk through 10 rooms kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The resort provides blue parkas. Scenes include Hogsmeade Station, the Forbidden Forest, The Three Broomsticks, The Great Hall and Hogwarts Castle-themed spaces. A towering ice sculpture of Hedwig, Harry's owl, greets guests at the entrance.
The castle room features six two-story ice slides leading toward a Quidditch Pitch area that bursts into light and color representing each Hogwarts house.
More than 300 artisans from Harbin, China, travel over 6,400 miles to carve the exhibit, according to Community Impact. They spend about 40 days hand-carving 60,000 ice blocks. Live carving demonstrations will be available on-site.
Johann Krieger, regional vice president of Marriott International, said in a July 23 news release that the holiday tradition has welcomed tens of millions of guests over the years. Gaylord Hotels created the ICE! concept in 2001, and the exhibit has appeared at multiple resorts nationwide.
Beyond ICE!, the Lone Star Christmas lineup includes 2 million twinkling lights, a 54-foot Christmas tree, miniature trains and 25-foot-tall toy soldiers. Other activities include ice tubing, ice skating, gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa and stories with Mrs. Claus.
Bundled activity passes and overnight packages with ICE! tickets are available at the resort's website, with discounts for teachers, military members, seniors, first responders and AAA members.
Gaylord Texan Resort sits at 1501 Gaylord Trail on Lake Grapevine.
Upcoming community events in Grapevine:
- Grapevine's October festival season includes lakeside concerts and free live music. Details here.
- North Pole Express train ride tickets go on sale Oct. 1. More info.
- ICE! featuring Harry Potter opens Nov. 13 at Gaylord Texan, with tickets on sale now at christmasatgaylordtexan.com.
