ICE! - Nov. 16th

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine has become another of my family's annual traditions. If you haven't experienced ICE!, it probably sounds like another one of those hokey holiday events...the kind you're dragged off to. Certainly not a holiday wonderland you'd cheerfully anticipate each year. But I assure you, Wonderland It Is.

I have particularly fond memories of ICE! from last year. So much of my extended family was able to attend together that it was practically a family reunion. And it snowed that day. Perfect.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  What is ICE!, you ask?

ICE! is how the Gaylord Texan rings in the holidays. As you drive onto the property, you're greeted by Santa, reindeer, giant wrapped presents and oversized snowflakes lining the drive. By the time you've parked your car, you're already in the spirit of Christmas. 

The massive courtyard of the resort has also been transformed into a Texas-style North Pole. Look around, take pictures, eat...repeat. That's what you're meant to do, and you won't be able to help yourself. Even the emerging teenager in your group who's been a bit of a jackass of late won't be able to resist.

Upon entering the ICE! exhibit, you'll find two million pounds of ice spread over 14,000 sq. feet. This year's theme is It's a Charlie Brown Christmas. Good for conjuring up a good case of the warm and fuzzies.

By the way, you'll need to bring your warm and fuzzies. For obvious reasons, they have to keep the exhibit area very cold. As in Nine Degrees Cold. Hat-Scarf-Gloves Cold. The Gaylord Texan will provide your parka.

Bundle up.

Allow yourself most of the day, so you aren't rushed.

Take your camera.

That's all I'll say about ICE!,  because you really just need to experience it for yourself.

And it's amazing. 

ICE! - Gaylord Texan

1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051 (Map)

Nov. 12th - Jan. 3rd

$12-$23 depending on age and day. See website for details.