ICE! Is bring Santa Claus Back to Town
Winter isn’t a big deal here in Texas as the winter months feel more like fall down here in the south. However, that doesn’t stop the winter festivities. ICE! featuring Santa Claus is making its way to town at the Gaylord Texan Grapevine resort & Convention Center. This seasonal winter wonderland is hand carved by talented artisans who travel to Grapevine to create this attraction. These artisans spend months in a 9-degree freezer to transform 2 million pounds of solid hard ice into a breathtaking piece of artwork for visitors to experience. The Gaylord Texas resort itself is a beautiful sight to see as the whole hotel is decorated in ribbons, ornaments, and glitter for the holiday season. Photographers are available at every corner capturing memories of visitors, their families, and loved ones. These pictures can be purchased at a Kodak event and imaging counters which are located at various spots around the hotel. Grab yourself a map and go on exploring! There are even events for children available such as scavenger hunts which keep the little ones occupied.
As a previous employee of Kodak event and imaging solution team at the Gaylord Texan, I had the opportunity to photograph the seasonal displays that attracted families, lovers, and friends to the resort every year. I can tell you it was such a surreal experience to capture smiles and laughs of loved ones as they huddled around for a picture. With the holiday season you can sense the love and warmth in the air. ICE! at the resort brings families together and lets them cherish their time and appreciation for one another, together. It’s little events like this that people remember for a lifetime.
With temperatures at around 9-degrees you’ll definitely get a true winter experience. As you enter you are given a jacket suitable to the weather and you literally walk through a stunning winter wonderland that was handcrafted. Tubing is even available and there’s hot chocolate waiting for you at the end of the experience. Tickets can be purchased online at the Marriott hotel website which Gaylord Texan Resort is a branch of. Be sure and check the website for daily values which can be more affordable than general admission and peak rates which fluctuates as the holiday season approaches. As a photographer I was able to see all the behind the scenes process of setting up for the ICE! show. I experienced everything from the set up to the removal of the ice as the holiday season dwindled down. ICE! Is now open to visitors through January 1st, so get your tickets while you can! It’s definitely a sight to see and I guarantee you that this experience won’t disappoint.