- Marriott expands ice! to eight U.S. resorts.
- Expansion adds two resorts and three new themes.
- Attraction debuts at resorts in California, Arizona.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL WILL expand “ice!,” its Christmas attraction featuring hand-carved ice sculptures, to eight resorts in the U.S. for this holiday season. The expansion will add two resort locations and introduce three new themes.
The attraction will debut at Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California and JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Marriott said in a statement. The new themes are Home Alone, Harry Potter and Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
"Having welcomed tens of millions of guests over the years, this holiday tradition continues to capture the spirit of the season, and we are proud to introduce our largest footprint to date, giving more families the opportunity to experience how our resorts create holiday memories," said Johann Krieger, Marriott regional vice president.
The attraction features two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures created by more than 300 artisans from Harbin, China, the statement said. The artisans spend about 40 days carving 60,000 ice blocks using techniques passed down through generations.
Each theme includes more than 10 scenes with ice slides, walk-through displays and photo areas. The attraction is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit and guests receive blue parkas.
The attraction will open at Gaylord Pacific Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, 2027. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort will feature Elf™ from Nov. 18 to Jan. 3, 2027.
Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville will feature Home Alone from Nov. 6. Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora will present Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas from Nov. 20 and Gaylord Texan Resort on Lake Grapevine will feature Harry Potter from Nov. 13. Returning themes will be available at Gaylord National Resort, Gaylord Palms Resort and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort.
In addition to ice!, participating resorts will offer activities including character dining, ice tubing, scavenger hunts, stage performances, Christmas villages and Santa photo opportunities. Marriott said tickets and overnight packages are available through SoMuchChristmas.com, with programs varying by resort.
In a separate development, Marriott partnered with Fitwel in June to expand wellness offerings across its branded residences. The initiative supports the company’s focus on residential experiences through design, amenities and health and wellbeing.
