Gaylord Texan Freezes Harry Potter World With 2 Million Pounds of Ice

The wizarding world arrived in Grapevine on a wave of frost this morning. Gaylord Texan Resort opened its 22nd annual Lone Star Christmas celebration on Nov. 13 by unveiling ICE! featuring Harry Potter. This marks the first time the resort has integrated the film franchise into its winter attraction.

The new exhibit is built from 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice. Artisans from Harbin, China, traveled to Texas to craft the sculptures. The city is known for its elaborate ice festivals. Inside the attraction, temperatures are held at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests receive complimentary blue parkas to stay warm while they walk through the displays.

Visitors move through 10 themed rooms inspired by the movies. These spaces include Hogsmeade Station, the Forbidden Forest, and The Three Broomsticks. The Great Hall and Hogwarts Castle also appear in ice. A towering sculpture of Hedwig, Harry Potter's owl, stands at the entrance to the experience. Further inside, five two-story ice slides lead toward a Quidditch pitch.

The ice attraction is part of a larger holiday transformation at the resort. The property displays more than 2 million twinkling lights. A 54-foot Christmas tree stands in the lobby, decorated with 15,000 ornaments. The resort also offers ice skating, snow tubing, and gingerbread decorating for families.

New activities for the 2026 season include an illusionist magic show and a character breakfast with Piney. A Cookies with Mrs. Claus event is also scheduled. The holiday offerings extend into the city of Grapevine. The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will visit the resort from Dec. 6 to 9. This is part of a new partnership between The Coca-Cola Company, Gaylord Hotels, and select JW Marriott resorts.

The attraction runs through Jan. 3, 2027. The resort is located at 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine. Tickets and holiday packages are available at ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com. Prices and availability vary by date.