Marriott International will stage its ICE! Christmas attraction at eight US resorts from November, adding first-time venues in California and Arizona, the company said on October 19.
More than 300 artisans from Harbin, China, have arrived to carve the installations at Gaylord Hotels and selected JW Marriott resorts. Work will take nearly 40 days, using millions of pounds of ice.
Gaylord Pacific in Chula Vista, California, will host A Charlie Brown Christmas from November 20 to January 3. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge will introduce an Elf-themed attraction from November 18 to January 3.
Three existing venues will receive new themes. Gaylord Opryland in Nashville opens Home Alone on November 6, running until January 2. Gaylord Texan in Grapevine launches Harry Potter on November 13, while Gaylord Rockies in Aurora introduces The Nightmare Before Christmas on November 20. Both run until January 3.
Returning attractions include The Polar Express at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee from November 13 and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Gaylord National in Maryland from November 14.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country opens Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on November 23. All three returning programmes close on January 3.
The walk-through displays include ice slides and live carving demonstrations. Resorts keep the attractions at 9°F, about minus 13°C, and provide visitors with parkas.
Tickets and overnight packages are available, with offerings and blackout dates varying by property. The ICE! Christmas programme adds seasonal attractions to a resort portfolio that also includes JW Marriott’s recently opened first all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica.
Photo: An ICE! artisan at work. Credit: Marriott International.
