Texas and 9-degree weather usually don’t mix unless there’s a power grid failure or a freak blue norther. But every year, right in the middle of Grapevine, millions of pounds of ice literally take over a massive tent at the Gaylord Texan Resort. It is cold. Really cold. Honestly, if you walk in thinking your light "Texas winter" hoodie will save you, you're in for a rude awakening.
The Gaylord Texan ICE event is one of those things that sounds like a gimmick until you’re standing in front of a 20-foot tall sculpture of Buddy the Elf carved entirely from frozen water. It’s huge. It’s vibrant. And for 2025-2026, it’s all about the movie Elf.
The Logistics: Timing and Getting In
First things first, you can't just show up and wing it. This isn't a walk-up carnival. The event runs from November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026. If you wait until the week of Christmas to buy tickets, you’re basically fighting for scraps.
Tickets are timed. This is basically the resort’s way of making sure you aren’t shoulder-to-shoulder with 5,000 other shivering humans. Prices usually hover around $34 for adults and $24 for kids, but they fluctuate. Value days are cheaper; weekends and holidays will cost you more.
Expert Tip: Look for the coupon code TRAVELING. Historically, this has knocked a significant chunk off general admission, sometimes up to 50% on select days. Just check the blackout dates because they definitely exist for the busy weeks in December.
Why it’s 9 Degrees (And why that matters)
The temperature inside is non-negotiable. It’s $9^\circ\text{F}$ (about $-13^\circ\text{C}$). They have massive chillers and industrial fans running 24/7 to keep the sculptures from turning into expensive puddles.
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The resort gives you a big, heavy blue parka. It’s iconic. Everyone wears one. But here is what people get wrong: the parka is not enough. The parka protects your torso, but it does nothing for your toes or your nose.
Wear real shoes. Seriously. No flip-flops, no "cute" flats. Your feet are inches away from two million pounds of ice for 30 minutes. If you have thermal leggings, wear them under your jeans. Bring your own gloves and a beanie. If you forget them, you'll end up paying $20 for a pair of "emergency" gloves in the gift shop that you’ll never wear again.
The Artistry from Harbin
The sculptures aren't made by some guys with chainsaws in a backyard. A team of about 40 master artisans travels over 6,000 miles from Harbin, China to Grapevine.
Harbin is home to the world’s largest ice and snow festival, so these people are the Olympic athletes of ice carving. They spend about six weeks working 10-hour shifts inside that 9-degree tent. They use a 300-page design book to recreate scenes from Elf with terrifying precision.
The ice itself isn't just frozen tap water. They use:
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- Clear Ice: Frozen slowly to remove air bubbles, making it look like crystal.
- White Ice: Frozen quickly to keep the bubbles, giving it a snowy look.
- Colored Ice: Created by a chemist using specific dyes that won't bleed when the ice is fused together.
When you see the "spaghetti and syrup" scene from the movie, remember that every noodle was hand-shaved. It’s kind of insane when you think about the labor involved.
Beyond the Sculptures: The "Other" Activities
Gaylord Texan ICE is the headliner, but the resort builds an entire "Christmas Village" around it. It’s basically a holiday-themed cash grab, but it’s a very fun one if you plan your budget.
- Snow Tubing: They have an eight-lane hill made of real snow. It’s fast.
- Ice Skating: A 6,000-square-foot outdoor rink.
- Snowball Build & Blast: You can actually throw real snowballs at targets.
- Gingerbread Decorating: Good for the kids, though your kitchen will be cleaner if you do it here.
If you’re staying at the resort, you get a "Chill Pass." This is huge. It gives you front-of-line access to ICE, which can save you an hour of waiting in the "standby" heat.
The Parking Nightmare (And how to skip it)
Parking at the Gaylord Texan can be a mess. Valet is usually around $45, and self-parking isn't much cheaper.
Pro move: If you don't want to pay the resort parking fees, look at parking in historic downtown Grapevine and taking the shuttle. Or, if you’re eating at one of the resort restaurants like Zeppole or Old Hickory Steakhouse, ask about parking validation. It’s not guaranteed for the ICE event, but it’s worth the ask.
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Survival Guide for Parents
If you have a toddler, keep it short. The "magical" feeling lasts about 15 minutes before the "I can't feel my ears" whining starts.
Strollers are a no-go inside the actual ice exhibit. There’s a "stroller valet" outside the tent. If your kid is small enough, wear them in a carrier—the body heat helps both of you.
Also, your phone battery will die. Lithium-ion batteries hate the cold. If you’re at 20% and walk into 9 degrees, your phone will likely shut off within three minutes. Charge to 100% before you go in, or keep your phone in an inside pocket close to your body heat between photos.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're actually planning to go this season, do these three things right now:
- Check the "Value Days": Visit the official website and look for Monday-Thursday slots. They are significantly cheaper and much less crowded.
- Dig for the Code: Try the code TRAVELING or check local DFW "mom blogs" for updated 2025-2026 discount links.
- Inventory your Winter Gear: Don't assume you can find your gloves 10 minutes before you leave the house. Dig them out now.
The Gaylord Texan ICE is a massive, frozen, expensive, and beautiful production. It's one of those "Texas" things you have to do at least once, just to say you survived 9 degrees in a parka while looking at a frozen New York City skyline.