The Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine has unveiled the official theme for its annual sub-zero holiday tradition: the wizarding world of “Harry Potter.”

Running from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, the upcoming Ice! experience replaces last year’s Elf theme with iconic scenes and characters from the beloved fantasy franchise, timing the event to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first film’s release.

Master Craftsmen and Scale of Production

To construct the holiday attraction, master ice artisans travel over 6,400 miles from Harbin, China—a city world-renowned for its ice-carving tradition. Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe live carving demonstrations during their visit.

By the numbers, the exhibit features:

• 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice
• 10 distinct themed rooms
• A constant internal temperature maintained at 9 degrees Fahrenheit

Guests are provided with signature blue parkas upon entry to navigate the freezing environment.

Featured Environments and Attractions

The attraction opens with a massive ice sculpture of Harry Potter’s owl, Hedwig, before leading guests through a series of iconic franchise locations:

• Hogsmeade Station & The Three Broomsticks: Recreations of the famous wizarding train platform and pub.
• The Forbidden Forest: Sculptures depicting magical creatures from the series.
• The Great Hall & Hogwarts Castle: A centerpiece hall featuring house colors for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
• Two-Story Ice Slides: Six multi-story slides that send riders speeding down toward a carved Quidditch Pitch.

Resort Festivities and Ticketing Information

Beyond the primary ice exhibit, the Gaylord Texan will feature its broader Christmas Village, decorated with 2 million holiday lights and a 54-foot Christmas tree. The property will also offer ice tubing, outdoor skating, and the region’s largest seasonal pop-up retail shop.

Standard ticket prices range from $33 to $54 depending on the date, with complimentary admission for children ages 3 and under. Early-bird ticket packages offering a 30% discount are available online through August 10.