It may only be November, but a freeze warning will soon be in effect for one area of the DMV.
From Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, part of Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor will be a cool 9 degrees as the hotel welcomes back a favorite holiday tradition, ICE!.
An immersive winter wonderland of ice sculptures, ice slides, and scenes from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” ICE! is brought to life by a team of 40 expert artisans from Harbin, China.
Following a 300-page design book filled with sketches and blueprints to sculpt each individual piece – some as small as a coin and others nearly 30 feet tall – the artisans work for six weeks to create the 20,000-square-foot attraction. They use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and even chainsaws to bring the experience to life.
Journeying through the attraction, guests will see 2 million pounds of ice transformed into familiar characters and scenes, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, Clarice, The Abominable Snow Monster, Santa and his workshop, the Island of Misfit Toys, and how Rudolph saved Christmas.
To preserve the frozen sculptures, Gaylord National maintains a state-of-the-art chilling system, but there’s no need to pack coats (scarves, gloves, and extra apparel are suggested for those who tend to get cold). Even though it’s cool inside, the resort provides parkas to keep guests warm as they zoom down thrilling ice slides, marvel at larger-than-life displays, and wander through the arctic attraction.
While ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ is Gaylord National’s signature Christmas attraction, it’s just one of dozens of festive events and activities during the resort’s holiday season. With millions of twinkling lights, acres of dazzling décor, dozens of holiday displays, and hours of family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord National.
Learn more and purchase tickets at Christmas at Gaylord National.
