Grapevine families and holiday‑seeking visitors have a fresh reason to celebrate this season. Starting Nov. 13, the Gaylord Texan Resort opens its 22nd annual Lone Star Christmas celebration with a brand‑new attraction: ICE! featuring Harry Potter. The winter wonderland runs through Jan. 3, 2027 and brings the wizarding world to life with more than 2 million pounds of hand‑carved ice.
Wizarding‑World Ice Experience
Guests wander through ten themed ice rooms that echo iconic locations from the Harry Potter films, including Hogsmeade Station, the Forbidden Forest, The Three Broomsticks, the Great Hall and a towering Hogwarts Castle. A massive sculpture of Hedwig, Harry’s beloved owl, greets visitors at the entrance, and five two‑story ice slides whisk guests toward a frozen Quidditch pitch.
Temperatures inside the attraction are kept at a brisk 9 °F. To keep families comfortable, the resort provides complimentary blue parkas. The intricate ice sculptures are crafted by artisans who travel from Harbin, China, a city renowned for its elaborate ice festivals.
More Holiday Activities at Gaylord Texan
Beyond the Harry Potter‑themed ice displays, the resort transforms into a full‑scale holiday destination. More than 2 million twinkling lights illuminate the property, surrounding a 54‑foot Christmas tree adorned with 15,000 ornaments. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, holiday light shows and photo opportunities with Santa.
New additions this year include an illusionist magic show, “Cookies with Mrs. Claus,” and a character breakfast featuring Piney, the resort’s beloved mascot. The festivities also extend into the surrounding community; the Coca‑Cola Holiday Caravan will visit the resort Dec. 6‑9 as part of a partnership with The Coca‑Cola Company, Gaylord Hotels and select JW Marriott resorts.
Plan Your Visit
ICE! featuring Harry Potter and the broader Lone Star Christmas celebration are located at Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas. Tickets, holiday packages and additional attraction details are available at ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com. Prices and availability vary by date, so families are encouraged to book early.
For North Texas families seeking a blend of holiday tradition and a touch of magical adventure, the Grapevine resort offers a unique way to experience the season without traveling far from home.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
