The following is a press release:
The time-honored, immersive holiday attraction, ice!TM, returns to Gaylord Opryland with an all-new theme as part of the resort’s 43rd Annual A Country Christmas, running November 6, 2026, through January 2, 2027. Alongside the signature experience, the iconic Nashville destination will unveil a vibrant slate of festive offerings, including the return of its Broadway-style cirque holiday production featuring
captivating new acts, as well as an exciting mix of new and classic, family-friendly
activations.
Beginning today, guests can book special early bird packages or tickets to receive their
limited-time discount. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. The resort is offering an ice!️ Signature Package that includes room accommodations and ice! tickets (plus a Chill & Thrill package option to also include SoundWaves). All overnight guests who are ice! ticketholders will enjoy the additional perk of a complimentary “Chill Pass” to ice! offering front-of-line access and shorter wait times. To reserve an overnight stay and event tickets or for more information, visit ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com.
The cherished ice!️tradition began at Gaylord Opryland Resort in 2001 and has since become a seasonal staple at Gaylord Hotels. The supersized frozen attraction showcases hand-carved ice sculptures that bring timeless Christmas favorites to life through vivid storytelling and stunning artistry. Expert artisans transform millions of pounds of ice into an awe-inspiring walk-through experience, transporting guests of all ages into the wonder and magic of the season.
This year, Gaylord Opryland proudly unveils ice! featuring Home AloneTM, where the
beloved holiday classic comes to life in more than two million pounds of brilliantly
sculpted ice. Centered around the iconic McCallister home, the experience unfolds across
11 interactive walk-through scenes, beginning with a striking exterior that draws guests into
the story before inviting them inside. From sledding down the grand staircase and joining
the lively mannequin party to recreating the unforgettable aftershave moment, each
vignette captures the heart, humor and nostalgia of the film. Tom Petrillo, Area General
Manager of Gaylord Opryland Resort, shared “We are proud to partner with Disney
Theatrical Group to bring the resort’s brand-new ice! theme to life during our
43rd Annual A Country Christmas. This year’s signature attraction, ice! featuring Home
AloneTM, combines the extraordinary artistry of our world-class ice sculptors with the
timeless charm, humor, and nostalgia of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time.
Together, we’re creating an immersive experience that families of all ages can enjoy, and we
look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to celebrate this unforgettable
holiday tradition right here in Nashville.”
The excitement builds as guests step into Kevin’s larger-than-life battle plan complete with
action-packed traps inspired by the film’s most memorable moments. The adventure
culminates in the capture of the Wet Bandits and Kevin’s triumphant victory, before
transitioning into a heartwarming family reunion scene set around a towering Christmas
tree. Featuring five exhilarating ice slides, crawl-through passages and mesmerizing ice
tunnels, the experience offers countless photo-ready opportunities for the whole family.
Additionally, guests can witness live carving demonstrations that showcase the artistry
behind the attraction and enjoy a beautifully detailed Nativity display sculpted from
crystal-clear ice, providing a serene and meaningful finale. Maintained at a crisp 9 degrees
Fahrenheit to preserve every intricate detail, guests are given signature blue parkas to wear
as they venture through the attraction. “Disney Theatrical Group is thrilled to partner with
Gaylord Opryland Resort to present Home Alone through ‘ice!’,” said Angelo Desimini,
SVP, Licensed Partnerships and Brand Management, Disney Theatrical Group. “This one-
of-a-kind holiday experience is a wonderful example of what’s possible when creative partners come together to reimagine beloved stories in new and unexpected ways. We are
excited to share the artistry, imagination, and unforgettable characters of this iconic story
with audiences, creating special memories for fans and families during the holiday
season.”
The artisans behind this extraordinary masterpiece travel more than 6,400 miles from
Harbin, China, known as the “Ice City” and home to the world’s largest ice and snow
festival, to bring their craft to Nashville. The team uses more than 6,000 massive blocks of
ice and dedicates approximately six weeks and more than 12,000 hours to create the
17,000-square-foot frozen attraction. Following a detailed 300-page design plan, they use
chisels, grinders and chainsaws to transform ice into a breathtaking holiday wonderland.
Back by popular demand, the resort’s 43rd Annual A Country Christmas will once again
feature POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a dazzling holiday stage production where the
brilliance of Broadway meets the magic and wonder of cirque. This year’s reimagined show
introduces new gravity-defying acts, even more mind-blowing illusions, breathtaking
costumes, and enchanting storytelling. POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance captivated
Nashville audiences last season and won the Telly Award for “Best Immersive Family
Holiday Show.”
The reimagined show returns for an exclusive Nashville residency in the resort’s Tennessee
Ballroom Theater, November 24 through December 31, 2026. Created by acclaimed
Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg, this one-of-a-kind immersive
experience is inspired by the popular POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance storybook series
and television special. Guests of all ages are transported into a whimsical world where
three best friends study music, magic, and circus arts at a secret university. An
extraordinary cast of performers, including acrobats, magicians, singers, and dancers,
bring the story to life through jaw-dropping feats, mystifying effects, and Broadway-caliber
theatrics, with a magical appearance by Santa.
Before the curtain rises, guests are invited to explore the POMP, SNOW &
CIRQUEumstance Immersive Universe, an interactive holiday wonderland filled with
sparkling lights, whimsical décor, beloved characters, and surprise pop-up performances.
From glistening reindeer and towering nutcrackers to colossal candy canes and an 18-foot
gingerbread man, the experience surrounds guests with imaginative holiday displays
designed to create unforgettable family memories.
The magic doesn’t end there! The entire resort is once again transformed into a holiday
haven overflowing with joyous experiences and showstopping décor both indoors and out.
Guests can stroll beneath more than five million twinkling lights, marvel at stunningly
adorned Christmas trees including a magnificent 48-foot centerpiece, and take in
thousands of vibrant poinsettias, all complemented by 15 miles of garland and 10 miles of
hand-tied ribbon. The celebration continues outdoors at Pinetop, an Appalachian-inspired
village where charm meets adventure, offering family-friendly rides, seasonal treats, and
even more merry moments to savor.
Endless holiday experiences await during the 43rd Annual A Country Christmas. Other
events and activities include:
- Families can partake in an all-new Secret Santa Scavenger Hunt where they can work
together to solve the puzzle, celebrate each discovery, and earn a prize for completing
the hunt. - Also debuting this year is Nutmeg’s Holiday Kitchen Character Breakfast where
families can meet Nutmeg, the life-sized gingerbread cookie, and The Baker as they
share cheer through stories, laughter, and festive fun. This interactive dining experience
features photo opportunities and playful moments designed to make every family feel
part of the Christmas magic. - Guests can hop aboard Nashville’s famous 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat, the
General Jackson Showboat, for the Tennessee Christmas lunch cruise or the Music
City Christmas dinner cruise while enjoying scenic views of the Cumberland River and Nashville Skyline. Guests can look forward to a delightful Southern meal and world-class live musical performances. Visit GeneralJackson.com for more information. - Thrilling activities await outside at Pinetop including ice tubing down a 15-foot-high,
four-lane ice tubing hill, a classic bumper car experience, and ice skating on a 9,000-
square-foot, skating rink made with real ice, while listening to holiday tunes. - The resort’s upscale signature steakhouse, Old Hickory, as well as Gaylord Springs Golf
Links, will host special Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day dining experiences. - Christmas creativity runs wild in the Gingerbread Decorating Corner. Decorate your
very own Gingerbread cookies or house and enjoy a sweet meet and greet with
Cinnamon, the resort’s very own life-sized gingerbread cookie. - Mailing a letter to the North Pole is great, but nothing can beat a personal visit with
Santa Claus to let him know what you want for Christmas and make sure you’re on his
nice list. Guests can capture the moment with a keepsake photo during the Photos
with Santa experience. - Hop aboard the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise to explore the Twelve Days of A
Country Christmas while cruising down a quarter-mile-long river inside of the Delta
Atrium. - Visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop® to experience the fun of personalizing furry friends
and taking part in a one-of-a-kind Heart Ceremony. - Additional activities include Letters to Santa, Holiday Selfie Spots, and a Holiday
Horticulture Trek. - Take in a breathtaking synchronization of light, water, and holiday music during a free
light & fountain show inside of the Delta Atrium. - Other outdoor activities include the resort’s millions of Christmas lights displayed on
the Magnolia lawn, a nightly tree lighting, Dickens Carolers, cozy carriage rides and a
stunning Nativity display featuring special lighting effects and an audio rendition of the
beloved biblical story. - The resort’s upscale water attraction, SoundWaves, has an 84-degree, 110,000 square-
foot inside area which is open year-round. Float down the lazy river, zip along the rapid river, jump aboard a mega raft ride, or take a stab at surfing on Nashville’s only double FlowRider®. The attraction also features a restaurant, cabana rentals, multi-level play structures for kids, and an adult only pool and adult only bar. Downstairs, all hotel visitors can visit the Bass-ment, a full arcade room with a rock-climbing wall. Soundwaves is only available to guests who pre-purchase a SoundWaves package. Visit SoundWavesGO.com for more information. - Relâche Spa inside the resort offers luxurious, seasonal massages, body treatments,
facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services and more. - For capacity management and to ensure an enjoyable environment, resort access will be
guaranteed after 3:00 p.m. CT for overnight guests as well as indoor or outdoor ticket
reservation holders only every Friday and Saturday beginning November 20 plus daily
November 23-26 and December 18-31, 2026. The resort welcomes visitors without room
reservation or ticketed event reservations to arrive on site prior to 3:00 p.m. CT on the
aforementioned dates and enjoy the rest of the afternoon into the evening, or to visit anytime
November 6-19, Nov. 22, Nov. 29 – Dec. 3, Dec. 6-10, Dec. 13-17, 2026; or Jan. 1-2, 2027.
Additional restrictions may apply without advance notice.
