NASHVILLE, TN. – The time-honored, immersive holiday attraction, ice! ™, 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 Alone™, 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 Alone™, 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.
About ice!️™An Immersive Christmas Experience
The signature Christmas experience, ice!™, immerses guests in beloved holiday stories hand-carved by master artisans from Harbin, China at resorts across the United States. Created in 2001 by Gaylord Hotels, the holiday attraction debuted at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. Since then, tens of millions of visitors have traveled to experience this frozen tradition, where more than 2 million pounds of ice are transformed into memorable scenes and characters, two-story ice slides, photo-worthy tunnels, and more. The Christmas showcase takes place at select resorts, including Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, Calif., Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colo., Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Ariz. and at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. More information can be found at SoMuchChristmas.com.
About Gaylord Opryland Resort
Gaylord Opryland Resort, located at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tennessee, is the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands. The expansive 2,888-room resort delivers a true “everything in one place” experience, featuring SoundWaves, an upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction, along with a wide array of dining options, a full-service spa, premier entertainment, on-site shopping, and an award-winning golf course. Recognized nationally for excellence and innovation, Gaylord Opryland has been named one of Business Insider’s “Top 20 Resorts in the Country with the Best Christmas Decorations” and earned the “Best in the South” distinction in the 2024 Parents Travel Awards. The resort has also been honored for two consecutive years (2025 and 2026) as one of Travel + Leisure’s “Best Hotels with Water Parks,” named “The South’s Best Resorts 2026” by Southern Living, and received a USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Wave Pool.” For more information, visit GaylordOpryland.com.
About Disney Theatrical Group
DISNEY THEATRICAL GROUP (DTG), a division of The Walt Disney Studios led by Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, brings the stories you love to life through stage productions, arena shows, and immersive experiences. Each year, DTG reaches nearly 40 million guests across 300 cities on five continents, with hundreds of millions entertained around the globe since the company’s inception in 1994.
DTG oversees a growing global portfolio including arena spectaculars such as Disney On Ice; family touring productions including Disney Junior Live On Tour: Let's Play!; immersive and experiential attractions such as Mundo Pixar Experience; The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail; Avatar: Guardians of Eywa; The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sphere and Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure.
Alongside this work, Disney Theatrical Group has become one of the most successful theatre producers in the world. Its New York productions include The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Newsies, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida, TARZAN®, Mary Poppins (co-produced with Cameron Mackintosh), The Little Mermaid, and Peter and the Starcatcher. Additional stage ventures include the current North American tour of Beauty and the Beast, the Olivier Award-nominated Shakespeare in Love, Hercules, stage productions of Disney’s High School Musical, Der Glöckner von Notre Dame in Berlin and King David in concert on Broadway.
HOME ALONE ™ and all related characters and elements © 20th Century Studios.
About POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance
POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance™(PSC) is a unique children’s, family, and lifestyle brand that has emerged as a global phenomenon with its whimsical storytelling and spectacular live and immersive experiences. What began as a beloved children’s book series has grown into a vibrant, multi-platform franchise, featuring theatrical productions in Orlando, Nashville, and the Bahamas, as well as television specials, an animated series, toys, apparel, and immersive retail experiences. Praised by SiriusXM as “an amazing body of work for children and families” and described by South Florida Reporter as “right up there with all the other holiday classics but with a magical twist,” PSC continues to enchant audiences of all ages. Founder Neil Goldberg has been a featured guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show and TODAY Show while the brand’s colorful characters and dazzling performances have been featured on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and media outlets worldwide. To learn more, visit PompSnowAndCirqueumstance.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @PompSnowCirque.
About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bear is a leading global retailtainment brand on a mission to add a little more heart to life. At Build-A-Bear, guests are invited to create personalized furry friends through a unique stuffing, dressing, accessorizing and naming process, accentuated by a memorable "heart ceremony" that creates moments of connection for people of all ages.
Over the years, Build-A-Bear has grown into a multi-generational phenomenon, positioned at the intersection of pop-culture trends. Beyond its signature retail experience, the brand also offers pre-stuffed plush, gifting, partnerships with best-in-class licensed and collectible characters, and original storytelling through Build-A-Bear Entertainment, LLC. Build-A-Bear’s current brand platform and message, “The Stuff You Love,” crosses ages and cultures while celebrating nearly 30 years of helping people mark life’s meaningful moments.
Today, Build-A-Bear operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries, complemented by buildabear.com. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, representing the company's 5th consecutive year of record results. Learn more at the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.
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