Oct 13, 2023
AURORA, Colo. — 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China arrived at Gaylord Rockies on Tuesday, Oct. 11 2023, commencing the building of ICE!, the annual Gaylord Hotels holiday tradition. The carvers traveled more than 5,700 miles from their homes in Harbin, China to Aurora, Colorado. Known as "Ice City," Harbin is home to the world's largest annual ice and snow sculpting festival in the world. At Gaylord Rockies, some of the same artisans who create the Harbin festival will carve 300-pound blocks of ice into the larger-than-life, whimsical scenes.
The artisans were welcomed by a Gaylord Rockies clap line made up of associates dressed in Christmas spirit, a character[FD1] meet and a Colorado welcome gift. This[FD2] year, ICE!, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, will return Nov. 17, 2023 through Jan. 1, 2024 bringing the Warner Bros. holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Story™' to life in ice sculpture form. Using more than two million pounds—or 1,000 tons—of ice, carvers will use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and even chainsaws. The holiday celebration continues with performances from "Cirque: Spirit of Christmas," ice slides, holiday activities and a visit from Santa Claus.
Starting with more than 6,000 ice blocks, the carvers will create the nearly 17,000 square foot frozen attraction. The artisans, using skills passed down through generations, follow a 300-page design book to create the ice spectacle. Each artisan brings a unique skill to the table, some specializing in demolition by chain saw while others specialize in carving precise details. Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin to scenes more than 30 feet tall. The environment will be kept frozen by a state-of-the-art chilling system that maintains the attraction's temperature at 9 degrees Fahrenheit and guests will sport a signature blue parka to stay warm.
Over ten scenes from the hilarious family tale will be depicted in hand-carved sculptures made of ice. Featured scenes include the old man's major award, Aunt Clara's pink nightmare, and the ultimate triple dog dare at the school's flagpole. Colored ice developed by chemists to last all season long, clear ice, and LED lights are used to create the display.
In addition to the amazing ice sculptures from the fan-favorite holiday film, guests can take rides down the two-story-tall ice slides and traverse through ice tunnels and arches. The ICE! experience concludes in a separate area dedicated to the Nativity scene, meticulously carved, and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice. Gaylord Rockies has an impressive décor line-up this year, including 33 trees, 19 wreaths, 34 teardrops, 621 feet of garland and 4,603 ornaments across the property.
Also being unwrapped this year are Christmas at Gaylord Rockies packages that include special room rates and admission to select events. Guests are encouraged to book their experiences early, as advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events. Tickets are limited to many of the experiences. For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, guests may visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
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A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements 
& Turner Entertainment Co. (s23)
ABOUT GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, located minutes from both the Denver International Airport and Downtown Denver, offers a mix of entertainment both inside and out, creating a superior guest experience to the "Gateway to the Rockies." Guests are welcomed to the resort's 85-acre property which features breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. The resort's amenities include family-friendly dining, an award-winning spa and fun in the resort's Arapahoe Springs Water Park all while ending the day with picture-perfect sunset views of the mountains.