Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine opens its 22nd annual Lone Star Christmas celebration on Nov. 13, 2026, with Harry Potter as the theme of its ICE! attraction for the first time. The seasonal event continues through Jan. 3, 2027, combining displays made from 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice with a broader program of holiday activities at the resort.
The attraction takes visitors through 10 rooms drawing on settings from the Harry Potter films. Among the locations represented in ice are Hogsmeade Station, the Forbidden Forest, The Three Broomsticks, the Great Hall and Hogwarts Castle. A large sculpture of Hedwig, Harry's owl, greets visitors at the beginning of the experience. The route also includes five ice slides, each two stories tall, that lead toward a Quidditch pitch.
The frozen exhibits are kept at a temperature of 9 degrees, and visitors are provided with complimentary blue parkas to wear while viewing them. Artisans who travel from Harbin, China, carve the sculptures. Harbin is internationally recognized for its elaborate ice festivals, a tradition reflected in the work brought to the Grapevine attraction.
Elsewhere at Gaylord Texan, the Christmas decorations include more than 2 million lights and 15,000 ornaments. A 54-foot Christmas tree is also part of the seasonal display. The decorations accompany activities throughout the celebration, extending the resort's holiday offerings beyond the rooms and slides inside ICE!.
Families can take part in ice skating, snow tubing and gingerbread decorating, as well as watch holiday light shows and have photos taken with Santa. This year's additions include an illusionist magic show, Cookies with Mrs. Claus and a character breakfast featuring Piney. Those experiences join the other activities offered during Lone Star Christmas.
The resort will also host a December stop by the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan. The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck is scheduled to visit Gaylord Texan from Dec. 6 through Dec. 9. Its appearance is part of a new partnership involving The Coca-Cola Company, Gaylord Hotels and select JW Marriott resorts.
Gaylord Texan Resort is located at 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine. Tickets, holiday packages and further information about the attractions are available through ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com. Both ICE! featuring Harry Potter and Lone Star Christmas follow the Nov. 13 to Jan. 3 schedule, with prices and availability varying by date.
