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6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd Aurora, CO 80019
Gaylord Rockies Announces ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Ahead of 2025 Holiday Season
Two Million Pounds of Ice Will Recreate the Classic Holiday Story in Colorado's Largest Indoor Frozen Attraction
Featured at six resorts nationwide this November, ICE!, the holiday tradition created by Gaylord Hotels in 2001, will return to Gaylord Rockies Resort from Nov. 24, 2025, to Jan. 2, 2026. Using more than 2 million pounds—or 1,000 tons—of ice, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China. Gaylord Rockies Resort will also debut new Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing, Gumdrop Gliders Ice Puck Challenge and Feast with the Grinch, an all-new character dining experience. Limited-time early bird overnight packages, and day-guest tickets for ICE! featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas! are on sale today at ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
This holiday season, guests will embark on a whimsical journey through hand-carved ice sculptures depicting iconic scenes from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Crafted from more than two million pounds of ice, the experience brings the beloved story to life; from the Grinch’s mountaintop lair and his sneaky sleigh ride into Whoville, to the Whos’ joyful celebration and the moment his heart grows three sizes. The attraction features five, two-story tall interactive ice slides, with vibrant colored ice, crystal-clear ice, and dazzling LED lights used to create a breathtaking, frozen wonderland.
Starting with more than 6,000 massive ice blocks, the carvers work approximately six weeks—more than 12,000 man-hours—to 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. Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin to soaring 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. Guests will sport a signature blue parka to stay warm.
The carvers will travel more than 5,700 miles from their homes in Harbin, China to Aurora, Colo. Known as “Ice City,” Harbin is home to the 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, cherished scenes. Carvers will use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and even chainsaws to bring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! to life.
In addition to the ice sculptures from the beloved Christmas story, guests can take rides down the two-story-tall ice slides, traverse through ice tunnels and arches, and visit the carver showcase to watch artisans perform live carving demonstrations. The ICE! holiday attraction concludes in a separate area dedicated to the Nativity scene, meticulously carved, and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice.
While ICE! is the signature attraction at Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, there are plenty more merry activities, hands-on events, and dazzling decorations, both indoors and outdoors to experience. A true winter wonderland, the resort boasts millions of twinkling lights and over 200 themed Christmas trees. Here is a rundown of other holiday happenings at the resort:
• NEW: Feast with the Grinch – Join everyone’s favorite green and grouchy character for a festive dining experience inspired by How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Max will also be on hand as the Grinch makes a rare appearance outside of Whoville.
NEW: Sippin’ Santa – A holiday-themed tiki bar pop-up on the Old Hickory terrace, featuring festive cocktails, island-inspired décor, and collectible mugs.
• Festival of Trees – This holiday fundraiser features beautifully decorated trees available for auction, with proceeds benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text) and its mission to ensure every child has access to trusted early childhood resources.
• The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt – The Grinch has hidden clues of his mischievous plan throughout the resort. Solve riddles to help save the joy of the season and earn a special stocking stuffer upon completion.
• Gingerbread Decorating Corner – Let your holiday creativity run wild decorating a festive gingerbread cookie. Afterwards, meet Nutmeg, the resort’s own gingerbread man, for a sweet photo opportunity.
• Build-A-Bear Workshop® – Personalize a furry friend at Build-A-Bear® and take part in the brand’s one-of-a-kind Heart Ceremony. Add scents, sounds, and outfits to create the perfect gift or Christmas keepsake.
• Photos with Santa – Skip the letter to the North Pole and deliver your wish list in person. Capture a festive photo with Santa and make sure you’re on the nice list.
• Elf Training Academy – Step inside Santa’s Workshop and learn how to become one of his helpers. Led by one of Santa’s top toymakers, guests will complete elf training and craft a holiday keepsake.
• Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions – Join Mrs. Claus for a cozy celebration of Christmas traditions, including a retelling of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas, carols, and Santa’s favorite cookies and milk.
• Yuletide Street Market in Mistletoe Village – This festive market features wall-to-wall holiday gifts, collectibles, plush toys, home décor, apparel, ornaments, and more.
• Holiday Dining – Enjoy festive meals and seasonal treats across the resort, including holiday menus at select restaurants, themed cocktails, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and Cinnabon favorites.
• Relâche Spa – Guests can unwind in the award-winning Relâche Spa with seasonal treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate.
Overnight guests will enjoy perks including:
Also being unwrapped 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 and peak weekends sell out quickly. For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, guests may visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
