There's Christmas in Grapevine, and then there's Christmas at nine degrees.

Beginning November 13, 2026, Gaylord Texan Resort invites families into ICE! featuring Harry Potter, a frozen world of hand-carved sculptures, familiar settings and ice slides that feels very different from a North Texas winter.

The attraction runs through January 3, 2027. A little planning before you buy tickets can make the outing more comfortable, especially if you're bringing young children or combining the visit with other holiday activities.

What You'll See at ICE! Featuring Harry Potter

This year's exhibit brings scenes from the Harry Potter stories to life in colorful ice, with displays inspired by the Hogwarts Express, Hogsmeade, the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest.

Visitors can see favorite figures such as Hedwig and the Sorting Hat, then watch family members take a turn on ice slides near the castle-themed scenes.

The resort says the attraction includes 10 scenes carved from two million pounds of ice. A smaller slide is available for younger guests.

You don't need to know every character to appreciate the scale and detail. The ice itself is the attraction, from the bright sculpted passageways to the unusual chance to step into a truly frozen setting in Grapevine.

How Cold Is It, and What Should You Wear?

The exhibit is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. That is much colder than the weather most Grapevine families expect outside during the holiday season.

Gaylord Texan provides hooded parkas for visitors, but the resort recommends warm layers, winter gloves, hats, long pants and comfortable closed-toe footwear.

If anyone in your group wants to use the ice slides, choose shoes that are suitable for cold, slippery surfaces. Heels and inappropriate footwear are not a good choice.

For little ones especially, warm hands and feet can make the difference between a fun visit and an early exit. Bring gloves even if the weather outside feels mild.

How Long Should You Allow?

Most guests spend about 20 to 40 minutes inside ICE!, although the experience is self-guided and you may take more time.

Tickets allow one entry only. Once you exit, you cannot go back through the exhibit on the same ticket.

Visit the restroom, gather your family and have your phone or camera ready before entering. Expect possible lens fogging when moving from the cold exhibit into warmer air.

If you're traveling with a group, agree on a comfortable pace before heading inside. It's better to enjoy the sculptures together than to hurry from one photo opportunity to the next.

Tickets, Entry Times and Family Pricing

Choose your date and timed entry when you book. The official ticket page displays the price for each selected visit, so a single advertised price may not match your family's date.

Children ages three and younger enter free. Guests younger than 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The resort warns that guests must arrive at the attraction entrance for their scheduled time; early or late entry is not permitted. Leave extra time for parking and walking to the exhibit.

Tickets are nonrefundable, and admission prices do not include parking fees or taxes. Compare the full checkout total before purchasing.

Book through the official Gaylord Texan ticketing page rather than relying on an outdated event listing or a third-party starting price.

Parking and Getting to the Resort

ICE! is held at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051, near Lake Grapevine.

The resort's current FAQ lists self-parking at $30 daily and valet parking at $50 daily, before tax. It also notes that additional fees may apply and day visitors pay per entry.

Prepaid day-guest parking options may offer savings. Check the resort's parking information before leaving home.

The resort and Historic Main Street are separate Grapevine destinations. If you're planning to enjoy downtown holiday displays as well, make a separate plan for travel and parking instead of assuming everything is within a short walk.

Strollers, Slides and Accessibility

ICE! can be enjoyed by visitors of different ages, even if someone in your family decides to skip the slides.

Strollers are not permitted inside the ICE! tent. Gaylord Texan provides a designated stroller-parking area outside.

Much of the exhibit accommodates guests with mobility needs, but the ice slides involve climbing stairs without assistance and have activity-specific restrictions.

If anyone in your group needs an accessibility accommodation, contact the resort before booking so you can make an informed choice. Gaylord Texan can be reached at 817-778-1000.

Other Christmas Activities at Gaylord Texan

ICE! is the centerpiece of the resort's holiday program, but there are additional experiences for families who want to stay longer.

The holiday lineup includes activities such as ice tubing, skating, a Christmas carousel, gingerbread decorating and seasonal games. Some activities require separate tickets.

The resort offers bundled activity passes, with advertised savings on eligible combinations. Check exactly what is included before choosing a package.

A shorter visit built around ICE! alone may be a better fit for younger children. Families who want several activities should build in breaks, food and time to warm up.

A Neighborly Tip for Grapevine Families

Grapevine is proud to be the Christmas Capital of Texas, welcoming visitors from across the region while remaining a hometown for the people who live here year-round.

For ICE!, practical planning matters more than packing every attraction into one day. Choose a ticket time, account for parking, and dress for the temperature inside rather than the forecast outside.

If you're also visiting Historic Main Street, leave enough time to enjoy its vintage charm at a relaxed pace. A comfortable holiday outing is often more memorable than an overfilled schedule.

Quick Facts: ICE! at Gaylord Texan 2026

Attraction: ICE! featuring Harry Potter

Dates: November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027

Venue: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051

Inside temperature: 9°F

Typical visit: 20–40 minutes, self-guided

Tickets: Timed entry; book online

Children three and younger: Free

Minors: Paying adult required for guests under 18

Parkas: Provided

Strollers: Outside stroller parking; not permitted inside

Parking: Paid; check current resort rates

Resort phone: 817-778-1000

A Different Kind of Christmas Memory

One of Grapevine's joys is that the holidays offer many ways to celebrate, from familiar Main Street traditions to something completely unexpected.

ICE! brings a frozen storybook world to North Texas without requiring a trip to the mountains.

Bring the gloves, check the tickets and give your family enough time to enjoy the details together.

Sources and Further Information

Gaylord Texan: ICE! featuring Harry Potter

Gaylord Texan: Official ICE! tickets and timed-entry policies

Gaylord Texan: FAQs on parking, strollers, admission and cold-weather preparation

Gaylord Texan: Other attractions and ticket bundles

Event information verified November 10, 2026, Central Time. Prices, availability and policies may change; verify before traveling.