We may not have freezing temperatures in the forecast, but that hasn’t stopped the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine from bringing a frozen wonderland to North Texas. Tons of carved ice sculptures, tubing down snow covered lanes, and outdoor ice skating are just a small peek into what Lone Star Christmas has in store. We aren’t the best mathematicians, but we do know that 15,000 ornaments plus 2 million pounds of ice and lights is sure to equal an amazing holiday experience. 

It is hard not to be excited about the theme for Gaylord Texan’s 2019 ICE! exhibit, A Charlie Brown Christmas. For decades this cartoon has been a staple for the Christmas season. In fact, fans are to thank for bringing this theme back to DFW. The Gaylord surveyed people as to what themes they’d like to see in upcoming ICE! exhibits and Charlie Brown overwhelmingly took the majority of the votes. Attendees are able to don their blue parkas and venture into the beloved story. Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang have never been cooler.

A two-story ice slide awaits those that are adventurous enough to head down the frozen pathways. However, we would like to offer a quick word of caution. If you intend on partaking in this activity, make sure you are not wearing any types of boots or heels as the workers seem to really be cracking down on them this year. There is also an interactive doghouse where people have the opportunity to crawl through Snoopy’s award-winning abode. The show floor has been expanded this year to allow for larger crowds and more fun. Per usual, there are a couple of stops along the exhibit that aren’t necessarily part of the Charlie Brown theme. There is a stop about midway through for adults to have the opportunity to grab a drink at On the Rocks and a colossal nativity scene to signify the end of the ICE! walkthrough.

The Gaylord Texan has also remodeled the area surrounding the ICE! entrance, crafting it into a Christmas village. Concessions, games, shops, and rides are all located along (and in) these new storefronts. A construction site with elves working in a corner shows that they are planning to continue additions in years to come. If this wasn’t enough, a toy soldier on stilts walked around greeting people and taking pictures with those hungry for a selfie.

Obviously, ICE! is the main attraction, but don’t dismiss the rest of the resort. Santa is taking pictures in the lobby on a daily basis, there is a holiday escape room, opportunities to decorate gingerbread cookies, a chance to try your hand at a scavenger hunt, and even Charlie Brown character breakfast buffets. That’s right, you can have the opportunity to dine with the characters from Charles Schultz’s timeless cartoon strip. The enthusiastic characters are sure to please kids and adults alike, while the omelet bar is arguably the best around. 

For tickets or hotel information visit their website here. Before you go, take a look at some of our tips as well. Feel free to use our exclusive 50% off coupon when you are planning your next trip too!

Tips for Visiting Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas

• Bring gloves and extra heavy clothes/jackets to visit ICE! The parkas are nice, but definitely aren’t enough for a native Texas to spend ample time in the exhibit.
• Consider upgrading to the VIP ICE! ticket for busy times. This year’s opening weekend already had over three times the visitors than were projected.
• If staying at the hotel, plan on making dining reservations at least 24 hours in advance. The large crowds made it difficult for us to find a spot to eat dinner that was on the Gaylord premises. 
• Plan on staying overnight if you want to really get a grasp on what all Lonestar Christmas has to offer. We spent a full day doing various events and still didn’t have time to try out ice skating and some other items on our to-do list.
• Search for discounted ticket prices on select dates to get the best bang for your buck.