Meet the Grinch (in Ice!) and More at Gaylord Rockies’ Ultimate Christmas Experience

About ICE!

This holiday season, Gaylord Rockies Resort is turning into a frosty wonderland unlike any other, all thanks to a team of 40 world-renowned ice artisans from Harbin, China. Over the next five weeks, these artisans will dedicate more than 12,000 hours to hand-carving 2 million pounds of ice into towering sculptures, intricate details, and colorful scenes, to create ICE!, Gaylord Hotels’ signature winter experience. This year’s theme, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, invites guests to journey through the Grinch’s icy mountaintop lair, his sneaky sleigh ride, Whoville’s joyful celebration, and of course, the moment when his heart grows three sizes. Expect to see vibrant colored ice, crystal-clear sculptures, and dazzling LED lights, all creating a frozen world straight from the pages of Dr. Seuss.

More Than Just Ice: A Full-On Holiday Wonderland

But ICE! is just the beginning. Christmas at Gaylord Rockies transforms the entire resort into a full-on holiday wonderland, with festive experiences around every corner. This year, families can look forward to brand-new attractions alongside returning favorites that make the season truly magical. From zipping down snowy indoor tubing hills and testing your skills in a candy-themed ice game, to sharing a meal with the Grinch himself, there’s something for every age and interest. Kids will love decorating cookies, training to become elves, and exploring life-sized gingerbread creations, while parents can unwind with holiday cocktails or browse the twinkling Yuletide Market. Don't miss the awe-inspiring ice slides, the heartwarming nativity scene, and live ice carving demonstrations that showcase incredible artistry. Whether you're making ornaments, memories, or new traditions, the season is packed with activities the whole family will enjoy. 

Whether you're making ornaments, memories, or new traditions, this is one holiday experience your family won’t want to miss. Be sure to explore all the festive activities and reserve your tickets early as many events sell out fast!

🎄 NEW Highlights for 2025

• Candy Cane Mountain Indoor Snow Tubing – Zoom down frosty slopes made of shimmering “sugar snow.”
• Gumdrop Gliders: Ice Puck Challenge – Try your hand at a sweet twist on shuffleboard.
• Feast with the Grinch – Dine with everyone’s favorite grouchy green guest—and his loyal dog Max.
• Sippin’ Santa Tiki Bar Pop-Up – Tropical cocktails meet Christmas kitsch.
• Gingerbread Mountain Cabin – A life-sized 16-foot gingerbread house made with over 1,400 pounds of holiday goodness.

🛷 More Can’t-Miss Experiences

• Two-Story Ice Slides and Tunnels inside the ICE! attraction
• Live Ice Carving Demonstrations
• Nativity Scene in Crystal-Clear Ice
  
• Photos with Santa
• The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt
• Gingerbread Decorating Corner with a visit from Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man
• Build-A-Bear Workshop® and Heart Ceremony
• Elf Training Academy with toy-making fun
• Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions storytelling and cookies
• Yuletide Street Market for unique gifts and ornaments
• Holiday Dining across the resort, including themed cocktails, pretzels, and sweets
• Festival of Trees, benefiting Lantern (formerly Bright by Text)

Plan Your Visit

ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs from November 24, 2025 to January 2, 2026, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly, especially on weekends. When booking, use code RESIDENT25 to save 20% on your visit.

Overnight guests enjoy perks like:

• “Chill Pass” access to skip the lines at ICE!
• Entry to Arapahoe Springs Waterpark, a year-round indoor oasis
• Exclusive holiday packages with discounted room rates and bundled events

Advance online reservations are required for all ticketed experiences. Click here for tickets, packages, and full details to make the most of the season!