The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is returning to the Lone Star State, but this time Harry Potter fans will soon be able to walk through Hogwarts carved from 2 million pounds of ice. A popular hotel within the Christmas Capital of Texas will unveil a Harry Potter-themed ice attraction for the first time ever this holiday season.
Ice! featuring Harry Potter is set to run from November 13 through January 3, 2027 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine near the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. Harry Potter’s wizarding world will come to life with 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice and a lineup of joy-filled holiday activities fit for guests of any age, according to a release.
In its debut, visitors will be greeted by a towering ice sculpture of Hedwig, Harry’s beloved owl, before stepping into 10 rooms filled with photo-ops of iconic scenes inspired by the beloved film franchise. Fans can expect to see Hogsmeade Station, the Forbidden Forest, The Three Broomsticks, The Great Hall and Hogwarts Castle-themed spaces.
Within the castle, visitors can race down six two-story ice slides that lead toward the Quidditch Pitch room, which will burst into light and color in celebration of each Hogwarts house. There will also be live carving demonstrations from ice artisans.
To maintain the ice sculptures, the attraction will be maintained at a crisp 9 degrees, but blue parkas will be provided for visitors in attendance. After making their way through the icy wonderland, fans can shop for festive gifts and exclusive collectibles nearby in the Christmas Village retail store – the largest holiday pop-up in Grapevine.
Created by Gaylord Hotels in 2001, ice! is an immersive Christmas experience that has become a cherished holiday tradition, visited by tens of millions of guests nationwide. Artisans travel more than 6,400 miles from Harbin, China, known as the “Ice City” and home to the world’s largest ice and snow festival, to bring their craft to Grapevine.
In addition to the Harry Potter ice experience, the entire resort transforms into a dazzling holiday haven with 2 million twinkling lights, a 54-foot Christmas tree centerpiece, thousands of ornaments, magical miniature trains and 25-foot-tall toy soldiers. Visitors can also enjoy a sleigh full of wintry experiences including ice tubing, ice skating, snowball throwing, gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa, stories with Mrs.
Claus, illusionist shows, character breakfasts and more.