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Christmas at the Gaylord Texan: What you need to know & 50% discount

Ice! returns this year for the Christmas season.

The Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX unveils their signature immersive pop-up Christmas experience along with their fan favorites!

Scroll down for 50% off tickets to ICE! featuring the Polar Express™.  

When: November 11 to January 3

Where: Gaylord Texan Hotel and Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051

We recap our visit and share tips on how long your visit might be, what experiences are available for you and the cost of each, and information about coming as a daily visitor and parking.

We were hosted by the Gaylord Texan Resort but our opinions are our own. The post contains affiliate links for your ticket purchase, at no cost to you.

Discount Snow Tubing
Photo Credit: Gaylord Texan

What is happening at the Gaylord Texan this Holiday Season?

Walk into the Atrium and you are met with 2 million twinkling lights, 15,000 ornaments, and dozens of lavish holiday displays filling the vast hotel atrium.

This is Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan – one of the best things to do this Winter

Their restaurants and eateries are open along with their stores, which are filled with local Texan-themed products and gift ideas.


What is there to do at the Gaylord Texan this Christmas?

ICE! is back at Gaylord Texan.

The biggest exhibit is Ice! The Polar Express

The Polar Express has larger-than-life colorful Ice! sculptures and even plunge-down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience. You can borrow a full-size parka (available in kids’ sizes too) to keep you warm throughout.

Allow 20-40 minutes to experience it fully.

Get your Discounted Tickets online!

There are no physical, printed tickets or box office on-site at the Gaylord Texan Resort. All tickets are electronic and can be purchased online or over the phone.

Your ticket will be emailed for you to show on your phone for scanning at the entrance.

Advance purchase of tickets online is required. In order to encourage contactless service, there are no physical, printed tickets and no box office on-site at the resort. All tickets are electronic and can be purchased online or over the phone.

Once purchased, your e-ticket will be emailed to you. You can simply show your ticket on the phone to the attendant to be scanned prior to entering the attraction


Head towards the Convention Center and you’ll notice the Merry and Light exhibit filling a huge parking lot with views from the windows and on the driveway up to the property.

It’s a great way to enjoy some beautiful Holiday lights!


Tobogganing at the Gaylord Texan
Photo Credit: Gaylord Texan Hotel

Head out to the center area where you’ll find many of the Gaylord’s festive experiences, like

  • Snow Tubing
  • Ice Skating
  • Santa’s Snow Throw
  • Christmas Carousel
  • Gingerbread Decorating
  • Elf Workshop

Expect some festive eating and drinking options and a huge gift store

Tons of Gift Ideas at their Christmas Store

In addition to these experiences, head outside to the Merry and Light exhibit for 50,000 square feet of colorful, glowing and holiday-themed lanterns, characters and scenes to celebrate Christmas.

The walkways are very wide, to allow plenty of space between guests, so you can enjoy it without crowds and get plenty of photo opps in the meantime.

What are the Pricing and Bundle Options?

ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™

Price:
$25.99 per Adult (12+)
$16.99 per Child (Ages 4-11) – Value Day Pricing 

SilverGold
ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™xx
Snow Tubingxx
Merry Snoopy Scavenger Huntxx
Gingerbread Decorating Centerx
Ice Skatingx
Santa’s Snow Throwx
Christmas Carouselx
Merry & Light
Elf Workshop
Extra options available at a discountSave 20%Save 30%

Buy your Tickets ahead and Bundle them up to get bigger discounts.

Wait till dark and head outside to visit Merry and Light – a huge outdoor lantern and light walkthrough.

How long should we allow for our Visit?

If you choose to enjoy most of the attractions and enjoy a meal and drinks, we think this could provide 3-4 hours of entertainment!

Can you visit Gaylord Texan without staying there?

Yes, you can visit for the day or evening, without staying. You can make a real staycation out of it by asking about their overnight Christmas packages inclusive of entrance into the Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™ immersive pop-up experience.

Is there a Parking fee?

Self-Parking Rate: $22
Valet Parking: $42


Jenny

Friday 17th of December 2021

Hi there. Your link to buy tickets is not helpful. I want to buy the Play & Save Platinum package only (not hotel room). and your link take me to a web that to book hotel room instead.

Abbie

Friday 17th of December 2021

I'm sorry you were unable to find the right link on our post. We have made corrections. This is the right link to use. Don't forget to use the code PLANO to get the discounted package

A. Adams

Wednesday 10th of November 2021

Hello, thank for the great information. My husband and I want to come up to the Gaylord over the next several weeks. What do you suggest for us seniors to see and do?

Abbie

Tuesday 30th of November 2021

We hope you plan to have a great visit! The Gaylord is a great venue. There'll be tons to do in the hotel itself plus in nearby Grapevine - the Christmas Capital of Texas!