NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Even though we still have nearly two months left in summer, Gaylord Opryland Resort is already preparing for its 42nd annual "A Country Christmas," featuring Nashville's time-honored holiday tradition, "ICE!" along with the debut of a Broadway-style cirque show, themed character dining, and a variety of other family-friendly experiences.

"ICE!" began in 2001 at Gaylord Opryland and is now a holiday staple for select resorts, hotel officials said, adding that "The larger-than-life frozen showcase features hand-carved ice sculptures, precisely crafted into vivid, floor-to-ceiling scenes from treasured Christmas classics. The walk-through masterpiece is a breathtaking display of artistry and imagination, transporting visitors of all ages into the season’s most memorable stories."

Gaylord Opryland said it's thrilled to welcome back, by popular demand, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" as its "ICE!" theme for the first time since 2017. Carved from 2 million pounds of ice, The iconic holiday special, based on the "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, will be carved from 2 million pounds of ice, offering a charming journey about learning the true meaning of Christmas alongside the "Peanuts" gang.

Officials said the attraction includes ice sculptures of iconic characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and Linus; 12 immersive walk-through scenes; five thrilling two-story ice slides, including one for walking toddlers; photo-worthy moments the entire family can enjoy; and live carving demonstrations. In addition, "ICE!" wraps up in a separate area dedicated to the Nativity scene, meticulously carved and shaped into a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice.

Since "ICE!" is reportedly kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the intricate, frozen details of the display, all guests receive a signature blue parka to brave the frigid temperature, but you still need to bring -- or buy -- your own hats and mittens if you want to stay warm.

The carvers who create this extravagant attraction in Nashville travel more than 6,400 miles from their homes in Harbin, China, which is known as the "Ice City" since it's home to the world’s largest annual ice and snow sculpting festival, according to Gaylord Opryland.

"Starting with more than 6,000 massive ice blocks, they work approximately six weeks, more than 12,000 man-hours, to create the 17,000 square foot frozen attraction," officials said. "Using skills passed down through generations, the carvers follow a 300-page design book to create the ice display with the help of tools like chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and chainsaws."

The resort said "A Country Christmas" will also feature the debut of "POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance," where the razzle-dazzle of Broadway meets the magic and spectacle of cirque, with a grand appearance by Santa. This new holiday show will host its exclusive Nashville residency at the hotel's Tennessee Ballroom Theater from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31.

This immersive holiday show and experience, created by acclaimed Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg, is based on the popular "POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance" storybook series and television special, officials said. An extraordinary cast of 26 entertainers in over 100 breathtaking costumes will perform gravity-defying circus feats, spellbinding magic, and Broadway theatrics as they transport audiences of all ages to a magical world where three best friends study at a secret university.

Before the show starts, ticketholders can stroll through the "POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance Immersive Universe," an interactive holiday wonderland filled with sparkling lights, remarkable decorations, story characters, and pop-up magical performances. Families will be able to make memories surrounded by holiday trees and imaginative Christmas displays, including glistening reindeer, colossal candy canes, towering nutcrackers, an 18-foot Gingerbread man, and more.

However, the Christmas magic doesn’t stop there! Gaylord Opryland said the entire resort will transform into a holiday haven brimming with festive fun and spectacular décor both inside and out. Guests can wander through 5 million twinkling lights; admire elaborately adorned Christmas trees, including a magnificent 48-foot centerpiece; soak in the beauty of thousands of colorful poinsettias, 15 miles of garland, and 10 miles of hand-tied ribbon; and enjoy exciting rides, seasonal treats, and even more merry moments outdoors at Pinetop, an Appalachian-inspired village.

Hotel officials provided a list of other holiday events and activities you can expect during the 42nd annual "A Country Christmas":

• "Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends" is a unique dining experience that includes a delicious breakfast guests can enjoy with friends and family, as well as the opportunity to take photos with members of the "Peanuts" gang like Charlie Brown, Lucy, and even Snoopy.
• Help Snoopy find the most festive decorations in his doghouse as part of "A Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt." You’ll need to search across the resort and follow clues to locate some dazzling décor for his famous red house. If you track down all the decorations and complete the quest, you'll receive a seasonal souvenir.
• The resort’s signature steakhouse, Old Hickory, as well as Gaylord Springs Golf Links will host special Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day dining experiences. 
• There will be thrilling activities outside at Pinetop, such as ice tubing down a 15-foot-high hill, a classic bumper car experience, and ice skating at a 9,000-square-foot tented rink, all while listening to holiday tunes.
• Other outdoor activities include the resort’s millions of Christmas lights on the Magnolia lawn, a nightly tree lighting, Dickens Carolers, carriage rides, and a Nativity display featuring special lighting effects and an audio rendition of the beloved biblical story. 
• In the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, you can achieve confection perfection by decorating your own gingerbread cookies or house, as well as enjoy a sweet meet-and-greet with the resort’s very own gingerbread man, Nutmeg.
• Let Santa Claus know what you want for Christmas, make sure you're on his nice list, and capture the moment with a keepsake picture during the Photos with Santa experience.
• Hop aboard the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise to explore the 12 Days of "A Country Christmas" while cruising down a quarter-mile-long river inside of the Delta Atrium. 
• Enjoy a breathtaking synchronization of light, water, and holiday music during a free light and fountain show inside of the Delta Atrium.  
• Visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop to personalize a furry friend and take part in the one-of-a-kind "Heart Ceremony."
• The resort’s water attraction, SoundWaves, has an 84-degree, 110,000 square-foot inside area that's open year-round, but it's only available to guests who pre-purchase a package for it. You can float down the lazy river, zip along the rapid river, jump aboard a mega raft ride, or surf on Nashville’s only double FlowRider. SoundWaves also features a restaurant, cabana rentals, multi-level play structures for kids, and an adult-only pool and bar. Downstairs, all hotel visitors can visit the Bass-ment, a full arcade room with a rock-climbing wall.
• Relâche Spa offers seasonal massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services, and more. 
• Hop aboard Nashville’s famous 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat, the General Jackson Showboat, for the Tennessee Christmas lunch cruise or the Music City Christmas dinner cruise while enjoying scenic views of the Cumberland River and Nashville Skyline. You'll be able to enjoy a Southern meal and live musical performances.  

Guests can now book special early bird packages or tickets to receive their limited-time discount.

"A Country Christmas" runs from Nov. 7 through Jan. 3, 2026. Resort access will be guaranteed after 3 p.m. for overnight guests and indoor or outdoor ticket reservation holders every Friday and Saturday beginning Nov. 21, and daily on Nov. 24-27 and Dec. 19-31. The resort will allow visitors without room reservations or ticketed event reservations to arrive on site before 3 p.m. on the aforementioned dates so they can enjoy the rest of the afternoon into the evening, or visit anytime Nov. 7-20, Nov. 23, and Nov. 30; Dec. 1-4, Dec. 7-11, and Dec. 14-18; or Jan. 1-3, 2026. Additional restrictions may apply without advance notice.   

For event tickets, bookings, and more information, visit ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com. 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/beloved-ice-theme-making-a-comeback-for-gaylord-oprylands-42nd-annual-a-country-christmas/