The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from Denver, Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora will soon turn into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together, and make new traditions.
From November 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive music, and seasonal treats that dazzle, delight, and set the perfect holiday scene.
ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
At the heart of it all is ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” a breathtaking display brought to life by more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved, colorful ice.
An immersive winter wonderland of ice sculptures, two-story ice slides, and scenes from the Christmas classic, the whimsical wonderland is masterfully crafted by 40 expert artisans from Harbin, China.
Following a 300-page design book filled with sketches and blueprints to sculpt each individual piece – some as small as a coin and others nearly 30 feet tall – the artisans work for six weeks to create the 20,000-square-foot attraction. They use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and even chainsaws to bring the experience to life.
Journeying through the attraction, guests will see stunning ice carvings of familiar characters and scenes, including the grumpy Grinch’s lair, Who-ville, the Grinch carving roast beast, and 12-foot ice statues of the Grinch.
To preserve the frozen sculptures, Gaylord Rockies maintains a state-of-the-art chilling system, but there’s no need to pack coats (scarves, gloves, and extra apparel are suggested for those who tend to get cold). Even though it’s cool inside, the resort provides parkas to keep guests warm as they zoom down ice slides, marvel at larger-than-life displays, and wander through the arctic attraction.
So Much Christmas
Beyond ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” Gaylord Rockies Resort offers a winter wonderland of festive activities for the whole family.
Brave the indoor four-lane snow tubing hill for a thrilling ride, craft and decorate gingerbread creations, solve riddles on a Grinchy scavenger hunt, or step inside Santa’s workshop to meet the man in red himself.
After a day filled with Christmas cheer, linger a little longer over an exceptional meal. At Old Hickory Steakhouse, savor timeless cuts in an elegant setting. Garden + Grain Seasonal Kitchen showcases fresh, local ingredients, and Copper Table tempts with authentic Colorado cuisine and traditional flavors. As the day winds down, enjoy an evening stroll through the glowing, glittering Grand Lodge.
This year, skip the travel stress and give your family the greatest gift of all: time together. With so much to see and do, Gaylord Rockies Resort is the ultimate destination for creating holiday traditions and making memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Explore overnight packages, ticket bundles, and special offers at ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com, and make this holiday season one your family will never forget.
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