AURORA, Colo. — More than two million pounds of ice will be transformed into a winter wonderland in Aurora this holiday season.
Thirty ice artisans arrived at Gaylord Rockies to begin work on the resort's annual holiday exhibition "ICE."
Gaylord Rockies said the carvers will start with 6,000 ice blocks to create the 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction. This year's exhibition will celebrate the 2004 film "The Polar Express."
The ice carvers traveled more than 5,700 miles from "Ice City" Harbin, China, home to the world’s largest annual ice and snow sculpting festival. Blocks weighing 300 pounds will be carved using chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and chainsaws.
It will take approximately four weeks to create the frozen attraction, which is scheduled to open Friday, Nov. 22.
Colored ice, clear ice and LED lights will be used to create 10 scenes from the movie, including the Polar Express arriving at Hero Boy’s house, passengers enjoying hot chocolate aboard the train, a descent through Glacier Gulch, and the arrival at the North Pole.
The attraction features five, two-story tall interactive ice slides and will use colored ice, clear ice and LED lights used to create the display, as well as a separate area dedicated to a Nativity scene.
The environment is kept frozen by a state-of-the-art chilling system that maintains the attraction’s temperature at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests get to wear a blue parka to stay warm inside the exhibition.
The exhibition first appeared at Gaylord Rockies in 2019.
Ice artisans at Gaylord Rockies
Gaylord Rockies also announced a new family-friendly cirque show will also be held during the 2024 holiday season.
"Cirque: Frost" will follow young Jack as he discovers his destiny as the legendary winter spirit, Jack Frost. The 50-minute show will high-flying stunts and feats in a heartwarming tale of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world.
Gaylord Rockies said its other holiday season activities this year include gingerbread decorating, elf training academy, scavenger hunt, Mistletoe Village with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and Build-A-Bear Workshop.
The resort's Christmas-season events run through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
For tickets, information, or to book a stay, guests can visit ChristmasatGaylordRockies.com.
