Gaylord Opryland Resort Christmas Lights and Ice! Featuring the Polar Express - Nashville, TN

Going to the Gaylord Opryland Resort to see the Christmas lights has been a part of my Christmas tradition since it was still called the Opryland Hotel. Over the years we have visited Santa at the hotel and the outdoor nativity on the Magnolia Lawn. We have enjoyed the miles of holiday lights and many of the exciting other holiday events on offer.

This year was our first year to experience ICE! although it has been a part of the resort's holiday celebration since 2001. The attraction features hand-carved, life-sized ice sculptures reenacting scenes from holiday book and movie favorite, The Polar Express. 

By the numbers, the experience was quite impressive! Nine immersive scenes carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice. It took sculptors more than 12,000 hours of hand-carving to make this magnificent display all kept at a chilly nine degrees (don’t worry they provide a parka to keep you warm)! 

To thaw out after our adventure, we warmed up with some hot cocoa and our traditional visit with Santa. Then we completed our visit by exploring the lights and the 12 Days of A Country Christmas on the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise. 

It seems that each year, Gaylord adds more and more activities and events to their holiday repertoire. Whether you are looking for adventure with ice tubing and ice skating in Pinetop Village, you want to visit Santa or hear a story from Mrs. Claus, or you want to catch a carriage ride around the festively lit property, you are sure to find something to please everyone in your family. Click here for a full list of activities and events.