This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Spend a Day With the Grinch

Christmas at the Gaylord National–an immersion in holiday fun and spirit

 

What do you get when you combine two million pounds of ice, a Grinch, international artists and a room kept at arctic temperatures? A most amazing holiday experience ... if you can bear the cold!

For the third year in a row, Gaylord International at the National Harbor in Maryland is holding its ICE! event. After seeing this spectacle in person, I cannot imagine not making it a part of our annual holiday tradition, even if it is a bit of journey.

Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The attraction is built with crystal clear blocks of ice and every piece is sculpted to recreate the scenes from Dr. Seuss' famous Christmas story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The artists that create ICE! for Gaylord National are from Harbin, China, famous for its International Ice Festival. To create ICE!, the artists work in 12 hour shifts, every day for 30 days. After spending just 30 minutes inside the chilled room, which remains at a steady 9 degrees Fahrenheit, it is hard to imagine how the artists feel after a 12-hour shift.

Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Due to the popularity of the attraction, you can expect to wait in line for 60-90 minutes. The time goes by fast, however, as there is plenty of entertainment along the way. Original works of Dr. Seuss line the walls, pictures of the ice sculpting process are on display and the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas plays for everyone's enjoyment. Before entering the dome you are given a heavy blue parka to wear over your jacket—trust me, you need it.

I can't begin to describe how awestruck I was the moment I stepped one foot into the dome. The detail of the scenes and intricacies of the characters demonstrate the remarkable skill of the artists. The best part of the experience, however, is climbing to the top of the steps and sliding down a slide made entirely of ice. Don't worry you won't be the only adult doing it!

ICE! can be experienced as an individual event or you can make a weekend out of it and stay at the Gaylord National. The hotel features dozens of Christmas trees, a 7,000-lbs. glass Tree of Light, breakfast with the Grinch, brunch with Santa, an indoor train, a fountain show, nightly snowfall in the atrium, a scavenger hunt, ice skating, and milk and cookies delivery via room service. It is fun for the whole family if you can handle the crowds.

The exhibit stays open until Jan. 9, so there's still time to make reservations before the ice melts. Just don't forget your hat and gloves!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Chantilly