If you’re planning a holiday trip to Universal Kids Resort and your family loves Harry Potter, there’s a brand-new reason to extend your vacation.
Gaylord Texan Resort in nearby Grapevine has announced that its signature ICE! attraction will feature Harry Potter for the 2026 holiday season. Running November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, this immersive Christmas tradition transforms more than two million pounds of ice into incredible sculptures inspired by the Wizarding World.
Located about 20 to 30 minutes from Universal Kids Resort, this is exactly the kind of Family Quest Central Side Quest we love discovering.
While it’s not part of Universal Kids Resort, it’s an easy add-on for families who already enjoy immersive storytelling, themed attractions, and of course, Harry Potter.
What Is ICE!?
If you’ve never experienced ICE!, it’s unlike anything else in North Texas.
Every holiday season, Gaylord Texan creates a massive indoor walkthrough attraction featuring hand-carved ice sculptures, frozen tunnels, colorful displays, and giant ice slides. A new theme is chosen each year, and in 2026, the magic of Harry Potter takes center stage.
This year’s experience will feature approximately 10 scenes carved from nearly 2 million pounds of ice, including iconic moments inspired by Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Hogwarts Express, floating candles, Chocolate Frogs, and beloved characters like Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
The attraction is kept at a chilly 9°F, so every guest receives a complimentary hooded parka to wear during the experience. Parkas are available in sizes from infants through adult 4XL.
Why Harry Potter Fans Should Add This to Their Universal Kids Resort Vacation
One of the things we love about planning vacations is finding experiences that complement each other.
While Universal Kids Resort is designed specifically for younger children, many parents (and plenty of kids) are also Harry Potter fans. If you’re already making the trip to North Texas for Universal Kids Resort during the holidays, ICE! is an easy way to add another immersive themed experience to your vacation.
Think of it as a bonus adventure.
A holiday side quest.
Spend your day making memories at Universal Kids Resort, then step into a frozen Wizarding World just a short drive away.
Do You Have to Stay at Gaylord Texan?
No!
One of the biggest misconceptions about ICE! is that you have to book a room at Gaylord Texan.
You don’t.
Anyone can purchase tickets to ICE! and visit for the day. Tickets are sold separately and should be purchased online in advance, since there isn’t an on-site ticket office.
That said, if you’re looking to turn your trip into a full holiday getaway, Gaylord Texan also offers overnight packages that bundle hotel stays with holiday activities and special seasonal experiences.
Is ICE! Good for Kids?
Officially, Gaylord describes ICE! as an attraction for all ages, and families with young children are absolutely welcome.
After visiting ourselves, though, we’d offer a little more guidance.
Family Quest Central Recommendation
⭐ Best for ages 3 and up
Here’s why:
- The attraction is kept at just 9°F.
- Strollers are not permitted inside the ICE! exhibit.
- Babies and younger toddlers may not enjoy the cold or understand the displays.
- Most children around age 3 and older begin recognizing favorite characters, enjoying the colorful scenes, and getting excited about the ice slides.
- School-age kids, teens, and adults tend to appreciate all the little details carved into the ice.
Could you bring a baby?
Absolutely.
Would we recommend it?
Probably not.
You’ll likely spend most of your visit carrying your child while trying to keep everyone warm, which can make the experience feel more stressful than magical.
For most families, we think ages 3 and up is the sweet spot.
How Long Does ICE! Take?
Most families spend 20 to 40 minutes inside the attraction, although you can move at your own pace. Tickets include a single entry, so once your visit is complete, you won’t be able to leave and return later.
We recommend allowing at least two hours for your visit to account for:
- Parking
- Walking through the resort
- Checking in for your timed entry
- Photos
- Exploring the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout Gaylord Texan
What Should You Wear?
Even though Gaylord provides warm parkas, you’ll definitely want to dress for winter underneath.
We recommend:
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes
- Warm socks
- Gloves
- A knit hat or earmuffs
Trust us…
When you walk into a room that’s 9 degrees, you’ll be glad you bundled up.
More Than Just ICE!
While ICE! is the headline attraction, Gaylord Texan transforms into a full Christmas destination each holiday season.
Depending on the date of your visit, you’ll also find additional seasonal activities, festive dining, shopping, holiday décor, and overnight packages that can turn a quick stop into an entire Christmas getaway.
Is Harry Potter ICE! Worth Adding to Your Universal Kids Resort Vacation?
If you’re only visiting North Texas for one day, we’d spend that day enjoying Universal Kids Resort.
But if you’re planning a long weekend, Thanksgiving trip, or Christmas vacation, this is one of the best nearby additions we’ve seen announced for 2026.
It’s close enough to fit into your itinerary, unique enough to feel like a completely different experience, and perfect for families who love themed attractions.
We’ll be keeping an eye on ticket information, special events, and hopefully even a media preview as opening day gets closer.
Until then, Harry Potter fans may want to start making room in their holiday plans for this magical side quest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harry Potter ICE! at Gaylord Texan
What is ICE! at Gaylord Texan?
ICE! is Gaylord Texan’s signature holiday attraction. Each year, talented artisans carve more than two million pounds of ice into colorful sculptures, themed rooms, and giant ice slides. For the 2026 holiday season, the attraction will feature scenes inspired by Harry Potter.
When is Harry Potter ICE! open?
The 2026 season is scheduled to run November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Because this is one of the resort’s most popular holiday attractions, we recommend purchasing tickets well in advance, especially for weekends and school breaks.
Do you have to stay at Gaylord Texan to visit ICE!?
No. Anyone can purchase tickets to ICE! You do not have to book a room at Gaylord Texan to experience the attraction.
However, if you’re planning a holiday getaway, the resort does offer overnight packages that include hotel accommodations and other seasonal experiences.
How far is Gaylord Texan from Universal Kids Resort?
Gaylord Texan is located in Grapevine, approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Universal Kids Resort, depending on traffic.
That makes it an easy half-day or evening side trip for families visiting the park during the holidays
Is Harry Potter ICE! part of Universal Kids Resort?
No. Harry Potter ICE! is a separate attraction at Gaylord Texan Resort and is not affiliated with Universal Kids Resort.
We recommend it because many Universal fans also enjoy Harry Potter and immersive themed experiences, making it a fun addition to a North Texas vacation.
How cold is ICE!?
Very cold!
The attraction is maintained at 9°F to preserve the ice sculptures. Every guest receives a complimentary hooded parka, but you’ll still want to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, warm socks, gloves, and a hat.
How long does ICE! take?
Most families spend 30 to 40 minutes inside the attraction, although you can move at your own pace.
We recommend planning about two hours total to allow time for parking, check-in, photos, and exploring Gaylord Texan’s beautiful holiday decorations.
Is Harry Potter ICE! worth adding to a Universal Kids Resort vacation?
If you’re spending more than one day in North Texas, we think so.
For Harry Potter fans, it’s one of the best nearby holiday experiences and makes an excellent Family Quest Central Side Quest. It’s close enough to visit without changing hotels and offers a completely different experience from a day at Universal Kids Resort.
