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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Gaylord Opryland Resort is transforming into a winter wonderland with the return of one of Music City’s favorite holiday traditions, A Country Christmas.
With a festive lineup of seasonal activities and events, a trip to Gaylord Opryland is a holly jolly good time the whole family can enjoy. Running November 11 through January 1, A Country Christmas features programming bursting with holiday cheer. One of the most eagerly anticipated attractions is ICE!, which makes its return after a two-year hiatus. Curated by a team of 40 ice artisans and carved over the course of 30 days, ICE! brings the classic story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life using more than two million pounds of ice. The nearly 20,000-square-foot frozen attraction includes 12 scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and features colorful, larger- than-life sculptures of everyone’s favorite characters. To keep Rudolph and the gang in pristine condition, the attraction is kept at a frosty nine degrees, but guests will stay nice and toasty as they marvel in the magic—thanks to signature blue parkas provided by Gaylord Opryland.
In addition to exploring the wonders of Rudolph’s world, guests can further immerse themselves in the frozen fun with rides down two-story-tall ice slides through ice tunnels and arches. The ICE! attraction also features a separate area comprised of a stunning Nativity scene carved of crystal-clear ice.
And there is a ho-ho-whole lot more to discover throughout the resort during the 39th annual A Country Christmas. “Deck the halls” finds new meaning as the entire property shines with more than four million twinkling lights, elaborately themed Christmas trees including a fully adorned 48-foot tree, 15,000 poinsettias, 15 miles of green garland, and 10 miles of hand-tied ribbon.
Gaylord Opryland also offers plenty of activities to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Embark on the Parade of Trees, featuring some of country music’s biggest names and showcasing the artists’ uniquely themed Christmas trees on display in the resort’s garden atriums. Or, take the fun to the water with the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise for a festive float down the Delta River.
Guests can continue to explore the resort during the Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt featuring Rudolph and The Misfit Toys, which winds throughout Gaylord Opryland in a family-friendly adventure to find the lost misfit toys. And at the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, kids and adults alike can indulge in some sweet treats decorating and devouring dreamhouses and cookies. Christmas fountain shows put the magic of the season on full display with an unforgettable show synchronized to vibrant lights and holiday music. And be sure to snap a photo with Santa, who will take up residence at Gaylord Opryland, to capture the memories made.
The festivities continue outdoors as well. On November 10, A Country Christmas kicks off with the annual lighting ceremony on the Magnolia Lawn. The event features live performances and surprises throughout the ceremony as more than four million lights illuminate the resort. Nightly tree lightings will also take place throughout the season with serenading from the Dickens Carolers. And carriage rides are available for a private, Hallmark- worthy horse-drawn ride to soak up the scenery.
At the resort’s Appalachian-esque village, Pinetop, guests can partake in seasonal thrills such as ice skating, ice tubing, bumper cars, and this year’s new Snowball Build & Blast attraction where guests can hurl snowballs at interactive targets. Pinetop also features remarkable entertainment including live performances of holiday hits and exhilarating ice skating performances. And Gaylord Opryland is serving up plenty of festive food and beverages this season. Among the variety of offerings is the resort’s holiday eatery, Frosty’s Pub, decked out in over-the-top décor and offering seasonal dishes and creative cocktails. Guests can also enjoy dinner and a show at The Oak Ridge Boys “Christmas in Tennessee” dinner show where the GRAMMY Award-winners will spread the holiday cheer with a 32 day-show residency at the resort.
With so much to see and experience, Gaylord Opryland Resort’s A Country Christmas is making spirits bright all season long. (2800 Opryland Dr., 615-889-1000; gaylordopryland.com)