The stately Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine is putting the finishing touches on its holiday transformation. Back for the 12th year, the Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan event takes place November 12, 2015 – January 3, 2016.

Lone Star Christmas

This year’s event will transport visitors to a winter wonderland! The resort comes to life with 1.5 million lights, a 54-foot tall Christmas tree, 5,600 feet of garland and 15,000 ornaments. There’s an itinerary full of holiday events including a 12-lane snow tubing hill made with 1.5 million pounds of real snow, gingerbread decorating, strolling holiday entertainers, photos with Santa and Cookies & Milk with Mrs. Claus.

ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World

Experience the magic of Christmas Around the World, presented by Pepsi and Lexus, as you journey through holiday displays in more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. It’s a celebration of cultures from around the world featuring holiday scenes from Mexico, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, just to name a few. You can travel through the North Pole to see Santa and his elves while enjoying two-story-tall ice slides, an enchanting Parade of Toys, larger-than-life ornaments, Santa’s sleigh to sit inside and Frostbite Factory – an interactive live carving station showcasing real master artisans from China. The experience ends with a majestic full nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice.

The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt

You’ll need to put your thinking cap on for The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt, an interactive adventure through the resort. Ten of Santa’s scout elf helpers land at Gaylord Texan, but they can’t fly to the North Pole until they have a name. By solving puzzles and finding all of the elves hiding around the hotel, kids will reveal the elves’ names so they can report back to Santa. All families that complete this enchanting scavenger hunt will win a special prize.

For detailed Christmas event overviews and room package information, please visit www.ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com.

By Elaine Krackau

Photos courtesy Marriott