SAN ANTONIO – JULY 24, 2025 – The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is thrilled to announce tickets are now on sale for ICE! featuring the holiday classic, Frosty the Snowman™. The iconic frozen attraction returns to the resort as part of the annual Hill Country Christmas celebrations, from Nov. 22, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026. Created by Gaylord Hotels, the longstanding tradition of ICE! is a signature holiday attraction featured at six resorts nationwide this Christmas season.
Kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, guests will step into the whimsical story of Frosty the Snowman™, brought to life through massive hand-carved sculptures, 11 immersive walk-through scenes, awe-inspiring passageways, four thrilling two-story ice slides, a kids’ peak-a-boo slide, and photo-worthy moments. ICE!will be open to overnight resort guests and the public. Tickets and special room packages for ICE! are now on sale and available at www.JWHillCountryChristmas.com.
A team of 40 master artisans will journey nearly 7,000 miles from Harbin, China, to San Antonio, Texas, to bring the magic of ICE! to life. Over the course of 30 days, they will transform 6,700 massive blocks of ice into an awe-inspiring attraction using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Spanning nearly 20,000 square feet, the frozen wonderland will feature everything from delicate, intricate carvings to breathtaking ice scenes towering more than 30 feet high. Inside the attraction, guests can also meet an artisan performing live carving demonstrations. The ICE! experience concludes with a dedicated Nativity scene, meticulously carved and shaped into a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice. To stay warm, guests will be provided with signature blue parkas to wear while enjoying the experience.
In addition to ICE!, the resort’s Exhibit Ballroom will completely transform into “Reindeer Ridge,” a 40,000 square foot holiday hub of beloved Hill Country Christmas activities. Returning activities include:
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Snow Flow Mountain, a multi-lane tubing hill made of real snow and providing hours of alpine fun for all ages
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Snowball Build & Blast, an interactive game where guests can make and throw snowballs to score points and boost the power of the snow-making machine
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Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, where Mrs. Claus will host a retelling of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a sing-along of holiday carols, complete with Santa’s favorite cookies and milk
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Gingerbread Decorating Corner, where guests will be able to decorate gingerbread houses and have an opportunity to meet Nutmeg, the gingerbread man
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Build-A-Bear Workshop® has been adding a little more heart to life for more than 25 years! Visit Build-A-Bear® to experience the fun of personalizing furry friends and taking part in our one-of-a-kind Heart Ceremony. Add adorable outfits, sweet scents and fun sounds to make any furry friend the perfect gift or a cuddly Christmas keepsake!
The resort will debut a new holiday scavenger hunt for guests of all ages. A frozen flurry has swept through the resort, scattering vibrant clothing and accessories meant for decorating Christmas snowmen. Embark on a festive quest to find these scattered pieces and use them to design your very own snowman, bringing the Christmas spirit back to life during the Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt.
Guests can look forward to cherished Hill Country Christmas traditions at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Brave visitors can take on the Polar Plunge in select pools for a brisk holiday thrill. Families can enjoy sweet holiday treats at the S’mores Station. Guests can write heartfelt letters to Santa, sharing their holiday wishes, and even take photos with Santa as he makes special appearances at the resort throughout the season!
Starting today, guests can book early bird tickets or packages to receive a limited-time discount. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.The exclusive ICE! Stay & Play Packages are now available for advance online reservations and include overnight accommodations plus two tickets to ICE! for each night of your stay using booking code 1GC. Overnight guests also enjoy resort-only benefits, including a complimentary “Chill Pass” for front-of-line access and reduced wait times at ICE!
For full details on the exclusive resort packages and all the exciting holiday activities taking place at the resort, visit www.JWHillCountryChristmas.com.
Experience everything the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has to offer this holiday season. Book an overnight stay and receive exclusive access to luxury amenities such as the nine-acre River Bluff Water Experience with temperature-controlled pools and hot tubs; eight acclaimed dining outlets; two 18-hole PGA TOUR championship golf courses at TPC San Antonio; world-class Lantana Spa; Topgolf Swing Suite; sports courts to play tennis, basketball and pickleball; and scenic walking trails with picturesque views of the Texas Hill Country. To book your stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, please contact the resort at 210-276-2500 or visit www.JWSanAntonio.com.
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About Gaylord Hotels’ Original Attraction ICE!
The annual ICE! Christmas events bring to life beloved holiday stories hand-carved by master artisans from Harbin, China at resorts around the United States. Created and designed by Gaylord Hotels, ICE! debuted at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. in 2001. ICE! has been visited by tens of millions of visitors who travel to each resort to see more than 2 million pounds carved into memorable scenes and characters, two-story ice slides, photo-worthy tunnels and archways, and more. ICE! takes place at select resorts, including Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colo., Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas and at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. More information can be found at ICE.marriott.com.
About JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Welcome to a San Antonio resort truly worthy of the Lone Star State. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has firmly established itself as the city’s premier luxury destination and the most renowned resort in the magnificent Texas Hill Country. Rated 4-Diamonds by AAA and just 12 miles north of San Antonio International Airport, the resort features two 18-hole TPC San Antonio golf courses, Lantana Spa, the 9-acre River Bluff Water Experience, seven distinctive restaurants, 265,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space and more than 1,000 custom-designed guest rooms. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a proud participant of various environmental, energy conservation and waste reduction initiatives. The San Antonio resort hotel is sure to make any visit an unforgettable experience, and it all comes with JW Marriott’s impeccable service and lavish amenities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful respite, productive meeting or exciting and fun-filled family vacation, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is designed not just to exceed expectations but redefine them. For information, call 1-210-276-2500 or visit the resort online, and on Instagram and Facebook.
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About Universal Destinations & Experiences
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the globe the world’s most innovative, thrilling, and popular entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotel and resort properties, and unique merchandise, games, culinary, virtual, and live entertainment experiences. All are designed to create immersive, memorable, and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages looking to take their accommodations and entertainment to new heights. For more information, visit corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com.
TM & © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. & Classic Media, LLC. Based on the musical composition FROSTY THE SNOWMAN © Warner/Chappell.
About Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear is a multi-generational global brand focused on its mission to “add a little more heart to life” appealing to a wide array of consumer groups who enjoy the personal expression in making their own “furry friends” to celebrate and commemorate life moments. More than 500 interactive brick-and-mortar experience locations operated through a variety of formats provide Guests of all ages a hands-on entertaining experience, which often fosters a lasting and emotional brand connection. The brand’s newest communications campaign, "The Stuff You Love," commemorates more than a quarter-century of creating cherished memories worldwide. The Company also offers engaging e-commerce/digital purchasing experiences on www.buildabear.com including its online “Bear-Builder” as well as “HeartBox” and its age-gated adult-focused “Bear Cave.” In addition, extending its brand power beyond retail, Build-A-Bear Entertainment, a subsidiary of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is dedicated to creating engaging content for kids and adults that fulfills the Company’s mission, while the Company also offers products at wholesale and in non-plush consumer categories via licensing agreements with leading manufacturers. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenues of $486.1 million for fiscal 2023. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.
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