Once a year, Nashvillians slip on blue parkas and step into a nine-degree winter wonderland made out of two million pounds of ice.

We're talking about ICE! of course, which begins Friday, Nov. 8 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 4 as part of "Christmas at Gaylord Opryland."

The making of ICE!

This year's ICE! theme features scenes from "Frosty the Snowman." Fun fact: A chemist mixes a special food coloring to maintain the color of the handmade sculptures before 40 artisans from Harbin, China, arrive in Music City to chip away at the 300-pound ice blocks for ~six weeks.

Need to knows

Knee-length parkas are provided, but it's recommended guests wear hats and gloves as well. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online. It's recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the reservation.

Pro tip: The majority of the ICE! exhibit is wheelchair and stroller accessible, though some areas — like the slides — are not.

Fun fact: The resort boasts more than 3 million lights during the holiday season. | Photo via Gaylord Opryland

More themed fun

There's a lot to offer at "Christmas at Gaylord Opryland." This year's "A Country Christmas Dinner Show" begins Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 25 with two different shows: Terri Clark's "It's Christmas…Cheers!" and The Frontmen's "Holidays & Hits." Other activities by ticketed reservation include:

Ice tubing
Bumper cars
Ice skating
Photos with Santa
Carriage rides

Looking for free family fun? Check out these complimentary attractions:

Light and Fountain Shows | Synchronized light, water, and holiday music in the Delta atrium
Nightly Tree Lighting + Caroling | Carolers begin performing on the Magnolia Lawn at 5:15 p.m. and the tree is lit at 5:20 p.m.