Artisans Arrived in Nashville for ICE! Display
Sculptors have traveled from China to begin carving two million pounds of ice at Gaylord Opryland.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Ice Shows
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Dozens of artisans have arrived at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville to begin work on the annual ICE! display. The team traveled over 6,000 miles from Harbin, China, to construct the attraction, which features scenes from the movie Home Alone.
Why it matters
This construction effort serves as the centerpiece for the 43rd annual A Country Christmas event in Nashville. It signals the start of the holiday tourism season for the region as the facility prepares for the upcoming public opening.
The project utilizes two million pounds of ice to create sculptures for the 43rd annual A Country Christmas event. Artisans will spend 40 days carving the display after traveling 6,000 miles from Harbin, China.
The players
Gaylord Opryland
This Nashville resort and convention center hosts the annual A Country Christmas event and the ICE! exhibit.
The details
The visiting sculptors use electric saws and shovels to craft intricate details into the ice blocks at the Nashville venue. The team was officially welcomed to the site with a traditional lion dance performance and a clap line.
Timeline
Artisans arrived at Gaylord Opryland on September 23, 2026.
The 40-day carving process lasts from September 23 to November 2, 2026.
The display opens to the public on November 6, 2026.
The attraction remains open until January 2, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The arrival of specialized international ice sculptors highlights the massive operational scale required for major holiday attractions. This event follows the industry trend of staging immersive, branded experiences to maintain competitive visitor numbers during the winter season.
The public can visit the completed ice display starting November 6 at Gaylord Opryland. Tickets are required to view the carvings throughout the holiday season until the exhibit closes on January 2.
The takeaway
The transformation of millions of pounds of ice into cinematic scenes requires months of logistical planning and specialized skill. Visitors planning to see the display should prepare for the unique, climate-controlled environment required to maintain the sculptures.
Further reading
Learn more about seasonal attractions by exploring our Ice Shows section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wsmv.
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