Galveston— Amidst the miles of two million lights at Moody Gardens, an Annual cold Christmas attraction can be found known as Ice Land. This winter wonderland lets visitors celebrate Christmas around the world. Travel from Russia and Egypt to China and beyond to see how other cultures celebrate the season.
When it comes to Christmas, it’s hard to beat a tropical destination like Galveston Island but when you find yourself inside the annual attraction at Moody Gardens, you probably want to bring a heavy hat and some gloves.
“Two million pounds of ice. Everything you’re going to see in Ice Land this year…We are all around the world. We literally went global for Ice Land this year,” said Alexis Shelly, the Public Relations Coordinator for Moody Gardens.
Despite the freezing temperatures, people flock to enjoy the sights and the experience Ice Land has to offer.
“It is nine degrees, but people have a great time. It’s really become a holiday tradition for families,” Alexis remarked.
Every year Ice Land has a different theme. This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World.
“This is my favorite thing we’ve ever done. It’s so beautiful in here. I’m partial to London. London is my favorite city in the world, and we actually do have Big Ben and a telephone booth in here…” she said.
It takes a lot of time and effort to turn two million pounds of ice into a world of frozen art.
“The actual tent is constructed starting in August. Kids aren’t even back in school yet, and we’re already getting ready for the holiday season… Then, the ice comes down in September. And then our carvers this year got here October 1st, and they worked for about a month. And then we opened on November 16th. So it’s literally a process… They are absolute professionals. Our carvers come over from China, we found the best in the world. They really have it down to a science. They get in here, they get going, we give them chainsaws and ice picks. Everything you see in here was freehand,” Alexis explained.
At the end of the impressive attraction is a giant ice slide and Shivers Ice Bar.
“And they’re literally five feet apart,” added Alexis.
If the spirits don’t warm your spirits, a walk among the amazing display of lights will.
“We literally made it brighter than it’s ever been before. We never had two million lights before, and this trails about a mile long….But you don’t realize you’re walking that much because you’re just looking at pretty Christmas lights,” she said.
Around every corner, behind every bend and in places you’d never expect to see them, there are lights everywhere.
Once you close things out with a nativity scene that illuminates the nights sky, it’s easy to remember the real reason for the season, making Moody Gardens a stop that will make you Merry for Christmas on The Texas Bucket List!
“It’s amazing to celebrate the holiday season in a little bit of a different way. You don’t typically think of a tropical island for the holiday season. We go all out for the holiday season, so it’s definitely something that should be on your bucket list,” said Alexis.