A family staycation at the Gaylord Rockies has become a much-anticipated experience gift in our home during the holidays.
There is a sort of incomparable magic at the Gaylord Rockies, especially this time of year. It is so nice to be able to take a deep breath at an everyday escape without traveling far. As a bonus, a stay at the Gaylord is one of few things that all four of my kids truly enjoy! (Our crew's ages range from toddler to pre-teen, so this is quite a feat!)
The author received an overnight stay at Gaylord Rockies to facilitate the writing of this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are the author's own.
My older girls started hinting toward the end of October that they couldn't wait to see what the Gaylord Rockies would bring this Christmas. The answer, in case you aren't aware, was a talented group of artists to carve over 2 million pounds of ice, bringing to life a breathtaking nativity scene and the animated holiday special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
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ICE! was our very first stop when we arrived for our stay, and it was so impressive! It features 10+ scenes from the Christmas classic, brought to life with color and LED light. For those who really like to immerse themselves in such an experience (read: my husband and I, as well as our kids), you can also take slippery rides down two-story-tall ice slides and traverse through ice tunnels and arches. All while listening to the tunes from the show that we grew up with.
As per our annual Gaylord tradition, we treated ourselves to Auntie Anne's pretzels after ICE! and strolled through the connected Mistletoe Village, which has holiday gifts and collectables to shop for, a gingerbread building station, and the big man in red with his missus.
My six-year-old decided to take charge at this point. She suggested that we put on our coats and warm our hands with hot chocolate — a well-played move on her part — and then head outside to Glacier Point. We had all had so much fun exploring Glacier Point before, but it never ceases to amaze me how there is just as much offered outside as there is inside.
Ice Skating
Ice Bumper Cars
Gorgeous Light Displays
Snow Tubing (our personal favorite)
This year even my fearless two-year-old went down the huge tubing hill... multiple times! For those you who like to challenge your kids to races, this is a fun one.
In true Gaylord Rockies fashion, the fun really never stops. While ICE! is the signature attraction for Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, there are plenty more festive activities, events, attractions, and dazzling decorations throughout the resort. Here's a quick rundown of items to research for your own family staycation:
- "Cirque: Spirit of Christmas"
- Glacier Point
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
- Naughty or Nice Escape Room
- Elf Training Academy
- Mrs. Claus' Christmas Traditions
- Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Don't forget the indoor/outdoor Arapahoe Springs water park, open year-round!
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Get the full scoop at https://christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com/
We are all about traditions in our house, and the Gaylord Rockies during the holiday season is one that I see continuing for years to come. With so many things to see and do, it's an easy decision for family fun! Christmas at Gaylord Rockies lasts through 1/1/23, so there is still time to take your own family to enjoy the festivities.
