Saving On Gaylord Texan Ice Discounts Promotions And Money-Saving Tips

The Gaylord Texan ICE! event is a popular holiday attraction featuring hand-carved ice sculptures from classic Christmas stories, with this year's theme being "Elf." The event creates a winter wonderland experience with slides and ice displays kept at a chilly 9 degrees, though complimentary blue parkas are provided. For visitors looking to enjoy this festive experience without breaking the bank, several money-saving opportunities are available through various channels.

Discounted Tickets Through Groupon

One of the most significant savings opportunities for the Gaylord Texan ICE! event comes through Groupon, where tickets are currently offered at up to 30% off the regular price. This promotion requires no promo code, making it an accessible option for many families.

Regular-priced tickets for the Gaylord Texan ICE! event are $29.99, but through this limited-time Groupon offer, prices start as low as $20.99 per person. This represents a substantial savings of nearly $9 per ticket, which can add up quickly for families planning to visit.

The Groupon discount applies specifically to the ICE! attraction at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas, which features scenes from the movie "Elf" hand-carved from over two million pounds of ice. Visitors can experience these detailed ice sculptures and enjoy the accompanying slides in the winter wonderland setting.

Age-Based Pricing Structure

The Gaylord Texan ICE! event has implemented an age-based pricing structure that provides automatic savings for families with young children. According to the available information, children ages 4-11 require a paid adult admission to attend with them, while children ages 3 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

This policy makes the event more accessible for families with infants and toddlers, effectively reducing the overall cost for those with very young children. For families with multiple children, this can represent considerable savings compared to attractions that charge full admission regardless of age.

Vacation Package Contest

Another potential opportunity to experience the Gaylord Texan ICE! event at no cost is through a contest offering a "Christmas at Gaylord Texan" vacation package. While specific details about entry requirements or odds of winning are not provided in the source material, interested individuals may want to inquire directly with the Gaylord Texan or follow their announcements about this contest.

Winning such a package could potentially include not only ICE! tickets but also accommodations and other holiday experiences at the resort, offering a comprehensive holiday experience without the individual costs.

Related Holiday Events and Activities

For visitors planning to make a day or weekend of their holiday experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, several other events and activities may offer additional value or free entertainment options:

Grapevine's Christmas Events

Located near the Gaylord Texan, Grapevine bills itself as the "Christmas Capital of Texas" and offers several attractions that could complement a visit to the ICE! event:

• Peace Plaza Ice Rink: Described as "The Rockefeller Center of the Southwest," this outdoor ice skating rink features a 60-foot live Christmas tree. Sessions cost $20 per person for one hour, including skate rental, and run from November 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026.

• The Merriest Holiday Tour: This food and wine tour of Grapevine includes three food tastings, three holiday cocktails, and a visit to the Main Street Observation Tower. While not free, it offers a different way to experience the holiday festivities.

Dallas Zoo Holiday Lights

The Dallas Zoo offers a "wild holiday extravaganza" featuring two million lights and hundreds of holiday and animal-themed lanterns. This event runs select nights from November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, from 5:30pm to 10pm, with tickets priced at $18 per person. The zoo has also added cozy igloos that can be booked for charcuterie and sweets, creating an additional experience option.

Free Community Events

For those looking for budget-friendly holiday entertainment, several free events are available in the Dallas area:

• Texas Artisan Markets Holiday Market: Taking place November 15-16, 2025, at Gilley's Dallas, this market features over 100 artisans, coffee and cocktails, an art gallery, food trucks, and live music at no cost to attendees.

Practical Tips for Visiting Gaylord Texan ICE!

When planning a visit to the Gaylord Texan ICE! event, several practical considerations can help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

• Dress Appropriately: Despite the complimentary blue parkas provided at the venue, the temperature inside the ICE! exhibit is maintained at 9 degrees. Visitors should still wear warm clothing, including hats and gloves, to stay comfortable during their visit.

• Plan for Time: The ICE! exhibit features detailed ice sculptures and multiple slides, allowing visitors to spend considerable time exploring and enjoying the winter wonderland. Planning for at least 1-2 hours at the attraction is advisable.

• Consider Package Deals: While the Groupon offer provides discounted tickets, visitors may want to check if the Gaylord Texan offers package deals that combine ICE! tickets with other attractions or dining options, which might provide additional value.

• Check Age Requirements: As noted, children 3 and under are free with a paying adult, while children 4-11 require paid admission. Families should plan accordingly to maximize their savings.

Family Considerations

For families with young children, several factors should be considered when planning a visit to the Gaylord Texan ICE! event:

• Temperature Sensitivity: The extremely cold temperature (9 degrees) inside the exhibit may be challenging for very young children or infants. Parents of children under 3 should evaluate whether their child can tolerate the cold environment for the duration of their visit.

• Attention Span: The ice sculptures and slides may be most engaging for children who can appreciate the artistry and participate actively in the activities. Families with very young children might want to plan shorter visits to prevent overstimulation or discomfort.

• Comfort Items: Consider bringing comfort items for young children, such as small toys or snacks, to help maintain their interest and comfort during the visit.

Additional Dallas-Fort Worth Savings Opportunities

While not directly related to the Gaylord Texan ICE! event, several restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offer kids' eat free deals, which could help families reduce meal costs during their holiday visit:

• Texas Roadhouse: Kids' meals start at $5.99, including a drink, for ages 12 and younger. Locations are available in Bedford, Fort Worth, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Mansfield, Mesquite, Northlake, and Rockwall.

• The Biscuit Bar: All kids' meals cost $5.90 and are served with tater tots or apple sauce, milk or fountain drink, and a small scoop of rainbow sherbet for ages 12 and younger. Locations are in Arlington, Coppell, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano.

• Torchy's Tacos: Kids' meals start at $3.25 every day for ages 12 and younger, with multiple locations across Dallas-Fort Worth.

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Kids' smoothies start at $4.29 every day, and kids' entrées a la carte start at $5.19, with multiple locations across Dallas-Fort Worth.

• Twisted Root Burger Co.: Kids' meals start at $7 every day for all ages, with locations in Arlington, Bedford, Carrollton, Coppell, Dallas, and Plano.

• Uncle Julio's: Kids' meals start at $7, with locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Conclusion

While specific coupons or freebies for the Gaylord Texan ICE! event are limited in the available information, several money-saving opportunities exist for visitors. The most substantial savings comes through the 30% discount offered on Groupon, reducing the regular ticket price from $29.99 to as low as $20.99. Additionally, the venue's policy of allowing children ages 3 and under free admission with a paying adult provides automatic savings for families with very young children.

Other potential savings opportunities include entering contests for vacation packages and taking advantage of kids' eat free deals at area restaurants. For those looking to extend their holiday experience, several other attractions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offer festive activities at various price points, including some free options like the Texas Artisan Markets Holiday Market.

When planning a visit, families should consider the extremely cold temperature inside the ICE! exhibit and dress accordingly, despite the complimentary parkas provided. With proper planning and utilization of available discounts, families can enjoy the magical experience of Gaylord Texan ICE! while managing their holiday budget effectively.

Sources

1. Hip2Save - Gaylord Hotels Christmas ICE! Deals
2. Dallasites101 - Holiday Events Around DFW
3. My Curly Adventures - Holiday Activities in Grapevine
4. BabyCenter Forum - Gaylord Palms ICE with Kids
5. CBS News Texas - Local News
6. DFW Child - Kids Eat Free