ICE CARVERS ARRIVE ON GALVESTON ISLAND TO CREATE ICE LAND: RAINFOREST HOLIDAY

Galveston, Texas (October 17, 2023) – Moody Gardens is preparing a holiday celebration on Galveston Island as a team of skilled Ice Carvers from Harbin, China arrives to carve an astonishing two million pounds of ice inside a massive 28,000 sq. ft. tent, maintained at nine degrees. This frozen wonderland will be known as ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday and will be open to the public from Nov. 18 through Jan. 6.

Rainforest meets ice in this one-of-a-kind scenario, complete with monkeys, birds, butterflies, and orchids, as guests are led through this magical icy world by leaf-cutter ant sculptures adorned with Christmas decorations. These master ice carvers have created a mesmerizing journey through the globe's rainforests, featuring a massive ice slide that whisks guests from treetops to the forest floor, ancient ruins, and riversides. The thrill of the giant ice slide serves as the pinnacle of this attraction as it offers a birds-eye view and some fantastic festive fun for those who are up for a cool ride.  Additionally, guests can enjoy holiday spirits at Shivers Ice Bar, an exceptionally cool bar sculpted entirely out of ice.

“ICE LAND has become a wonderful holiday tradition for families throughout the region,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO, who added that the addition of the ice slide will be appreciated by guests of all ages. “The children love the ice slide, but the smiles and laughter from sharing the experience together are what those special holiday memories are all about.”

As Moody Gardens is set to transform into Holiday in the Gardens, it continues to be an anticipated and cherished holiday tradition. Visitors can look forward to an array of attractions to accompany ICE LAND. The Festival of Lights is a mile-long walking trail embellished with two million lights and sound-enhanced lighted and animated displays with even more lights on the trail to enjoy this year. Guests can also enjoy outdoor ice skating, the Arctic Slide, evening cruises on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, a nightly holiday buffet, train rides, 3D holiday films, and Rudolph 4D. Moody Gardens Hotel will host an exciting new A Christmas Wish: Holiday Spectacular dinner show and three New Year’s celebrations with NYE options for families and adults.

A variety of ticket options are available, including individual and bundled tickets at prices starting from $21.00. Discounted deals are also available on Value Days with buy-one-get-one-free admission on Festival of Lights tickets or the Holiday Pass, which offers access to ICE LAND, Festival of Lights, four slides on the Arctic slide, train ride, ice rink, Aquarium Pyramid, 3D and 4D theaters. A variety of holiday Hotel Packages are also available.

For more information visit https://www.moodygardens.com/holiday_season/ or call 409-744-4673.

Moody Gardens^® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

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