SAN ANTONIO — The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is once again transforming into a winter wonderland as ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman™ returns for the 2025 holiday season. The signature attraction, created by Gaylord Hotels, runs from November 22, 2025, through January 4, 2026, as part of the resort’s annual Hill Country Christmas celebration.
This year’s 20,000-square-foot ICE! exhibit brings to life 11 immersive scenes from the classic Frosty the Snowman™ story, crafted from more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice. Inside the tent, kept at a brisk nine degrees Fahrenheit, visitors can explore colorful ice tunnels, four two-story ice slides, a kids’ peek-a-boo slide, and dozens of photo opportunities. The walk-through concludes with a crystal-clear Nativity scene. Guests are provided with signature blue parkas to stay warm.
The exhibit is created by 40 master ice carvers from Harbin, China, who spend about 30 days shaping over 6,700 blocks of ice using traditional tools such as chisels, chainsaws, and grinders. Visitors may also watch a live ice-carving demonstration inside the attraction.
Light Shows and Entertainment
The festivities continue nightly with the Here We Glow A-Caroling Light Show, featuring thousands of synchronized lights and a custom holiday soundtrack. The experience ends with a high-energy sing-along finale held at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
Reindeer Ridge Holiday Activities
Beyond ICE!, the resort’s 40,000-square-foot Exhibit Ballroom transforms into “Reindeer Ridge,” home to a variety of returning Hill Country Christmas activities, including:
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Snow Flow Mountain, a multi-lane tubing hill made of real snow
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Snowball Build & Blast, where guests launch snowballs at interactive targets
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Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, featuring stories, songs, cookies, and milk
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Gingerbread Decorating Corner, with hands-on decorating and appearances from Nutmeg the gingerbread man
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Build-A-Bear Workshop®, offering customizable holiday furry friends
Families can also participate in the Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt, enjoy the S’mores Station, write letters to Santa, take photos with Santa during appearances, and even join the Polar Plunge in select pools.
Stay & Play Packages
Guests looking to extend their holiday experience can book the resort’s ICE! Stay & Play Package, which includes overnight accommodations and two ICE! tickets per night booked using code 1GC at JWHillCountryChristmas.com. Overnight guests also receive exclusive benefits such as the Chill Pass, offering front-of-line access and reduced wait times.
Resort Amenities
In addition to holiday programming, visitors staying at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa can enjoy:
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The nine-acre River Bluff Water Experience with heated pools and hot tubs
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Eight on-site dining outlets
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Two 18-hole PGA TOUR TPC San Antonio golf courses
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Lantana Spa
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Topgolf Swing Suite
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Sports courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball
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Scenic walking trails throughout the Hill Country property
For more information or to book a stay, guests can call 210-276-2500 or visit www.JWSanAntonio.com.
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