Here's something that's pretty 'cool' to do - go see ICE! at the Gaylord Texan. Now, keep in mind, this is not a cheap outing - tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 12, you'll have to pay to park plus there's the gift shop and refreshment center inside the ICE! tent too. But, it is certainly a treat to get to see it.  The ice sculptures inside are enormous and like things you might see elsewhere....not in Texas.   When you first arrive, parkas are provided for your trip thru. I might suggest too that you bring gloves, wear good shoes and socks and a scarf and cap wouldn't hurt. They keep it a brisk 9 degrees in the tent. Yes, that is 9 degrees. We had the warm parkas but were freezing after the first few minutes.

Immediately after entering, you are greeted by falling snowflakes and the ICE! windblower. Continue on the journey and you are amazed at the size and details of all the displays...the gigantic colorful Christmas ornaments, the life size gingerbread house, ice skaters, Coca Cola bears, angels, a nativtity & a room where you can slide down the 'slopes' to name a few.

You can stay as long as you'd like and take pictures till your fingers are numb. Once you're done, you exit thru a room where they offer hot chocolate and other warm beverages and you can finish your visit in the gift shop where you'll find an impressive array of Christmas and festive decorations and goodies.

While you're there, be sure to walk through the Gaylord itself -that's free and it's totally decked out for the holidays too- train displays, poinsettias everywhere, giant Christmas trees and moving characters and gazillions of lights.

If you feel compelled to drop some more cash, there are places to several eat there - from snacks to full blown sit down fancy dining, of course. The Gaylord is huge and a bit overwhelming, definitely worth the trip at least once, even if you aren't staying as a guest.

ICE! runs a little longer - until Jan.3rd . Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine.