Ice Exhibit at the Gaylord Texan hotel in Grapevine, Texas

What happens when you put forty Chinese artisans and one thousand tons of solid ice into a room at nine degrees Fahrenheit? They create a winter wonderland! That's exactly what happened at the Gaylord Texan hotel in Grapevine, Texas. Curious, we took a drive to the remote resort, just to see the exhibit.

It took the artists twenty-five days to craft the illusion of polar ice and its carved inhabitants. The result delighted adults and children alike. One Thousand four Hundred LED lights sparkled, locked inside the ice and lent the exhibit a magical glow.

They built the walls from solid blocks of ice. Precise craftsmanship shaped arches, domes and gateways for visitor access. A wreath of poinsettias, meticulously carved from green and red ice graced the main arch. Above the wall on a track, concealed in ice, ran a toy train. Forgoing his reindeer, Santa rode in triumphantly on a mighty horse.

Santa's Replica Shop, the elves, and Santa's lovely home welcomed in the next room. A fireplace and a potbellied stove offered the illusion of warmth and comfort, while Frosty and his snow-wife looked on, wistfully from the cold outdoors. A playful elf, caught unawares on all fours, elicited a chuckle and Rudolf's glowing red nose led the way to the next room.

We found a sled of ice, pulled by a beautiful Clydesdale and sat in to have our picture taken. A frozen pond carried a lively family of polar bears, complete with fishing rod, and a group of penguins who frolicked in safe distance. And of course, there were Coca Cola bears. Who could have a winter without them?

A Guardian Angel towered, surrounded by carved, lit chandeliers and prepared us for the nativity scene, where Mary and Joseph tended their baby in the manger. Livestock surrounded them, as did the shepherds and Wise Men from the East, all carved in beautiful detail.

We exited through the arbor of light, a tunnel of tightly woven, ice-covered trees, liberally drizzled with white Christmas lights. By now, the magic had taken hold and we felt breathless and excited like children. But the fun was still ahead.

The largest room held the Castle, complete with walls, staircase and towers. We climbed the stairs and to our delight, found an ice slide. We couldn't resist. We joined the many kids and few adults who dared. What fun!

The magic held even after we left the building. Memories of cold air biting at my lungs, ice crunching under my feet, and dazzling lights and winter fun will likely linger for a while.

Yesterday was the last day of the exhibit. Today, the artisans must melt the ice. But, next year, they will return and fashion a new wonderland. What enchantment will they create then? I will be sure to visit.