When you think of holiday destinations, visions of snow-covered landscapes and ice sculptures might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at Moody Gardens, we’ve turned that notion upside down by transforming our Gulf Coast paradise into a winter wonderland that rivals the coolest destinations in the world. Join us on a journey to uncover how Moody Gardens became the Gulf Coast’s ultimate holiday hotspot.

A Cool Idea Inspired by Tradition

Our story begins with an idea that took inspiration from a time-honored tradition—the Annual Ice Festival in Harbin, China. This extraordinary event, dating back to the 1960s, bringing together over 3,000 talented ice carvers who compete to create the world’s most massive and intricate ice sculptures, all in the frigid depths of winter. It remains the largest ice and snow festival globally, attracting visitors from far and wide.

From Harbin to Galveston: A Grand Challenge

Bringing this captivating festival to the sunny shores of Galveston presented a unique set of challenges. After all, how do you recreate an event that typically unfolds in a country with bone-chilling temperatures as low as -31 degrees Celsius?

This was the question faced by our remarkable partners at the Gilbane Building Company. They were tasked with creating an enormous tent capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds, all while maintaining an interior temperature of just 9 degrees. The result? A colossal temporary structure that signals the arrival of the holiday season each year.

The Art of Crafting Colored Ice

Now, let’s dive into the fascinating process of creating the stunning ice sculptures that grace Moody Gardens’ ICE LAND. All of the ice used for this breathtaking display comes from our partner in Bryan, Texas, the Flying Penguin.

The ice undergoes a meticulous transformation to achieve its vibrant colors. First, reverse osmosis is employed to create crystal-clear ice blocks. Then, the magic happens as the ice is matched to the artist’s palette using a mixture of tempura paint and milk. Each design is laid out to scale, ensuring that the precise amount of ice and colors required are calculated well in advance.

Precision Carving and Artistry

With the ice prepared, it’s time for the real artistry to take center stage. The carving process involves dedicated teams working in shifts, devoting over 1,000 hours to their craft in just 45 days. Every detail is meticulously crafted to bring the magnificent scenes to life.

Overseeing this incredible journey is Kun Lu, the US president of the VYA Ice Carving Team from China. His expertise and watchful eye ensure that the transformation from blocks of ice to intricate sculptures unfolds seamlessly.

Moody Gardens has succeeded in turning a dream of winter enchantment into a reality, creating a destination on the Gulf Coast that is unlike any other. With ice sculptures that rival those from the coldest corners of the world, we’ve truly earned our place as the coolest holiday destination around.

Experience the Wonder

Experience the wonder for yourself at Moody Gardens, where tradition meets innovation, and winter comes to life on the Gulf Coast like never before. Don’t miss out on this unique holiday adventure and book your experience today: https://www.moodygardens.com/holiday_season/