At the Gaylord National Hotel, Charlie Brown and his friends have carved their way into ice to create an interactive experience for all ages. Slides, tubes, and photo opportunities are just a few of the various experiences that are available at the Gaylord National in Washington D.C. After suiting up in bright blue parkas, you enter into the icy environment filled with two million pounds of carved ice. The larger than life Peanuts characters are kept in a brisk nine degree temperature in a 17,000-square foot tent that keeps the ice intact. The creation of the event started in October, when artists traveled thousands of miles to begin their work in the freezing tent at the Gaylord. Traveling from Harbin, China, over 30 sculptors started the extensive carving process, paying homage to their home city, which is referred to as “The City of Ice,” known for its winter tourism and ice shows of its own.
This extravagant event opened November 15 and lasts until December 28. The walk takes place through twelve different scenes of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” some of which display Snoopy’s doghouse and Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. It includes interactive experiences and a showcasing of the ice carving process, providing fun for ages young and old. Sophomore Ellie Hornbaker told the tale of her Peanuts experience. “There was one that was Snoopy’s house, and you could sit in it and take a photo…as we were walking through, they had Peanuts music playing, and it was really Christmassy,” she shared.
Chipping away to create the carved characters and bring them to life, the sculptors create a fun event for guests of the hotel and surrounding communities. With a changing theme every year, the Gaylord National can reach a wide range of people and create a fun experience for all Charlie Brown fans.
