‘ICE!’ sculpture attraction underway at National Harbor

A tent full of ice carvings is back for the holiday season at Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor.

This year's walkthrough "ICE!" display is based on a TV special that's celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. (Courtesy Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography) — A tent full of ice carvings is back for the holiday season at Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor. This year’s walkthrough “ICE!” display is based on a TV special that’s celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography)

“Throughout the attraction you’ll see some of your favorite ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’ characters including Santa Claus/Kris Kringle, as well as Winter Warlock and the Burgermeister,” says Rachel Dinbokowitz with Gaylord National. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography)

Each block of ice comes pre-dyed in different colors from a factory in Ohio.

The display includes a nativity scene made from crystal clear ice, a "Frostbite Factory" where you can watch live ice carving, and 5 ice slides made for both kids and adults to enjoy. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography) — Each block of ice comes pre-dyed in different colors from a factory in Ohio. The display includes a nativity scene made from crystal clear ice, a “Frostbite Factory” where you can watch live ice carving, and 5 ice slides made for both kids and adults to enjoy. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography)

The attraction is open daily now through Jan. 3, including holidays. “So you can come on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, every day we’re open,” Dinbokowitz says. Ticket prices range from $20 to $28 for children age 3 to 11, and $28 to $35 for everyone age 12 and up. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography)

Ticket prices range from $20 to $28 for children age 3 to 11, and $28 to $35 for everyone age 12 and up. Children age 2 and under are free. Discounts are available for groups and military families. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography)

Here's an inside look at this year's "ICE!" attraction at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Some 2.1 million pounds of ice are at National Harbor right now. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography) — The attraction is open daily now through Jan. 3, including holidays. “So you can come on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, every day we’re open,” Dinbokowitz says. Ticket prices range from $20 to $28 for children age 3 to 11, and $28 to $35 for everyone age 12 and up. (Courtesy of Shannon Finney, Shannon Finney Photography)

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WASHINGTON — A tent full of ice carvings is back for the holiday season at Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor.

This year’s walk-through “ICE!” display is based on a TV special that’s celebrating its 45th anniversary.

“Throughout the attraction you’ll see some of your favorite ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’ characters including Santa Claus/Kris Kringle, as well as Winter Warlock and the Burgermeister,” says Rachel Dinbokowitz with Gaylord National.

Dinbokowitz gave WTOP a sneak preview of the sculptures as they were being built by 35 artisans from Harbin, China.

“They use chainsaws, and they bring tools from China with them here that have been passed down generation to generation.”

The tent is kept at a frigid 9 degrees to ensure the fabulous creations inside don’t melt. Some 2.1 million pounds of ice are at National Harbor right now.

“This year, we actually have a little bit more than usual,” says Dinbokowitz. “We have over 6,000 blocks of ice. Each weighs about 400 pounds.”

Each block of ice comes pre-dyed in different colors from a factory in Ohio.

The display includes a nativity scene made from crystal clear ice, a “Frostbite Factory” where you can watch live ice carving, and 5 ice slides made for both kids and adults to enjoy.

This year, the tent that houses “ICE!” has been moved to the convention side of the hotel.

To enter, head inside to what’s called the “Village of the North Pole”.

It’s set up like a Christmas village with a carousel, hot chocolate, gingerbread decorating and a Christmas shop.

The attraction is open daily now through Jan. 3, including holidays.

“So you can come on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, every day we’re open,” Dinbokowitz says.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $28 for children age 3 to 11, and $28 to $35 for everyone age 12 and up.

Children aged 2 and under are free.

Discounts are available for groups and military families.