The Ice Carvers are Coming to Moody Gardens

Have you ever seen ice sculptures? If so, then you've probably also marveled at the skill it takes to create these unique pieces of art. Well now, you've got a chance to not only see some of the best ice sculptures ever created but, also see some of these amazing artists at work.

After traveling halfway around the world, a team of internationally-acclaimed Chinese ice carvers made their way to Galveston’s Moody Gardens Friday morning to a warm welcome, before setting out to create holiday and animal themed sculptures from two million pounds of ice.

The team of 25 master carvers will spend the next six weeks sculpting ordinary 300-pound blocks of colored ice into works of art and more as they create ICE LAND: Pole-to-Pole, opening Nov. 17.

This year’s ICE LAND theme takes guests on a journey from the North to South poles.  The CAA Ruijing Ice Carving Team will even create a giant ice slide that will take guests on a glacial journey.  Guests will encounter polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, and of course, reindeer – all hand-carved out of two million pounds of ice inside a 28,000 sq. ft. insulated tent structure chilled and maintained at nine degrees. Shiver’s Ice Bar also returns to ICE LAND this year as guests enjoy ultra-cool holiday spirits as they enter this bar made completely of ice creatively transformed into an igloo this year to fit the Pole-to-Pole theme.

ICE LAND: Pole-to-Pole, the only ice sculpture exhibition on the Gulf Coast, is open through Jan. 6, 2019.

Guests who want an ultra-chill behind-the-scenes look at how ice carvers transform two million pounds of ice into the towering, colorful sculptures can sign up for the exclusive Ice Carver VIP Experience Tour, be offered daily Oct. 6 through Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The $199 package allows guests advance access to see the ice carvers in action as they create the giant ice sculptures. Guests will also go behind the scenes at the Aquarium Pyramid to meet a real penguin and enjoy lunch with the Ice Carving Team.

 The Ice Carver VIP Experience package has limited availability. Advance reservations required 409-683-4375

Other holiday attractions include Festival of Lights, Cirque Joyeux, Rudolph 4D, 3D films, ice skating, an Arctic Slide and train rides, plus live entertainment and great food. For more information about these attractions and discounted ticket options, please call 409-744-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org.

Moody Gardens^® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.