It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas at Gaylord Hotels

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It may be July, but Gaylord Hotels' collection of four giant resorts—now part of the Marriott portfolio of brands—is already setting the stage for the country's most memorable Christmas events.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130724/PH52391-INFO )

Preparations are underway for millions of holiday lights, hundreds of miles long, to be hung at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn..; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., near Orlando; Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Tex., near Dallas; and Gaylord National in National Harbor, Md., on the Potomac.

Holiday getaway packages officially went on sale today for select dates beginning mid-November 2013 through early January 2014 at each destination (http://www.ChristmasAtGaylordHotels.com).

"We work for months to create magical settings where families can share Christmas traditions and make new ones," said Warren Lyng, director of special events for Gaylord Hotels. "Our resorts have become synonymous with the country's 'coolest' holiday attractions—from breathtaking decorations, live shows, themed events and more."

Gaylord Hotels properties range from nearly 1,300 guestrooms all the way up to 2,882 rooms. And with on-property amenities featuring everything in one place—full-service spas, diverse restaurants, quality entertainment, pools, shopping and much more—each resort is a destination unto itself beneath multi-acre glass atriums.

Decking the Halls Like None Other
When guests visit Gaylord Hotels resorts during the holidays, they are immediately transported to a fanciful world of thousands of twinkling lights, colorful trees, over-sized wreaths and ornate details that provide breathtaking views from every direction. Inside the resorts' signature atriums are acres of indoor gardens and waterfalls accented by towering Christmas trees and rainbows of dazzling color. Brilliant, illuminated fountains shoot high choreographed to Christmas melodies.

ICE! Returns Bigger Than Ever
ICE!— Gaylord Hotels' signature holiday attraction—will be bigger than ever this year with colorful, larger-than-life sculptures hand-carved from more than TWO MILLION pounds of ice. Approximately 150 artisans from Harbin, China (known for its master ice carving skills) travel to the U.S. each year to work on the magnificent displays. The masterful creations are extraordinary works of art, enhanced with lights and natural dyes which present a series of brilliantly colored panoramas. As for the chill inside this frosty fantasy world—kept at nine degrees, visitors are kept cozy in oversized parkas. Brand new themes for ICE! vary at each property and will include The Nutcracker, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and the DreamWorks classic Frosty the Snowman.

Christmassy DreamWorks Experience
Of course, each hotel will be getting ready for Santa to come to town, but he isn't the only jolly character guests will be able to meet. Gaylord Hotels offers new and exciting interactive adventures with the beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation franchises including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar. Guests can dig into a character-themed feast, go on a DreamWorks-themed scavenger hunt and even have some sticky fun at Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating.

For detailed Christmas event overviews by property, visit:

• Gaylord National Resort (National Harbor, Md.) – www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com
• Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville, Tenn.) – www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com
• Gaylord Palms Resort (Kissimmee, Fla.) – www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com
• Gaylord Texan Resort (Grapevine, Texas) – www.ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com

About Gaylord Hotels®
Gaylord Hotels® is a collection of hotels and upscale resorts that affords endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The brand's hallmark—"everything in one place"—provides guests with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation's most desirable destinations. Gaylord Hotels include Gaylord Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Fla., near Orlando; Gaylord Texan® on Lake Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord National® on the Potomac in National Harbor, Md.; and The Inn at Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.GaylordHotels.com.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and all related characters and properties © 2013 DreamWorks Animation LLC.

SOURCE Gaylord Hotels