‘Shrek, Fiona, Puss and Boots and other characters from “Shrek” jump around the stage dancing and celebrating with children and adults alike who fill the audience. Later, kids get a chance to get an up close and personal encounter with their favorite characters for a photo.
Massive ice sculptures depicting scenes from “Merry Madagascar” fill a new 40,000 square space where visitors put on huge blue parkas and head into the 9 degree ICE! exhibit.
Strolling through the 2,881-room resort checking out millions of brightly sparkling lights and Christmas scenes…Decorating a gingerbread house and meeting Gingy from “Shrek”…Visiting the Holiday Village where you can try treats such as cupcakes and popcorn and go to story time with Mrs. Claus.
These are just a few of the adventures awaiting visitors to Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., a delightful Christmas destination that is only a four-hour drive from North Georgia. The 28th annual “A Country Christmas” has an animated Dreamworks Experience adventure awaiting guests this year with beloved characters from “Shrek,” “King Fu Panda” and “Madagascar.” Character meals, meet and greets and other activities are offered throughout the holiday season.
Don’t miss the “Shrektacular” show where characters from the three movies provide a fun dance party show that will delight adults and children. The amazing production includes a surprise snow fall and streamers flying through the audience.
Another fun adventure awaits visitors in ICE! where they will find ice sculptures hand-carved by artisans. The walk-through indoor attraction incudes scenes from “Merry Madagascar” and a huge nativity scene that ends the experience. There is also 20-foot tall ice slide that visitors can slide down. Guests can also check out a pre-show experience that gives a behind-the-scene look at how ICE! is created.
The Holly Jolly Town Square provides guests with a step back into time where they can stroll through a nostalgic 1950s Christmas village. Live entertainment, wreath making and food demonstrations are offered daily.
The Holly Jolly Town Square also has the festive Hall of Trees, which will be on display through Jan. 1. The display features decorated Christmas trees that are sponsored by local charities. The trees are auctioned off as a fund-raiser for the charities.
Other holiday options during your visit to the resort are the Louise Mandrell Dinner Party and Rockettes, as well as shopping at the Treasues for the Holidays craft show. A special Christmas show is also offered on the General Jackson showboat.
While Gaylord Opryland Resort is a magical place to visit during the Christmas season, it is a great place to visit year-round. The resort has nine acres of indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and a one-fourth mile river under glass atriums that keeps the temperature 72 degrees year round. Restaurants, a spa and shops inside the resort make it a vacation destination with guests not having to leave the property for a fun-filled get-away.
For more information, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com or call 1-888-999-6779.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
