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House of the Dragon won’t be back for season two until next year, but there’s something coming out soon for fans of the Game of Thrones prequel to be excited about. This weekend, in fact. The show’s official X account confirmed that the “first look” at season two will be unveiled on Saturday, December 2nd. It probably won’t be a full-length trailer — a teaser full of “fire and blood” is more likely — but it’s better than nothing.

HBO also released two character posters for the upcoming season: one of Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra, and another for Olivia Cooke as Alicent.

Showrunner Ryan Condol teased what House of the Dragon viewers can expect in season two earlier this year. “I’m excited to pick up where we left off,” he said. “Now we get to fall into the more traditional rhythms of storytelling and Game of Thrones. We’ve always talked about this particular tale, George [R.R. Martin] has too, of being a Shakespearean or Greek tragedy. This series is very much about a house tearing itself apart from within. Now that all those pieces have been set on the board, I’m really excited to tell the next chapter, to see what happens now that Viserys is gone and no longer keeping a lid on things.”

House of the Dragon returns in “early summer” 2024.

For a brief moment, Ron DeSantis was seen as the biggest threat to Donald Trump heading into the 2024 Republican primary. The Florida governor was riding a wave of support from his handling (or more accurately, non-handling) of the COVID pandemic as well as his aggressive stance on culture war issues that play well with GOP voters. But then DeSantis hit the campaign trail, and everything fell apart.

Turns out, DeSantis is terrible at retail politics, particularly when it comes to interacting with other human beings or even acting like one. The Florida governor is awkward as hell, and once again, he has demonstrated that he can’t do simple things like smile like a normal human being.

During Thursday night’s debate with California Governor Gavin Newsom, DeSantis was roasted on social media as he busted out his weird, creepy smile on the Fox News stage. But, hey, at least everyone wasn’t making fun of his boot lifts this time.

You can see some of the reactions below:

One user even worked a slick Matthew Perry tribute into the DeSantis dunking. On Friends, Perry’s Chandler Bing is awful at smiling for photographs. However, Perry was doing an over-exaggerated comedic performance. Little did he know he perfectly channeled DeSantis.

You can see the clip below:

It’s a good year for television if you love some Western drama with a hint of familial tension. Plus… horses! Lawmen: Bass Reeves is the latest series from executive producer Taylor Sheridan to resonate with viewers, and it even set a new ratings record for Paramount+.

The first two episodes of the series racked up 7.5 million viewers in its first week on the streamer, along with a CBS run. This makes Lawmen Paramount+’s most-watched series premiere this year. And that’s not even counting all those times your dad will make you watch an episode with him while you’re home for the holidays!

Lawmen: Bass Reeves tells the story of real-life lawman Bass Reeves, who became the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. The series, like other Sheridan shows, has (unsurprisingly) become a massive hit for Paramount+, following the footsteps of Yellowstone. David Oyelowo, star and EP, said in a statement, “Our goal at Yoruba Saxon is simple, to normalize the marginalized for a global audience. The international embrace of Lawmen: Bass Reeves shows that borders are no boundary to a fresh perspective on a great story.”

Bass Reeves also stars Dennis Quaid, Garrett Hedlund, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Grantham Coleman, Demi Singleton, and Lauren E. Banks

The final six episodes of Lawmen will be dropping weekly on Paramount+ through December 17th.

(Via Deadline)

The Uproxx 2023 Fall Travel Hot List is live! Visit here for the full experience!

If you’re a ski or snowboarder, you’ve likely visited (or dreamt of visiting) one of the best places to hit the slopes in the United States: Vail, Colorado. The quaint Bavarian-inspired village is home to many winter Olympians, known for its ski resorts, fine dining, luxury shopping, and opulent hotels.

Ski season began in Vail on November 10, and the next few months are undoubtedly the prime time in the village but there really is no “wrong time” to visit this legendary mountain enclave.

My last visit was during peak fall foliage season when I spent a few days at The Hythe Luxury Collection Resort. After soaking up the sun in the pool, relaxing in the spa, enjoying sunsets from my balcony, and meals from one of the on-site restaurants, I knew this would be my new spot during all seasons. Here is why it should be yours, too.

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

I love a hotel (or really anything) with an interesting backstory, and The Hythe delivers on that front. Renovated and reopened just two years ago after a massive $40 million renovation, The Luxury Collection resort is intentional in its nods to Vail’s history and the town’s founders – Earl Eaton and Pete Seibert. Beyond the historical significance, you can find local art and stories woven throughout the modern property.

It’s also just, like… really cool. The interiors are clean, well-designed, and perfectly cozy with everything you need and want in a luxurious alpine escape.

IN-HOUSE FOOD AND DRINK:

Guests at The Hythe have several food, drink, and après options on site.

Margie’s Haas

Inspired by local World War II home cook Margie Haas, who welcomed 10th Mountain Division soldiers into her home, the on-site breakfast restaurant is bright (both in decor and food-wise) and upscale. I started my day with chicken and waffles that were as beautifully plated as they were delicious. During ski season, guests can load up at Pete & Earl’s Avant Ski Buffet, featuring an extensive breakfast and the option to add on bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys.

Revel Lounge

The sleek Revel Lounge bar and restaurant is lively and modern, with an extensive menu filled with Colorado-inspired cuisine. I enjoyed Mushroom Carpaccio, followed by a perfectly prepared Colorado Mountain Trout during my visit. The service was exceptional, and the wine pairing was inspired.

Mountain Ration Grab & Go

Grab a coffee or some grub to go at Mountain Ration Grab & Go on the first floor of The Hythe. The bright space is perfect for a casual snack and work or to fuel up a day of exploring.

10th Mountain

In partnership with local distillery 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company, 10th Mountain is a hidden lobby bar open daily from 3-5 pm for appetizers, whiskey, and a full bar.

AMENITIES:

• Year-round outdoor pool and hot tub
• Complimentary gear library
• Après Deck with complimentary smores
• Seasonal outdoor live music
• Seasonal outdoor yoga classes
• Full-service spa
• Fitness Center
• Concierge desk
• Pet friendly
• Valet parking
• Valet dry-cleaning
• Daily housekeeping
• Room service 24-hours
• Courtesy shuttle service
• Storage space
• Ski valet (winter only)
• Onsite ski/bike rental shop

ROOM TYPES:

The Hythe is a property that feels cozy while being exceptionally large. With 343 guest rooms, you can choose from several options and room styles.

Guest Rooms:

I stayed in a “Deluxe Larger Guest Room: 1 King With Fireplace” and was pleasantly surprised by the large room and bathroom that led out onto an expansive rooftop patio and stunning mountain views. There are options for fireplaces in rooms, firepits outside, terraces, balconies, and sofa beds in single or double guest rooms.

Suites, Residences, and Penthouses:

The Hythe offers 1-bedroom suites with jacuzzi tubs, multiple balconies, and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom residences perfect for entertaining. The Penthouses feature three- or 4-bedroom layouts with sweeping mountain views, vaulted ceilings, and private balconies.

BEST THINGS TO DO/EAT/DRINK WITHIN A 15-MINUTE WALK:

Explore Vail and Lionshead Villages:

The two main ski mountains in Vail are Vail Village and Lionshead Village. About a mile between the two villages, easily accessed by a walking trail or bus, the villages are home to world-class restaurants, shopping, and bars.

Grab a bite at Mountain Standard:

The restaurant most often recommended to me in Vail is Mountain Standard, and after I was finally able to get in for lunch on my last visit, I understood why. The food is mainly prepared over an open and live wood fire in a “primal method” with a rustic woodsy background and tasty drinks.

BEST THING TO DO WITHIN AN HOUR DRIVE:

This category is generally reserved for short cab rides, but things are different in the Rocky Mountains. Vail is ideally situated off I-70 to grant easy access to many of Colorado’s most iconic scenes. Within an hour, this is what I recommend:

In The Summer — Visit Twin Lakes:

Twin Lakes, just outside of Leadville, Colorado, is slightly over an hour’s drive from Vail but is my favorite place to spend a hot summer day in Colorado – and well worth the extra few minutes. At 9,600 feet elevation, the alpine vistas are striking, and the lake is refreshing. Camp, paddleboard, hike, canoe, or even take a polar plunge during summer.

In The Fall — Take A Scenic Drive:

Seeing fall colors in the Colorado mountains is a bucket list experience, and Vail is ideally located for it. You’ll encounter plenty of foliage on the drive-in from Denver, then be sure to drive Loveland Pass and Tigiwon Road to nearby Minturn. Colors generally start mid-September and can last until early October.

In The Winter — Visit Breckenridge:

If you visit Vail in the winter, you’re likely interested in skiing or snowboarding, so take the opportunity to visit another iconic Colorado ski town: Breckenridge. About 45 minutes from Vail, Breckenridge Ski Resort boasts five peaks and 2,908 acres of skiable terrain.

In The Spring — Soak In Hot Springs:

Spring in the Colorado mountains can often still be chilly, if not downright wintry, so visiting a hot spring is a treat. Just under an hour from Vail lies some of the most iconic in the state. Glenwood Springs boasts three developed hot springs, including the massive Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest mineral springs pool.

BED GAME: 8.5/10

The bed, pillows, and linens were all on point at The Hythe, but what I really loved was the view from it. I woke up in bed to the sun and aspen-covered mountains outside the door and spent my evenings with a fire and a glass of wine.

SEXINESS RATING: 9/10

I scored this one higher after reading what UPROXX’s travel editor, Steve Bramucci, laid out as the ten pillars of a sexy hotel. Although The Hythe is kid-friendly – I didn’t see any. The rooms are clean, the design is modern, and the bar is a hot spot. The hotel is in the middle of the action, steps away from Lionshead Village, the slopes, and Vail Village.

VIEWS & PIC SPOTS: 9/10

The Hythe is an Instagrammers dream. Every room has a view of the surrounding mountains, the style is sleek, and the amenities are luxe. The outdoor pool and hot tub are ideally situated for a thirst trap, and the mid-century decor is perfect for an apres photo shoot anywhere on the property.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT:

There are no “bad” seasons to visit, but what is available to you will vary wildly – depending on your wants as a traveler. For skiers, you’ll want to visit between November and April, although the best conditions – and the highest rates – will likely be in January and February. Shoulder seasons before and after ski season will see a more peaceful vibe, fall colors, and lower rates, while summer offers more outdoor activities, hiking, family-friendly events, and wildflowers.

IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING:

I understand that I just spent the last 1000+ words explaining why Vail and The Hythe are the perfect getaway during any season – and I stand by that – but there is one caveat that may lead visitors to complain. There is a short window before the busy ski season when many of the restaurants and shops in the village close – which happened to be when I visited. While I enjoyed the peaceful vibes and still found plenty to do, see, eat, and drink, that’s something you’ll want to consider depending on the type of traveler you are.

Prices here can also vary more than in locations not as dependent on one particular busy season.

BOOK THE HYTHE HERE.

INSTAGRAM IMAGES TAKEN AT THE HYTHE:

We are less than 24 hours removed from Muna being revealed as Uproxx’s latest cover stars. In the accompanying story, guitarist Josette Maskin said, “The only thing we want to continue to do is make good music and try to find some sort of peace. Where that plot goes, I don’t think we know, but I think it’s the merit of trying to be good to oneself and be good to your friends.”

Muna hopping on Holly Humberstone’s “Into Your Room” is good for everyone. The revamped song arrived this morning, December 1.

“I’m throwing stones at your window,” Muna’s Katie Gavin sings. “To get you to notice me / Don’t make me stand outside in the pouring rain / With a freshly ripped human heart from my ribcage / And a boom-box / How pathetic, babe.”

There was an element of throwing stones at each other’s window, as it were. On November 10, 2021, back in the glory days when X was still Twitter, Muna tweeted, “Holly Humberstone’s writing >>>,” and the fan account @pheebbridgers replied, “muna and holly collab when.” On Monday, November 27, Muna quote-posted that two-year-old request alongside the salute emoji. Additionally, Humberstone released the song alongside a January 2022 Instagram DM exchange between her and Muna.

After one listen to Humberstone and Muna’s “Into Your Room,” it’s unequivocally clear that this song is worth waiting for two years. If you’re not careful, you might have it stuck in your head for the next two years.

“I’m obsessed with Muna and have been wanting to work with them for ages,” Humberstone said in a statement, as per press release. “I’m so thankful that I finally get to have them bring their magic to one of my songs.”

Muna also relayed a statement, saying, “Holly is such a talented artist, and we have been so impressed by her songwriting and musicianship for a long time now. We were so stoked when her record came out a few months ago so it was a total delight to be able to get to put our little spin on ‘Into Your Room.’ We also love both Ethan [Gruska] and Rob [Millton]’s work as producers so it was a dream to be able to play with the session files.”

Muna has earned a well-deserved reprieve after touring all over the place (literally) in 2023, including headlining their Life’s So Fun Tour and opening on Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. Meanwhile, Humberstone will stage her first-ever headlining North American tour next May in support of her debut album, Paint My Bedroom Black.

Listen to “Into Your Room” above, and see Humberstone’s tour dates below.

05/05/2024 — Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
05/07/2024 — Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/08/2024 — Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre Of Living Arts
05/09/2024 — Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
05/11/2024 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
05/12/2024 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
05/14/2024 — Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
05/16/2024 — Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
05/17/2024 — Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre
05/18/2024 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Café
05/20/2024 — Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
05/21/2024 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell
05/23/2024 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether
05/27/2024 — Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
05/28/2024 — Seattle, WA @ Neumos
05/29/2024 — Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom

Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.

Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of November below.

Snoop Dogg — Doggystyle (30th Anniversary Edition)

Snoop Dogg (who’s still smoking weed, by the way) is celebrating 30 years of his iconic debut album, Doggystyle, with a new reissue. This is a cool one, too: Aside from being available in a number of color variants, it features “Gz Up Hoes Down,” which was exclusively available on the album’s initial 100,000 units in 1993, making it sought after.

Get it here.

The Beatles — 1962-1966 (‘The Red Album’) and 1967-1970 (‘The Blue Album’)

“Now And Then” is the headlining new Beatles release of the year, but the legendary group also delivered some compelling reissues of two classic compilation albums. The new versions of the collections come with expanded tracklists (which includes “Now And Then”), all pressed on bold-colored, semi-translucent vinyl with stereo mixes. And if you just want the new (and final) Beatles song on vinyl, don’t worry, that’s also available in multiple formats.

Get it here.

The Beths – Expert In A Dying Field (Bandbox Exclusive)

If you’re not following what Bandbox is doing in the vinyl space, you better get on board. The Minneapolis-based company is announcing exclusive pressings and zines from a variety of artists on a weekly basis, and our favorite of their recent announcements is this lovely pink and green pressing of The Beths’ killer Expert In A Dying Field. It’s available for pre-order now, as well as recently announced offerings from the likes of Braid and Grizzly Bear.

Get it here.

Various Artists — Barbie The Album (VMP Designer Edition) and Barbie The Album (VMP Kendom Edition)

Barbie was the movie of the year, but it had the soundtrack of the year, too. Given that Barbie as a brand has been a merchandising titan for decades now, the vinyl editions of the soundtrack are packed with goodies, and they come in both Designer and Kendom flavors via our friends at Vinyl Me, Please.

Get Designer Edition here. Get Kendom Edition here.

Polo G — Die A Legend (Reissue)

As part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday celebration earlier this month, Legacy Recordings dropped a series of reissues. It’s hard to call their Polo G offering a reissue, though: They pressed Die A Legend on “black ice” colored vinyl, which is actually the first time the multi-platinum album has ever been available on vinyl. So, if this is one you’ve been waiting to put on your turntable, you finally can.

Get it here.

Van Halen – Van Halen

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is in the midst of a very cool reissue series with LA icons Van Halen, and the self-titled debut is a great place to start. The company describes the restoration process as “painstaking,” mastered from the original analog tapes onto MoFi’s supervinyl. When you turn up “Running With The Devil” and “Eruption” to their max volume, you’ll be hearing Eddie’s trademark guitar as well as ever.

Get it here.

Public Enemy — It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back (35th Anniversary Edition)

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back is an iconic release in early hip-hop history, and this year, it celebrates 35 trips around the sun. Now there’s a 4LP reissue that comes with new liner notes via Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Q-Tip, and Questlove, quite the foursome offering insight on an important hip-hop milestone.

Get it here.

Explosions In The Sky — Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever (Anniversary Edition) and The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place (Anniversary Edition)

Post-rock mainstays Explosions In The Sky are reissuing two of their most classic pieces of early work, and this is actually the first time either LP is available on colored vinyl. Both colorings do a terrific job at highlighting the distinct album cover art, and the albums have been remastered for this release, too.

Get it here.

Pearl Jam — Vs. (30th Anniversary Edition)

Ten was a huge debut album for Pearl Jam, and they crushed it with its follow-up, Ten, too: It was their first No. 1 album and it hung into that top spot for five weeks. It’s been 30 years since that album dropped, and now Eddie Vedder and company are reissuing it in a number of different configurations; Pictured above is the 2LP “dreamsicle” configuration available via the band’s Ten Club, while other editions are available elsewhere.

Get it here.

R.E.M. — Up (25th Anniversary Reissue)

Up was a turning point for R.E.M., as the group’s 11th album saw them without their founding drummer, Bill Berry, for the first time. It’s already been 25 years since then, so they’ve given the album a fresh coat of paint with a new remaster of the LP, and the band also has T-shirts and other cool merch to complement your vinyl purchase.

Get it here.

Social Distortion — Mommy’s Little Monster (40th Anniversary Reissue)

Mommy’s Little Monster, Social Distortion’s 40-year-old debut album, can now be yours via some pretty neat vinyl reissues. The album has been remastered from the original analog tapes, and there’s also a variety of limited-edition colorways to choose from, all of which are lovely.

Get it here.

Daft Punk — Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition)

Random Access Memories is a classic of its era, but it sounds completely different if you get rid of the drums. That’s something Daft Punk wanted to explore with a new “Drumless Edition” of the 2013 album. Aside from being a new way to experience this awesome project, the stark white cover art is just so, so clean.

Get it here.

Vic Mensa — Victor

In his review of Victor, Uproxx’s Aaron Williams wrote, “Victor gives listeners exactly what it says on the tin: A holistic look at an artist who’s come into his own at last. Vic had to go through everything he did to mature enough as an artist to synthesize those experiences into an honest, unfiltered summation of himself. This is his real autobiography — it was worth the wait.” Now, it’s available to spin at home, and includes an option for a signed copy.

Get it here.

Bob Dylan — The Complete Budokan 1978

Dylan’s 1978 world tour were his first international shows since 1966, making them a special event for those audiences. The run included his first appearances in Japan, and now we have a deluxe box set that chronicles two full shows recorded at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan Hall on February 28 and March 1, 1978. Ultimately, there are 36 previously unreleased recordings here, making it a must for hardcore Dylan fans. Check out Steven Hyden’s review of the collection, and look below for your own physical copy.

Get it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Has Taylor Swift ever been married? Not that the public is aware of, no! Celebrity gossip social media account Deuxmoi claimed recently, though, that Swift and Joe Alwyn had an unofficial arrangement, with a ceremony and all, that had been described as a “marriage.” It turns out this report was the start of a situation.

Tree Paine, Swift’s longtime publicist, responded, tweeting, “Enough is enough with these fabricated lies about Taylor from Deuxmoi. There was NEVER a marriage or ceremony of ANY kind. This is an insane thing to post. It’s time for you to be held accountable for the pain and trauma you cause with posts like these.”

Instead of just fading away in fear of potential Swiftie wrath, Deuxmoi poked the bear.

In their Instagram Story, they shared some messages from others showing support for them over the Swift situation. One reads, “I believe you. It just feels like now that Taylor is with Travis [Kelce] they don’t want anything positive about Joe to be out there. Like girl you were with him for 6 years so obviously some of it was good. Why are we blowing him up because you found someone better for you. Like I said I’m a Swiftie but some of her moves lately are really turning me off.”

Another says, “‘pain and trauma’… are very strong words. I understand why they’d be bothered, but Tree (and Taylor) are livid. Of all things, why are they so angry about this particular claim that they felt the need to respond?” Deuxmoi added to that one, “A lot of people are starting to figure out why & it’s all good…why not celebrate the love & happiness???”

Somebody else wrote, “I don’t understand why Taylor’s PR would respond directly to this. It is so out of character. There are so many rumors always circling about Taylor. Why would Tree shut this one done directly? The potential of Taylor and Joe having some time of commitment ceremony is not bad publicity. So there has to be reason why Tree would say this now. I am thinking either 1. Taylor & Travis Engagement announcement coming soon. And Taylor doesn’t want anything diluting that. 2. There is some other evidence or something that will be leaked. It’s all very strange. I need to know, why now!?”

Then there was one post that was a direct response to Paine from Deuxmoi, which reads, “Well I make zero dollars from lying… can publicists say the same [shrugging emoji]. Also, to relate something that is in reference to something that happened years ago to ‘pain & trauma’ after what just happened seems like a poor choice of words. Either way, I apologize to Taylor.” The “after what just happened” bit is seemingly a reference to the fan who died at one of Swift’s recent Brazil concerts.

The responses to the whole situation are starting to come in. One person tweeted, “Not sure why anyone takes anything DeuxMoi, a source who posted that they’d heard those submarine people were still alive and shared that Woody Allen was hosting SNL last season, says seriously.” Another wrote, “I want to know what deuxmoi’s idea of ‘I make zero dollars’ from lying looks like… those subs are not free & neither is that book,that’s before we even get into the merch, podcast & ads. Salacious gossip sells even if not true. She is making a tonne of income off of all of this.”

Did Squid Game become Netflix’s biggest hit because of or despite its extreme violence? It’s hard to say, but it’s a (literally) bloody good time. Instances of gore on the South Korean series include “a character’s leg is bitten and has a chunk of flesh torn off,” “a woman takes out a piece of glass from her gut,” and “a woman splashes a coffee pot on a man’s face and then puts a knife near his throat as a threat while putting his head bended backwards” (I could spend the rest of my day reading the show’s “Parents Guide” on IMDb.)

One act of violence that wasn’t depicted on Squid Game was a character having their toes cut off by a chainsaw — but it happened to a cast member in real life. According to TMZ, Geoffrey Giuliano, who portrayed VIP #4, is “minus two toes after a chainsaw severed them in a bizarre accident. Seems he was doing some home renovations when a construction worker was buzzing away, but then accidentally dropped the chainsaw. Apparently, the tool hit the floor and then bounced onto Giuliano’s foot, cutting off the two toes.”

Giuliano “collapsed in his own blood” (no), but had the presence of mind to collect his toes (absolutely not) so they could be reattached (I’m going to faint) by doctors. “It hurts like crazy today,” he said. “The doctors told me I’m lucky to be alive, but I don’t feel lucky. A chainsaw almost killed me.”

Don’t get any ideas, Squid Game: The Challenge.

(Via TMZ)

Imagine stepping into a winter fairytale where your favorite Christmas stories are not just told but spectacularly frozen in time. This is what awaits you at
the Gaylord Hotels’ renowned ICE event. Each year, these iconic hotels transform into a frosty wonderland, where millions of pounds of ice are intricately carved into breathtaking scenes from beloved holiday tales.

It’s not just an exhibit; it’s an immersive journey through the heart of winter’s magic. Whether you’re a fan of the whimsical, the nostalgic, or just looking for a unique holiday experience, the ICE event at Gaylord Hotels promises a dazzling fusion of art and festivity, genuinely making it a standout holiday destination.

Artisanal Mastery Behind the Scenes

The magic of the
Gaylord Hotels’ ICE event doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s the handiwork of over 40 master ice artisans hailing from Harbin, China – a city celebrated for hosting the world’s largest ice and snow sculpture festival. These artists travel thousands of miles to bring the stories to life, dedicating over six weeks to sculpting over two million pounds of ice.

Each stroke, carve, and chisel is a testament to their unparalleled skill. They transform colossal 300-pound ice blocks into delicate scenes, capturing the essence of holiday classics with astonishing precision. This intricate art form is more than just sculpting; it’s a way of storytelling that these artisans have perfected, turning ice into a canvas for holiday wonder.

The Magic of Ice Sculpting at Gaylord Opryland

At
Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, the beloved holiday tale “The Polar Express™” springs to life in a frozen panorama. Imagine wandering through a world where the storybook train, the North Pole, and the enchanting characters are all intricately carved from ice. This isn’t just viewing art; it’s like stepping into the book.

The artisans’ mastery shines in every detailed sculpture, capturing the warmth and wonder of the story in a paradoxically cool setting. Each scene, from the steam train’s billowing smoke to the twinkling lights of the North Pole, is crafted to draw you deeper into the magical journey, making the Gaylord Opryland’s ICE event a spellbinding experience that goes beyond mere spectacle.

A Christmas Story Comes to Life at Gaylord Rockies

Step into
Gaylord Rockies, and you’re stepping into a scene straight out of “A Christmas Story™.” This Colorado location turns the timeless holiday film into an icy reality. Imagine gliding down ice slides beside Ralphie’s house or peeking into the frosty windows of Higbee’s department store, all sculpted from ice. It’s an interactive playground where the story’s most cherished moments are frozen in time, offering a unique twist on the traditional Christmas narrative.

The ice tunnels, resembling the streets of a snowy Indiana town, add to the immersive experience. Each slide, tunnel, and sculpture invites you not just to see but to actively participate in a winter adventure, capturing the essence of the beloved classic in a way you’ve never experienced before.

Whimsical Winter Wonderland at Gaylord National

At
Gaylord National in Maryland, the timeless charm of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™” is brought to life in a whimsical winter wonderland. As you wander this icy marvel, you’ll meet Rudolph, Clarice, and the entire gang, all beautifully carved from ice. It’s a scene that ignites childhood memories and creates new ones for families.

Picture the joy of snapping photos next to a life-size ice sculpture of Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster or standing beside the glowing red nose of Rudolph himself. This Maryland extravaganza is more than just a visual feast; it’s an interactive experience where every corner offers a new opportunity for families to bond and capture memories that will last long after the ice melts.

Dr. Seuss’s Classic at Gaylord Texan

At the heart of Texas, the
Gaylord Texan transforms into a Dr. Seuss wonderland with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Each sculpture in this icy expanse brings the whimsy of Whoville and its quirky inhabitants to life. Visitors are invited to wander through scenes straight from the beloved book, encountering the Grinch, his loyal dog Max, and the cheerful Who-folk, all expertly captured in ice.

It’s a place where Seuss’s playful rhymes meet the magic of the holiday season, offering a delightfully unique spin on festive celebrations. From the Grinch’s cave to the bustling streets of Whoville, these sculptures are not just impressive in scale but in the joy they bring, creating an unforgettable holiday adventure deep in the heart of Texas.

Holiday Nostalgia with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Gaylord Palms

In the sunny setting of Florida,
Gaylord Palms takes a nostalgic turn with “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Here, ice transforms into a sentimental journey back to the simpler joys of the holidays, as seen through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends. As you stroll through the exhibit, the beloved Peanuts characters, from Snoopy’s doghouse to the iconic sparse Christmas tree, are all vividly recreated in ice.

This Florida spectacle taps into the heartfelt essence of the season, reminding us of the warmth and joy that come with holiday traditions. It’s a place where each frozen scene, from Charlie Brown’s quiet contemplation to the jubilant group gathering, resonates with the timeless message of holiday spirit and togetherness.

Beyond the Ice – Additional Attractions

But the wonder at
Gaylord Hotels extends beyond the ice. Each resort turns into a holiday hub, brimming with activities for all ages. Think dazzling light shows, snow tubing adventures, and even encounters with Santa himself! Culinary delights await at various dining venues, offering everything from festive treats to gourmet meals. And let’s not forget the captivating live shows, ranging from acrobatic performances to heartwarming musicals.

Each Gaylord Hotel becomes a comprehensive holiday destination, offering an array of experiences to make your festive season truly unforgettable.

Experience The Magic

Don’t just dream of a white Christmas;
click here to learn more about the Gaylord Hotels’ ICE event – your new holiday tradition awaits!

On December 20, Disney+ will air BTS: Monuments: Behind The Star to give super fans insight into how they reached international success. For member Jung Kook, the key to his career victories is evident based on his latest release—consistency. With his debut album, Golden, out now, the singer continues to flood the music space with star-studded remixes to past tracks. First, he secured Justin Timberlake to refresh “3D.” Now, he’s calling on Usher to spruce up “Standing Next To You.”

The track is a funky love letter dedicated to those brave enough to wear their hearts on their sleeves. On the record, co-produced by Andrew Watt and Cirkut, Jung Kook and Usher blend the most captivating pop and R&B music elements for a melting pot of sonic bliss.

“Stop, can you feel that? / It’s like heaven and earth moves whenever we touch / No, for real, I know you feel that / The universe approves when you and I dance / So elegant and heaven sent these vibes, yeah / It’s way, way too early to leave, we go away / You know that, all night long, we rock to this (All night) / Screamin’, I’ll testify this lovin’,” sings Usher.

Listen to Jung Kook’s “Standing Next To You” (Usher Remix) above.

Golden is out now via Big Hit. Find more information here.