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Visit Phoenix Sports & Events 

A frozen world is coming to the desert this holiday season! JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is thrilled to announce the resort debut of ice!™ featuring *Elf*™. The signature frozen Christmas attraction will anchor the resort’s lineup of Christmas activities, running from Nov. 18 to Jan. 3, 2027. Beginning today, guests can book special early bird packages or purchase tickets by visiting jingleatjwdesertridge.com.

The story-driven Christmas experience features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures brought to life as vivid, floor-to-ceiling scenes starring fan-favorite characters from New Line Cinema’s *Elf*™. Inspired by the world-renowned Harbin Ice Festival in China, ice!™ is created by more than 40 expert artisans from Harbin, who spend approximately 40 days using techniques passed down through generations to hand carve 7,000 ice blocks. Beginning this October, these sculptors will arrive at the resort to start the monumental task of shaping our winter wonderland display.

The exclusive theme unfolds across more than 10 immersive scenes in the 17,500-square-foot experience featuring two-story ice slides, famous scenes and characters from Buddy’s world, a  
life-size Nativity scene, awe-inspiring passageways, and photo-worthy moments the entire family can experience. Kept at a brisk nine degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the intricate detail,  
the attraction ensures guests stay warm in its signature blue parkas. Beyond the marquee attraction, ice! featuring ElfTM, guests can enjoy Jingle at JW Desert Ridge with an over-the-top lineup of classic and original experiences designed to create the ultimate holiday getaway. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa transforms into a true winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and elaborate festive décor. Highlights include themed character dining, snow tubing adventures, ice skating, Fireside Square, Enchanted Evergreen light show, a Christmas pop-up shop, and cherished photo opportunities with Santa.

Additional events and activities include:

- Jingle Junction: Discover festive experiences for all ages and create unforgettable  
  holiday memories while celebrating So. Much. Christmas.
- Build-A-Bear for the Christmas Season: Visit Build-A-Bear® to experience the fun  
  of personalizing furry friends and taking part in our one-of-a-kind Heart  
  Ceremony. Add adorable outfits, sweet scents, and fun sounds to make any furry  
  friend the perfect gift or a cuddly Christmas keepsake!
- Jingle Junction Games: A playground of fun for the whole family with lawn-style  
  games like bean bag toss and more.
- Jingle Junction Chimney Bar: Sip on seasonal festive favorites like the Mistletoe  
  Margarita and Gingerbread Espresso Martini, all while soaking in a joyful holiday  
  ambiance.
- Snow Flow Mountain Tubing: Grab a tube and feel the rush as you launch from  
  two stories high down real snow lanes.
- Snowball Build and Blast: Step up to a winter chalet to build and toss real  
  snowballs. It's where winter fun hits the bullseye!
- Path to ice! featuring ElfTM: Stroll through a path filled with thousands of twinkling lights while viewing videos about the history and creation of ice! as you make your way to our signature Christmas attraction.
- Enchanted Evergreen Light Show: In the heart of the resort, a 50-foot Christmas Tree comes alive with three spectacular light shows each evening.
- Christmas Tree Trail: Follow a festive trail of beautifully themed trees, each lavishly decorated and perfect for capturing memorable photos.
- Ice Skating at Frostlight Isle: Glide across the ice beneath the Arizona sky, surrounded by a sparkling resort lake and thousands of twinkling holiday lights.
- Fireside Square S'mores & More: Gather around a cozy fire table for an elevated s’mores experience, featuring gourmet toppings and handcrafted treats. Pair the warmth with a full menu of seasonal food and craft cocktails for a festive, unforgettable evening under the glow of the Enchanted Evergreen tree.
- TweELF Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt: Slip on your elf shoes and embark on a scavenger hunt through the resort. Fun, surprises, and elf magic await.
- Santa's Sleigh Photo Spot: Climb aboard Santa’s life-sized sleigh and capture a festive photo surrounded by holiday cheer, decorations, and Christmas magic.
- Photos with Santa: Create an unforgettable moment with Santa and immortalize it in a timeless keepsake photograph at Santa’s Memory Workshop.
- Breakfast with Mrs. Claus and Friends: Gather friends and family to join Mrs. Claus and her sidekick Snowflake for a festive breakfast feast with photo opportunities.
- Letters to Santa: The writing station invites children to craft their letters before placing them in Santa’s special post, bound for the North Pole.
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner: Create your own exquisite gingerbread house with some help from Nutmeg, the Gingerbread Man.
- Gingerbread Village Display: A beloved holiday tradition at the resort, this sweet creation highlights the talent and creativity of the pastry team.
- Christmas Pop-up Shop: A curated collection of seasonal treasures and exclusive keepsakes.

What’s more, the resort is offering a Jingle at JW Christmas ice! Experience package, which includes tickets to ice! featuring ElfTM, as well as tickets for ice skating, snow tubing, and snow  
toss. Plus, guests have an option to reserve a suite that is decked out with elegant Christmas décor, including festive trees, twinkling lights, garlands, and more. The Jingle at JW Christmas ice! Experience package starts at $589/night and can be booked here. General public ticket pricing begins at $35/person for non-resort guests.

To explore the full lineup of holiday experiences, book overnight packages and purchase tickets, visit jingleatjwdesertridge.com. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply.