When Mall of America builds an ice castle, you know it’s going to break some sort of record. And so, Ice Castles LLC has created its largest ice structure ever outside the mall (north parking lot, just east of IKEA)—more than 40 feet tall at its peak, and spanning more than an acre. Unlike typical ice structures built with blocks, this Ice Castle is made of icicles grown from 4 million gallons of water and illuminated from within. The result is a shimmering spectacle with iced archways, tunnels, walls and caverns to explore.

It’s cool…for about 20 minutes. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children 3 to 12; or $25 for a family pack of two adults and two children. True, that’s less than one unlimited ride wristband at Nickelodeon Universe, but if you’re expecting an evening of entertainment, you might be underwhelmed. Kids will enjoy tromping through the tunnels, there are warm drinks and snacks available for purchase, and fire pits and benches to extend your stay. If you go, dress warm and wear boots…the ground in and around the castle is crunchy ice.

The Ice Castle opens to the public just in time for New Year’s Eve, 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Regular hours starting Jan. 1 are Mon.-Fri., noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. The castle will be open through Feb. 20.