Living in the Sunshine State, it is difficult to get into the holiday spirit. Floridians are still wearing flip flops and enjoying beach weather. But, Christmas at Gaylord Palms blasts visitors into a winter wonderland! Since 2011, visiting ICE! has become our family tradition.
Be prepared to spend most of the day, there is so much to see and experience during the Gaylord Palms Christmas celebration.
This year, ICE! features the classic poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas“.
Before entering polar temperatures with two million pounds of beautifully hand-carved life-size ice sculptures, guests enjoy a short documentary about how ICE! is created. Talented artists from Harbin, China travel to Kissimmee. You can actually witness a master carver working in a live carving zone near the end of the ICE! exhibit.
Once the video concludes, guests receive a blue parka to help cut the chill while walking through nine degrees of winter wonderland. The parkas are warm, but I highly recommend scarves and gloves, too. The parkas are also great for sliding down the four slippery ice slides! For those 21 and older, you can enhance your experience at the On the Blocks ICE! Bar!
After your ICE! adventure, thaw out in the Alpine Village while enjoying some of these fun activities:
- Photos with Santa
- The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
- Alpine Rush Snow Tubing
We went on Black Friday and there was quite a crowd. Only 3 snow tubing lanes were open, so the line was long. Another item to note, parking is not inclusive for ICE! so be prepared to spend $21.40.
For even more holiday magic, stroll to the atrium for the amazing Cirque Dreams Unwrapped stage show and Magestic Tree Lightning. Additional details and times can be found here.
With more than 2 million twinkling lights, Gaylord Palms Resort is a great place to celebrate the season and make unforgettable memories. Christmas at Gaylord Palms is open daily from November 24, 2015 through January 3, 2016, including holidays. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com.
Disclosure: I received complimentary ICE! admission, no additional compensation was received.