Christmas at Gaylord Palms: ICE!, Holiday Events, and Festive Things To Do

Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Tracy

Planning a holiday visit to Gaylord Palms in Orlando? Discover ICE!, snow tubing, Christmas shows, Santa visits, and festive activities during Christmas at Gaylord Palms.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms: ICE!, Holiday Events, and Festive Things To Do

If you’re looking for one of the most magical holiday experiences in Florida, Christmas at Gaylord Palms in Orlando should absolutely be on your list.

Yes… we may live in Florida where palm trees outnumber pine trees, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a true winter wonderland. Every year, Gaylord Palms Resort transforms into a festive holiday destination filled with sparkling lights, Christmas shows, family activities, and the famous ICE! attraction.

And let me tell you – stepping into ICE! when it’s nine degrees inside while it’s sunny and 75 outside is a pretty unforgettable Florida holiday experience.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a festive overnight stay, here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort.

What Is Christmas at Gaylord Palms?

Each year from mid-November through early January, Gaylord Palms hosts a massive holiday celebration featuring:

• The famous ICE! sculpture experience
• Snow tubing on real snow
• Holiday stage shows
• Christmas light displays
• Photos with Santa
• Gingerbread decorating
• Seasonal dining and cocktails
• Family-friendly holiday activities throughout the resort

The entire resort – including the beautiful glass atriums – is decorated with millions of lights, towering Christmas trees, and festive displays.

It truly feels like stepping into a Christmas village.

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

The highlight of the holiday celebration is the famous ICE! attraction.

This immersive experience features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, all created by master artisans from Harbin, China (home of the world’s largest ice festival).

Inside the attraction, temperatures are kept at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and guests are provided with cozy blue parkas to stay warm.

Each year the exhibit features a different holiday theme, with massive colorful ice sculptures recreating scenes from beloved Christmas stories and movies. Guests walk through beautifully carved rooms filled with glowing ice displays, tunnels, and larger-than-life characters.

One of the biggest highlights?
The two-story ice slides, where kids and adults can zoom down slides made entirely from ice.

At the end of the experience, guests also pass through a peaceful Nativity scene carved from crystal-clear ice, which is always stunning.

Snow Tubing in Florida (Yes, Really!)

Another favorite activity during Christmas at Gaylord Palms is snow tubing.

Outside in the Alpine Village area, guests can race down a multi-lane tubing hill covered in real snow. It’s fast, fun, and honestly one of those things that makes you laugh because you’re tubing in the middle of Florida.

Both kids and adults can ride, and there are single and double tubes available, making it a great family activity.

Alpine Village Holiday Activities

The festive Alpine Village area is the central hub for holiday fun at Gaylord Palms.

Here you’ll find:

• Seasonal food and holiday treats
• Photos with Santa
• Gingerbread decorating stations
• Holiday shopping and souvenirs
• Interactive games and family activities

Kids especially love decorating gingerbread houses and cookies – it’s messy, creative, and a perfect holiday memory.

Holiday Shows and Entertainment

Throughout the Christmas season, Gaylord Palms hosts live holiday performances and entertainment.

One of the most popular shows is Cirque-style holiday performances, which combine acrobatics, music, and theatrical storytelling for a festive show the whole family will enjoy.

There are also:

• Christmas storytelling events
• Interactive holiday performances
• Sing-alongs and seasonal music
• Special appearances from holiday characters

Check the daily schedule when you arrive because there are usually several performances throughout the day and evening.

Christmas Light Displays at Gaylord Palms

One of my favorite parts of visiting during the holidays is simply walking through the resort’s atriums.

Gaylord Palms has three stunning glass atriums designed to represent Florida landscapes:

• St. Augustine
• Key West
• The Everglades

During the holidays, these spaces are transformed with giant Christmas trees, themed decorations, and synchronized light shows.

At night, the towering Christmas tree becomes the centerpiece of a beautiful holiday light show with music and dancing lights.

It’s the perfect place to stroll, take photos, and soak up the holiday spirit.

Photos With Santa

Of course, no Christmas celebration is complete without a visit with Santa.

Guests can meet Santa Claus in Alpine Village for photos and holiday wishes. Reservations are sometimes recommended during busy weekends, so check availability ahead of time.

Kids love sharing their Christmas lists, and the festive photo setup makes for a great holiday memory.

Dining During Christmas at Gaylord Palms

There are several dining options inside the resort, and many restaurants offer special holiday menus and seasonal dishes during the Christmas celebration.

One of the most popular options is Villa de Flora, which often hosts festive buffet meals and seasonal character breakfasts during the holidays.

You’ll also find holiday snacks, hot cocoa, cocktails, and sweet treats available throughout Alpine Village.

Should You Stay Overnight?

While you can absolutely visit Christmas at Gaylord Palms for the day, staying overnight adds a little extra magic.

Overnight packages often include:

• ICE! tickets
• Early access to certain attractions
• Holiday experiences
• Resort amenities

Plus, the resort is absolutely beautiful at night once the crowds thin out and the lights are glowing.

If you’re planning a holiday staycation near Tampa or Orlando, it’s a wonderful option.

Tips for Visiting Christmas at Gaylord Palms

A few helpful tips if you’re planning a visit:

Buy tickets early. ICE! and snow tubing often sell out on weekends.

Dress in layers. It may be warm outside, but it’s truly freezing inside the ICE! attraction.

Arrive early. The resort gets busy, especially in December.

Allow several hours. There’s a lot to see and do throughout the property.

Bring your camera. The decorations and ice sculptures are incredible photo opportunities.

Is Christmas at Gaylord Palms Worth It?

Absolutely.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is one of the most unique holiday experiences in Florida. Between the ice sculptures, holiday lights, shows, and festive activities, it’s a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit – even when you’re surrounded by palm trees.

It’s fun for kids, adults, and honestly anyone who loves Christmas.

If you’re looking for a magical Florida holiday tradition, this one is definitely worth adding to your list.

FAQ: Christmas at Gaylord Palms

How long does ICE! at Gaylord Palms take?
Most guests spend about 30–45 minutes exploring the ICE! attraction.

Is ICE! cold inside?
Yes! The temperature is kept around 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but guests are provided with warm parkas.

When does Christmas at Gaylord Palms run?
The holiday celebration typically runs from mid-November through early January each year.

Can you visit Gaylord Palms without staying overnight?
Yes! Day tickets are available for ICE! and other holiday attractions.

Learn more about the resort at GaylordPalms.com and stay connected with all the resort happenings by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Be sure to check out all my travel tips and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more adventures.