ice sculptures for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Palms

The Magic of ICE! And the Many Christmas Activities at Gaylord Palms

| | |

One of our favorite holiday events in Orlando is literally one of the coolest things you’ll experience this year in the Sunshine State. ICE! at Gaylord Palms is a thrilling experience at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and this year, the beloved holiday movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ with his very shiny nose is debuting at Gaylord Palms.

We’re sharing important tips, details to look for while you’re there, and even answering the question: “how’d they do that?!”

In Case You’re Interested:

>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

What a magical place this city is! Celebrating the holiday season in Orlando with kids is unbeatable. There are so many festive things to do, and one of the crown jewels is ICE! at Gaylord Palms.

Why this Florida tradition still takes our breath away

Every holiday season, Gaylord Palms pulls off the impossible: it makes Floridians love the cold. Families return year after year to make new memories inside the chill of ICE! It’s not just a holiday attraction; it’s a family tradition.

I can still remember the first time I went. My nephew was just a kindergartener then, wide-eyed as he toddled through the frozen tunnels. Now, he’s a college graduate, and I find myself taking my own son through those same glistening halls.

A World Hand-Carved from Ice

When you step inside, you’re entering a true work of art. More than forty master sculptors travel each year from Harbin, China, where ice festivals are a centuries-old tradition. Working for weeks in nine-degree cold, they transform over two million pounds of ice into an intricate story.

Every character, every swirl of color, every perfectly smooth slide is shaped by hand.

Rudolph and Hermey the Elf will also be joined by favorite characters, including Yukon Cornelius, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, and of course, Santa Claus.

This year, the beloved story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ comes to life in a way never seen before at Gaylord Palms. It’s a completely new theme, designed just for this resort, and every detail shines. 

ice sculptures for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Palms
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Palms

If you’ve visited ICE! before, it’s worth coming again just to see how different each year can be. And if it’s your first time, take it slow. Look closely at the tiny textures carved into each sculpture, the way the light shifts from frosty blues to sunset pinks.

What to Wear for ICE! (A Floridian Survival Guide)

Inside the exhibit, it’s nine degrees of pure Christmas magic. Everyone slips into the resort’s signature blue parka, and the first breath you take feels like stepping into another world. It’s worth adding the extra layers underneath so you can take your time and soak it all in. 

  • Layers on Layers: Start with long sleeves, add a sweater because 9 degrees hits different when you’re from the Sunshine State.
  • Thick Socks: Regular socks won’t cut it. Double up or bring the fuzzy ones you forgot you owned.
  • Closed-Toed Shoes: Sandals for the holiday season? Not this time.
  • Gloves and a Hat: Yes, you’ll look like you’re headed to the North Pole. No, you won’t regret it.
  • Cozy Scarf: A must-have for warmth, and cute photos.
  • Tote Bag: Pack a roomy bag for all the layers you’ll peel off once you step back into Florida humidity. Bonus points if it’s festive.

What Families Should Look For This Year 

There’s even more magic packed into ICE! this season—especially for little explorers!

  • Crawl-Through Ice Tunnel: For the first time ever, kids can crawl through a small ice tunnel and pop up right inside a scene from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™. Hermey the elf is featured in this charming new scene that’s full of color, whimsy, and holiday cheer.
  • Interactive Floor: This year brings a brand-new twist! Parts of the floor are interactive, adding a playful layer of discovery to the experience.
  • Bumble’s Hidden Slide: Kids will love finding Bumble the snow monster’s surprise slide tucked within the icy landscape. It’s a frosty thrill just for them!
Ice Carvers Artisan works on Rudolph Reindeer sculptures at ICE! Gaylord Palms - image by Dani Meyering
Ice Carvers Artisan works on sculptures at ICE! Gaylord Palms – image by Dani Meyering

ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Gaylord Palms

  • Date: November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
  • Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
  • Cost: $26 – $31 with 25% code = FAMILY

More Activities for Christmas at Gaylord Palms

The holiday magic stretches far beyond the frozen walls. Just outside the exhibit, Snow Flow Mountain sparkles with families racing down snow-covered tubing lanes. 

Nearby, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner fills the air with the scent of sugar and spice. Mrs. Claus welcomes little listeners for cookies and stories, while the Elf Training Academy turns kids into Santa’s most spirited helpers.

Events Running November 14 – January 7
Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Let your creativity sweeten the day as you decorate cookies or houses to take home. Meet Nutmeg, the cheerful gingerbread character baked to life by Mrs. Claus.
Tickets from $32.99
Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
Step into Mrs. Claus’s cozy cottage for stories, songs, and Santa’s favorite treats—warm cookies and milk.
Tickets from $18.99
Elf Training Academy
Learn the secrets of Santa’s toymakers and craft a keepsake gift for someone special.
Tickets from $18.99
Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt
Follow clues from Rudolph to help the Misfit Toys find their way home. Complete your booklet for a special prize.
Tickets from $14.99
Naughty or Nice Escape Room
Jack Frost has added your name to the Naughty List. Solve his riddles and clear your name before Santa returns.
Tickets from $120.00
The Greatest Story Stage Show
A musical retelling of the birth of Christ, performed by six international storytellers who bring the story to life through faith, hope, and love.
General admission from $13.99
Light Show: Here We Glow A-Caroling
Daily at 6:20, 8:05, and 9:15 p.m.
Experience a spectacular holiday light show set to music, with a lively sing-along finale.
Market Square Retail
Browse one of Florida’s largest holiday markets for ornaments, collectibles, and “ICE!” souvenirs.

Events Running November 14 – January 1
Snow Flow Mountain
Hop on a tube and race family or friends down icy lanes for a high-speed holiday thrill.
Tickets from $28.22
Snowball Build and Blast
Dig into real snow to form perfect snowballs and take aim at colorful festive targets.
Tickets from $14.99
Jack Frost Chocolate Factory
Pour melted chocolate into snowflake molds, add sprinkles and edible glitter, and take home a sweet souvenir.
Starting at $11.99 for two snowflakes
Snow Bar
Sip holiday cocktails or cocoa inside the Snow Factory, surrounded by twinkling lights and frosty decor.

Pomp, Snow, and CIRQUEumstance (Gaylord Palms)

  • Date: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (select showtimes)
  • Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
  • Cost: Tickets typically $11–$28, 25% off with code FAMILY

Spectacular costumes, magic, and music come to life in this family-friendly show.

Every corner of Gaylord Palms glows during the holidays, from the soaring trees to the twinkling lights reflected in the glass atrium. Even after decades of returning, there’s always something new to discover. Once you’ve experienced the wonder of ICE!, it becomes part of your family’s story too.

Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando native. She loves sharing her hometown with others from the theme parks to Florida's natural beauty. With over 15 years of experience, Dani is thrilled to serve as our Managing Editor at Orlando Date Night Guide, Orlando Parenting, as well as Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.