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, it features the beloved holiday movie The Polar Expressâ„¢!
We’re sharing important tips, details to look for while you’re there, and even answering the question: “how’d they do that?!”
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.
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.
Families can wander through larger-than-life scenes inspired by the film, spotting familiar characters and moments along the way.
There are plenty of picture-perfect spots for selfies, too! Then comes the part kids will really want to talk about: zooming down two-story frozen slides carved entirely from ice.
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.
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!
- Hot Chocolate Scene: Remember that iconic hot chocolate scene inside one of the train cars? Now you can step right into that scene, made completely out of ice.
- Interactive Floor: This year brings a brand-new twist! Parts of the floor are interactive, adding a playful layer of discovery to the experience.
- Ice Slides: Kids will love zooming down two-story frozen slides carved entirely from ice. It’s a frosty thrill just for them!
ice! featuring The Polar Expressâ„¢ at Gaylord Palms
- Date: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
- Cost: $33-41 per person
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 13 – January 3
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 $13.99
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 $14.99
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
#LIT Light Show
Daily at 7:50 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Experience a spectacular holiday light show set to music.
Market Square Retail
Browse one of Florida’s largest holiday markets for ornaments, collectibles, and ice! souvenirs.
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
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 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (select showtimes)
- Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
- Cost: $26 per person
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.
