Hooray for the Holidays! Christmas decorations, gifts, trees, lights, holiday movies, friends, family – it can be the most wonderful time of the year. The only thing missing in Tampa Bay is, well, cold weather and snowy winter backdrops perfect for holiday pics. Thankfully, you can find that and more on a great overnight date night trip about an hour's drive from Tampa to Christmas at Gaylord Palms through January 7, 2025.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms is an amazing series of experiences that need to be seen (and felt) to really grasp. And while there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays in Tampa Bay, this experience is worth the trip to our I-4 neighbors in Orlando.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>ICE! featuring Rudolph
The signature experience ICE! immerses you in a frosty nine-degree winter wonderland (ICE! provides winter coats, but bring your gloves, scarf, and a hat!). And for the first time ever, ICE! features the ultimate Christmas classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™.”
Incredible and adorable scenes have been skillfully created and brought to life by ice artisans from Harbin, China. I had the pleasure of witnessing these artisans begin work on the 2 million pounds of ice that it takes to create this breathtaking experience. The finished scenes are masterpieces.
My husband visited for the first time this year, whereas I have visited many times over the past decade. Seeing his face when we first walked in instantly became a cherished memory of mine. ICE! also features two-story ice slides, interactive scenes, an adorable soundtrack, and concludes with a breathtaking nativity scene.
As you walk through ICE! take your time. There are about six different sections to explore and it can be easy to get caught up and keep moving, but trust me, take your time and look around. There are a few ice tunnels to crawl through that are meant for kids, but if you're feeling adventurous, I say go for it!
PRO-TIP: You absolutely MUST bundle up! It is nine degrees in there and we Floridians are not built for such cold temperatures. Wear long sleeves, a cozy sweater, thick socks, closed-toe shoes, gloves, a knit hat, and a warm scarf so you can actually enjoy the nine-degree wonderland without freezing. Bring a roomy festive tote for all the layers your crew will peel off the moment you step back into that familiar Florida humidity.
Additional Activities at Gaylord Palms
Alpine Village
Snowball Build & Blast, where you and your sweetheart can throw real snowballs at a variety of targets, and go Snow Tubing zooming down a hill covered in real snow! Toast the holiday at the Snow Bar!
Pomp, Snow, and Cirqueumstance
Imagined by Broadway director Neil Goldberg, “Pomp, Snow, and Cirqueumstance” is a 25-minute action-packed experience of theatricality, imagination, soaring acrobatics, and thrills to keep you on the edge of your seat.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW
Each evening, the atrium features millions of dancing lights surrounding the resort’s six-story Christmas tree, and all the lights are choreographed to a musical score. Shows are free and occur nightly.
NAUGHTY OR NICE ESCAPE ROOM
Mischievous Jack Frost has moved the names of “Nice” guests onto the Naughty side of Santa’s list. Work together with other guests of all ages to solve puzzles and discover clues that will secure you a spot on Santa’s good list!
CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIL
Discover nine magnificent Christmas Trees provided by Balsam Hill while exploring meandering paths inside the resort’s Everglades atrium.
OVERNIGHT PACKAGES
The best way to experience Christmas at Gaylord Palms and everything it has to offer is with an overnight stay. Packages include ICE! tickets plus a chill pass for front of the line access to a variety of activities.
DETAILS
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
For additional information and to book packages or tickets, visit ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
Looking for Tampa Bay's best New Year's Eve plans? Our guide to NYE in Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St. Pete has you covered!