View from our room | Christmas at Gaylord Palms.
I had an incredible time enjoying Christmas at Gaylord Palms. I’m so thankful I was chosen to be a Gaylord Palms ICE!Pert this year and given the opportunity to experience all the Christmas cheer they have to offer. I’ve been enjoying Gaylord Palms ICE! attraction for years but this was my first time staying at this Florida themed resort. I loved every second. From the fantastically decorated atrium to the little Christmas town of Alpine Village, the Gaylord Palms really knows how to celebrate the season. Whether you’re visiting the resort to experience ICE! or staying at this charming property you will love it. You can explore the resort through The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, experience a snowfall in Florida and meet Mrs. Claus at breakfast. All it really takes to make my Christmas is love and twinkling lights. This year my Christmas was made before the month of December even started. To make the most of your time at the Gaylord Palms, read on as I share my favorite things to see.
Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015 Twas the Night Before Christmas
Gaylord Palms ICE! is among the top holiday entertainment offerings in Central Florida. Each year the glistening walk-through carved ice display gets a new theme. It takes 40 artisans from China 40 days to take this frigid display from fork lifts and ice blocks to a world class attraction. This year, ICE! tells the story of Twas the Night Before Christmas and, as always, ends with a stunning, crystal clear nativity scene. Parkas are provided but bring your gloves and a scarf! Closed toe shoes are a must. I look forward to ICE! every year. 
Alpine Rush Snow Tubing
As a native Floridian, I know nothing of snow sports, games, etc. Snow tubing wasn’t on my radar until the Gaylord Palms began offering Alpine Rush Snow Tubing last year. This is a lot of fun, especially because they let you race your pals. The ICE! and Snow Tubing combo ticket seems to be the best deal.
Cirque Dreams UnWrapped
This new show debuted in glittery, colorful, Christmassy style. If you know me you know I’m Cirque du Soleil obsessed and though Cirque Dreams is a different company the concept was familiar and the show did not disappointment. The talent is incredible! The acts will actually switch out from show to show too. You don’t need tickets, it’s open to anyone in the resort’s atrium.
Cirque Dreams UnWrapped schedule:
Sunday – Thursday 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS
One of the sweetest things you can do at Gaylord Palms is decorate gingerbread cookies. My fiance, Jim, takes his gingerbread house decorating pretty seriously. I’m more of a eat-it-as-I-go type gal. Whatever your style, you’ll have fun at this. It’s decorated cute with little gingerbread walls, has Nutmeg the gingerbread man supervising and, unlike at home, you don’t have to clean anything up!
Cookie Family Kit $22.99 | Gingerbread House $29.99
Shopping at Alpine Village
I’ve always loved the store at the exit of ICE! and it’s become a tradition to shop for a new ornament there each year. You’ll find glittery ornaments of every kind and every decoration you could need for a merry and bright Christmas. New in 2015 is the addition of a Build-A-Bear Workshop complete with characters you know and love. I had no idea Build-A-Bear had Disney and Star Wars friends until I saw a bear in that fabulous Elsa dress and a Build-A-Bear Chewbacca! I was given this glitzy little bear below decked out in a Christmas at Gaylord Palms shirt and sparkly skirt.
For families and for lovers
As you’d expect, the Gaylord Palms Christmas offerings are perfect for families. I also think it’s an excellent date night or staycation idea for couples. The Gaylord Palms is so relaxing and beautiful. Me and my fiance enjoyed staying here so much and want to return to experience the Relache Spa.
Pro Tips: If you’re just visiting the Gaylord Palms to experience ICE! make a night out of it by exploring the different Florida-themed areas, checking out the free but excellent show in the atrium, Cirque Dreams UnWrapped, and enjoying dinner at the resort too! I’ve heard the restaurants will validate your parking. I really like the burger and tater tots from Wreckers Sports bar. Also, get a map! The Gaylord Palms is huge and the atrium feels like a forest with its winding pathways and water features.
Visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com for more details & to book a room or buy tickets to ICE!
Disclosure: I was chosen as one of this year’s Gaylord Palms ICE!Perts (ICE! experts) and experienced this stay and offerings as an invited guest.
