"ice!” featuring The Polar Express highlights 2026 Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort

Beginning November 13, enter the thaw-inspiring world of "ice!” – where larger-than-life frozen sculptures, ice slides and holiday cheer are found within a 9-degree, arctic attraction.

Guests will be shouting “All Aboard!” as The Polar Express comes chugging into the spotlight this year at "ice!.” the 20,000-square-foot, immersive Christmas experience at Gaylord Palms Resort.

You won't want to miss this immersive Christmas experience featuring 2 million pounds of ice, carved into colorful sculptures, and a huge two-story ice slide! The arctic attraction serves as the centerpiece of the much-loved Central Florida annual "Christmas at Gaylord Palms" celebration, which takes place across the 65-acre resort November 13, 2026 - January 3, 2027.

Tickets and special room and ticket packages for this holiday highlight are now on sale at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.

The "ice!” attraction, which made its Gaylord Palms debut in 2003, will feature approximately one dozen larger-than-life scenes from the classic animated feature film.

A team of expert ice carvers from Harbin, China, will work inside the 9-degree environment for more than a month to create the walk-through experience. Artisans will carve approximately 2 million pounds of ice into the larger-than-life, whimsical scenes using tools of all shapes and sizes, including chainsaws, chisels, tongs and grinders.

As holiday guests enter "ice!” featuring The Polar Express, they follow the magical adventure of a doubting child, known in the film’s credits as Hero Boy, who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Along the way, he learns about friendship, bravery and the true spirit of Christmas.

The attraction features scenes from the heartwarming tale in hand-carved sculptures made of solid ice, including The Polar Express train arriving at Hero Boy’s house, the famous hot chocolate scene aboard the Polar Express, the massive train rushing down the side of an icy mountain and the grand arrival at the North Pole. Colored ice, clear ice, stage lighting and LED lights are all used to create the breathtaking display.

A favorite feature each year is the "ice!” slide room, featuring five two-story-tall slides made of solid ice. This year, the slides will send guests zipping across the film’s Glacier Gulch.

The Polar Express was last featured in "ice!” at Gaylord Palms in 2019, and its popularity among guests is a key reason for its return engagement for the 2026 holiday season.

“We’ve heard from many guests who want to revisit the magic of The Polar Express and introduce new friends and family members to its enchanting and inspiring story,” said Ross Barker, Gaylord Palms general manager. “From a full-size train locomotive engine carved completely from solid ice to the many interactive moments and beloved scenes, it’s a one-of-a-kind attraction that provides a showcase of memory-making experiences for our guests in a 9-degree environment. We can't wait for our team and the talented ice carvers to bring this magical story to life in a truly memorable way.”

In addition to the amazing ice sculptures, "ice!” features scenes that allow guests to become a part of the action, providing special photo spots to take shareable photos.

Once they enter, guests can stay inside the attraction for as long as they would like. Since

the entire attraction is made of solid ice and the freezing temperature is a steady 9 degrees (the optimum temperature to maintain the ice sculptures for the whole holiday season), guests are provided a Gaylord Palms blue winter parka to help keep them warm. Guests susceptible to cold temperatures are encouraged to bring additional winter clothing, such as hats, gloves, scarves and winter socks.

Another popular area inside the attraction is Carver's Showcase, a wintry workshop where master ice artisans work throughout the day to showcase the unique craft to guests. “ice! culminates in a separate area featuring a stunning, full-size Nativity scene, carved from crystal-clear ice and backed by a powerful soundtrack.

Creating "ice!”each year is a team of nearly 40 world-renowned carvers that travel more than 7,000 miles from Harbin, China, to Kissimmee, Fla. Known as "Ice City," Harbin is no stranger to elaborate ice carvings – it's home to the world's largest annual snow and ice carving festival.

The bright colors of the ice are created by a chemist who mixes just the right amount of food coloring to ensure each sculpture maintains its vivid color the entire season. Gaylord Hotels begins freezing and coloring ice at various facilities across the country during the summer months and delivers 1,000 tons to each resort in early autumn.

It will take the team of ice artisans approximately 35 days to completely carve the attraction. Additionally, a professional lighting director works with attraction architects, Gaylord Palms’ Entertainment department and the ice carvers to add creative illumination to each scene. Some lights are even frozen inside the icy sculptures to add dramatic effects.

In addition to "ice!” featuring The Polar Express, a sleigh-full of events and activities is planned across the resort. Christmas shows and activities are presented in the atrium, while another area of the resort transforms into Alpine Village, a bustling holiday hamlet with Bavarian-style storefronts, immersive activities and one of Florida's largest Christmas shops. Snow Factory, adjacent to Alpine Village, features chilly thrills with snowball throwing, ice tubing, the Snow Bar, a Christmas Carousel and more.

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Here's a rundown of the events and activities planned for this year's celebration:

Yule Be Amazed with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance

Also back this year is “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance,” a holiday stage production where Broadway meets the magic and wonder of cirque. This year’s show introduces new acts, illusions, elaborate costumes and enchanting storytelling.

“POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance” debuted at the resort last year and received a Telly Award for “Best Immersive Family Holiday Show.” The production returns Nov. 13, 2026 - Jan. 3. Created by acclaimed Broadway director and “Cirque Dreams” founder Neil Goldberg, the show is inspired by the popular “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance” book series and TV special.

Guests are transported into a whimsical world where three best friends study music, magic and circus arts at a secret university. An extraordinary cast of performers, including acrobats, magicians, dancers and lovable characters, brings the story to life on stage, in the air and throughout the audience with jaw- dropping feats, captivating animation and Broadway-style theatrics.

A Merry-Go-Round of Holiday Fun

New for 2026 is a Christmas Carousel, perfect for children and their families. Located inside Snow Factory, the carousel features colorful and whimsical animals and is festooned with Christmas décor galore for an enchanting Christmas spin.

Atrium Lights and Festive Nights

The skies above Gaylord Palms' atrium come alive in "#LIT," a multimedia light show that brings the fun of decorating the tree to life through thousands of dancing lights and a custom score. The show culminates with the lighting of the atrium's Christmas tree.

St. Nick Takes ‘Santa’ Stage

Guests can chat with the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, to make sure they've secured a spot on his prestigious Nice List. Santa will meet guests inside Alpine Village from Nov. 14 Dec. 24, before he heads back to the North Pole for his gift-giving journey.

Songs and Sweet Treats Delight

The jolliest hostess of all stars in “Mrs. Claus' Christmas Traditions." Mrs. Claus entertains guests in Alpine Village with a sing-along and storytelling of the Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. She also shares Santa's favorite snack – milk and cookies – with guests.

Storytelling Celebration, Set to Song

In the atrium, guests can experience a retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of six storytellers in "The Greatest Story," a musical stage show and celebration of faith and everlasting love.

Where Wildlife Meets Winter Wonder

Guests can get up close to some of Florida's famous animals in Wintertime Animal Encounters and learn how wildlife in the Sunshine State adapts to the colder temperatures and contributes to the ecosystem during winter months.

Real Snow, Real Ice Tubing, Real Fun!

A snowy play space awaits guests in the Snow Factory, open this year from Nov. 13, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027. After climbing Snow Flow Mountain, guests hop in inner-tubes and speed down atop real ice. (Admission allows unlimited ice tubing rides on the date on the ticket.) Guests can also head over to Snowball Build & Blast, where guests get tubs of real snow to make snowballs and toss them at targets.

Naughty or Nice Escape Room

Guests test their wits in the Naughty or Nice Escape Room. Jack Frost has added new names to Santa's Naughty List. However, if guests can solve a series of puzzles in Santa’s office, Jack will remove their names from the Naughty List. Guests need to put on their thinking caps and solve the mystery to escape.

Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt

Families can work together to find all the clues hidden in Gaylord Palms in the Snowman Scramble Scavenger Hunt. In the game, a sudden blizzard has whisked through Gaylord Palms, leaving behind festive attire meant for snowmen. Families can embark on the quest to discover these pieces and create a complete snowman in their game booklets.

Dough-licious Decorating

In the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, guests let their Christmas creativity run wild while they adorn gingerbread treats. After they've reached confection perfection, they can enjoy a meet-and-greet and photograph with Nutmeg the Gingerbread Cookie.

Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas

Children and families can get crafty in Elf Training Academy. One of Santa's top toymakers joins the fun as guests put their creativity to work and make a special keepsake gift to take home.

Holiday Merchandise Magic

In Alpine Village, one of the largest holiday shops in the Sunshine State opens each year just for the "Christmas at Gaylord Palms" celebration. Market Square features wall-to-wall holiday gifts, collectibles, toys, plush, home décor, apparel, ornaments, new "Ice!”-branded souvenirs and more.

A Very Beary Christmas!

Guests can experience Build-A-Bear Workshop. Guests make their own furry friend, take part in the iconic Heart Ceremony and personalize them with seasonal outfits, accessories, sounds and scents.

Overnight Stays Sweeten the Holidays

Rooms with a Yuletide View

Guests who book upgraded atrium views receive some of the best holiday rooms and views in the house. With balconies that overlook acres of Christmas décor, guests can immerse themselves in the festive surroundings.

Select rooms even provide prime balcony viewing for atrium shows such as "POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance," the “LIT” light show and "The Greatest Story."

Ready, Set, Glow!

The night will light up at Gaylord Palms with 3 million sparkling, holiday lights, and more than 250,000 in the atrium alone. In total, more than 100 decorated Christmas trees will be on display, including the 60- foot-tall tree in the main atrium and a host of themed trees along the atrium's Christmas Tree Trail.

More Perks for Overnight Guests

Gaylord Palms offers another perk to overnight guests, so they can wait less and enjoy more. Overnight guests receive "Chill Pass" privileges to the “ice!” attraction, offering front-of the-line access and shorter wait times. "Chill Pass" is free for eligible overnight guests. Attraction tickets are required and sold separately, in advance.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Dining: Eat, Drink and Be Cranberry

Gaylord Palms chefs will create lavish holiday dining experiences including Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve buffet. (Some reservations are exclusive for overnight guests.)

Year-Round Fun

In addition to the fun of the Christmas celebration, guests can enjoy many year-round amenities. In addition to the 4.5-acre indoor atrium, the resort features the luxurious Relâche Spa and Cypress Springs Water Park – a 3-acre water wonderland. Pools are heated for year-round fun.

Unwrap Holiday Resort Packages and Purchase Advance Tickets

Also being unwrapped for "Christmas at Gaylord Palms": holiday packages that include special room rates and admission to select events. Guests are encouraged to book their experiences early, as advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events.

For tickets, detailed event schedules, and to book an overnight stay, guests may visit ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.

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