After a two year hiatus, the much loved ICE! is returning to Gaylord Palms Resort returns November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023.
This year the resorts longtime holiday tradition, ICE! features your favorite scenes from the beloved story How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, brought to life in magnificent sculptures hand-carved from more than two million pounds of ice.
Using more than 1,000 tons of ice, the classic Dr. Seuss story and animated special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will be brought to life by a team of 40 talented ice artisans who work approximately six weeks to create the nearly 20,000-square-foot, frozen attraction.
Starting with more than 6,700 massive ice blocks, carvers will tally more than 12,000 man-hours, using skills passed down from generation to generation, to create the winter spectacle.
This year, ICE! will feature more than 10 scenes from “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” starring classic characters including The Grinch, his canine sidekick Max and Cindy-Lou Who. Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin, to soaring scenes measuring nearly 30 feet tall.
The environment will be kept frozen in the tropical, Florida climate by a state-of-the-art chilling system that maintains the temperature at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit. And while the 9-degree temperatures turn ICE! into one of the coldest spots in Florida, guests will be provided Gaylord Palms’ signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty while in the attraction.
Colored ice (created by a chemist who mixes special food colorings to ensure sculptures maintain their bright colors the entire season), clear ice and LED lights are all used to create the display, as the frozen fun follows The Grinch’s journey from his mountaintop cave to Who-ville.
This is the first time “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” has been featured at ICE! during the resort’s holiday celebration.
“We can’t wait for our guests to once again experience the magic and wonder of ICE! during this year’s Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration,” said Johann Krieger, general manager of Gaylord Palms Resort. “Since debuting here in 2003, ICE! has always been a one-of-a-kind attraction for our guests, and we’re excited to welcome this Gaylord Hotels tradition back this year with ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ and all the beloved characters in the classic Dr. Seuss story.”
In addition to seeing characters from the classic Dr. Seuss tale, guests can also take rides down two-story-tall ice slides, traverse through ice tunnels and arches, and visit Carver’s Showcase to see live sculpting demonstrations. The ICE! experience concludes in a separate area dedicated to a Nativity scene, meticulously carved and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice.
The talented carvers that create this arctic artwork will travel more than 7,000 miles from their homes in 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 ice and snow sculpting festival in the world.
At Gaylord Palms, some of the same artisans who create the Harbin festival will carve 300-pound blocks of ice into the larger-than-life, whimsical scenes. Carvers will use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and chainsaws to bring The Grinch and the residents of Who-ville to life.
The artisans from Harbin have created ICE! for Gaylord Hotels for many years, but haven’t been able to travel to the United States the past two holiday seasons because of international travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
There’s Snow Much More!
While ICE! is the signature attraction for the 2022 Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration, there are plenty more festive events, attractions and dazzling decorations throughout the 64-acre resort.
The entire resort transforms into a holiday wonderland with more than 3 million lights, elaborately themed Christmas trees all throughout the garden atrium and convention center, more than 20,000 ornaments and miles of garland.
Christmas shows and activities are presented in the atrium, while parts of the convention center transform into Alpine Village – a bustling, holiday hamlet with Bavarian-style village storefronts, live shows, characters, Snowy’s Snack Shack and a giant Christmas shop.
Here’s a rundown of the events, live entertainment, hands-on activities, holiday meals, exciting attractions and notable news taking place this holiday season at Gaylord Palms:
Shows and Live Entertainment Highlight the Holidays
Yule Be Amazed A Gaylord Hotels original production, “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” features high-flying stunts, acrobatic feats, elaborate staging and a dramatic musical score. Returning after its successful debut in 2021, this Cirque-style show centers on Noel, a child dismayed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Throughout the 30-minute atrium show, Noel is visited in dreamlike chapters by trapeze artists, acrobats, aerial silk performers and others who help rekindle the Christmas spirit.
A Musical, Storytelling Celebration The birth and life of Jesus Christ has been called “the greatest story ever told.” Guests can experience it through the eyes of six international storytellers in “The Greatest Story,” a musical stage show and multicultural celebration of everlasting faith, hope and love.
Ready, Set, Glow! The skies above the Gaylord Palms atrium burst in a spectrum of animation in Shine. Vivid LED curtains suspended from the ceiling come to life in a light show that features an original musical score, dancing spotlights and a Christmas tree bathed in an ever-changing array of colors.
Winteractive Fun with the Adventure Kids Adventure Kid Sophie joins her best pals Ava the Alligator and Seth the Sea Turtle for yuletide fun in Adventure Kids: Wonders of Winter. The trio stars in this interactive stage show that teaches young adventurers about the environment, wildlife and the world around them.
Journey of the Three Kings Guests experience The Journey of Los Tres Magos, a live stage production that honors the date Jesus was visited by the Three Wise Men. Told through story and song, the show commemorates the Christian tradition celebrated in Latin America, Spain and around the world. *Note: This show will be presented at Gaylord Palms from Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023.
Tons of Fun at Interactive Attractions
A Holiday Escape Guests test their winter weather wits inside the Naughty or Nice Escape Room. Yuletide trickster Jack Frost is back with his icy antics and has added new names to Santa’s infamous Naughty List. But Jack has a deal to make – if guests can sneak into Santa’s office and solve a series of puzzles, their names will disappear from the Naughty List. Guests need to put on their holiday thinking caps on, solve the mystery, and then dash away, dash away, dash away all!
Best in Snow A snowy play space awaits guests in the Snow Factory, along with ice tubing and snowball throwing. 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 specified on the ticket.) After the need for speed is satisfied, guests can head over to Snowball Build & Blast. Conveyor belts deliver tubs of real snow to guests who race to make snowballs and toss them at targets. Also inside the Snow Factory is Snow Bar, a themed pop-up bar serving cocktails and mocktails.
Hands-On Fun This Holiday Season
Believe in Your Elf Guests can learn the secrets of being a part of “Team Santa” in Elf Training Academy. One of Santa’s top toymakers teaches the secrets of becoming one of St. Nick’s helpers and leads new “students” as they create a special keepsake gift or craft to take home for someone special.
Make a Date to Decorate In the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, guests let their Christmas creativity run wild while they adorn gingerbread treats. After they’ve reached confection perfection with their edible art, they can enjoy a sweet meet-and-greet and photograph with Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man.
A Very Beary Christmas! Also in Alpine Village, 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.
More Decor Than Ever Before!
A Tree-mendous Holiday It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! In all, there will be more than 3 million holiday lights sparkling at Gaylord Palms. More than 100 Christmas trees – with more than 20,000 ornaments – will be on display, including a centerpiece, 60-foot-tall tree in the main atrium. Beautiful trees will also be suspended from the ceiling in the Everglades atrium and placed on floating islands in the Key West Lagoon. Another guest favorite, the Christmas Tree Trail, will once again wind through the atrium and feature elaborately themed trees for picture-perfect, family photo moments.
Overnight Stays Sweeten the Holidays
Rooms with a Yuletide View There’s never a better time for guests to book a room with an upgraded atrium view. 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 “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas,” “Shine,” “The Greatest Story” and “The Journey of Los Tres Magos.”
Exclusive Access for Overnight Guests This year, Gaylord Palms is offering perks and special access to overnight resort guests so they can wait in line less and enjoy more.
There’s More in Store with The Grinch!
In addition to taking center stage in ICE!, The Grinch will be featured in two more holiday events at Gaylord Palms: a character dining experience and a family scavenger hunt.
The Feast with the Grinch character breakfast is a buffet with lots of Christmas flavor to savor, with special appearances by The Grinch and his canine pal, Max. *Note: this dining experience is only open to overnight resort guests, and reservations must be made in advance.
The Grinch has also hidden clues about his latest mischief. He challenges guests to find these clues in The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt. Guests try to solve riddles and thwart his plans, with those completing the quest receiving a special stocking stuffer.
A Round of Applause for Santa & Mrs. Claus
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. 18 through Dec. 24, before he heads back to the North Pole for his gift-giving journey. Presented by DEI.
Hostess with the Mostess The jolliest hostess of all celebrates the season in Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions. Mrs. Claus entertains guests in Alpine Village with a sing-along and story time with the Christmas tale, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” She also shares Santa’s favorite snack – milk and cookies.
Christmas Merchandise & Spa Visits are Nice
One-Stop Christmas Shop In Alpine Village, one of the largest holiday shops in the Sunshine State opens just for the Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration. Market Square features wall-to-wall holiday gifts, collectibles, toys, plush, home décor, apparel, ornaments, branded merchandise and more.
‘Tis the Spa Season From Nov. 1, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023, Relâche Spa at Gaylord Palms is featuring Winter Wonderland massage, facial and pedicure treatments, highlighting the benefits of eucalyptus. The aromatic plant has been known to be high in antioxidants, to promote relaxation and reduce pain.
Enjoy Resort Amenities, Book Packages That Are Sure to Please
Year-Round Fun In addition to the more than 15 special events, attractions and activities during Christmas at Gaylord Palms, guests can enjoy many of the year-round amenities. The resort features a 4.5- acre atrium with more than 500,000 plants, Florida wildlife and a 161,000-gallon lagoon. Cypress Springs Water Park is a water wonderland open exclusively to overnight guests, with seven water slides, a multi-level water playground, surf simulator, two pools and an action river. In addition, guests can enjoy a world of cuisine and fine dining at a variety of taste-tempting restaurants.
Packages and Tickets Also being unwrapped this year: new Christmas at Gaylord Palms 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. Admission is limited to many of the holiday experiences and showtimes.
For tickets, more information, or to book an overnight stay, visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com.
ICE! is Back! How About Some Frosty Facts?
Here are a few Frosty Facts about ICE!:
A LONGTIME TRADITION: The very first ICE! experience was presented more than two decades ago, in 2001, at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort debuted in 2003.
TONS OF FUN: More than 2 million pounds – or 1,000 tons – of ice will be carved by artisans at Gaylord Palms. That’s approximately the weight of 250 African elephants, the world’s largest land animal.
BLOCK ON!: Carvers will use more than 6,700 massive blocks of ice to create ICE! If you stacked all the ice blocks used at Gaylord Palms this year, they would reach higher than 17 Empire State Buildings.
ICE AND EASY: The temperature inside ICE! is a cold 9 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s not far off from the all-time record low temperature for Florida: minus 2 degrees, which was set in Tallahassee way back in 1899. (Guests need not worry in ICE!, as Gaylord Palms provides parkas to keep them warm and toasty.)
COLD & COLORFUL CHEMISTRY: Gaylord Hotels hires a chemist to prepare the special food coloring used to bring color to the ice sculptures. The chemist’s proprietary formula ensures the colors will not fade or lose their luster during the lengthy holiday celebration.
BASKETBALLS OR SNOWBALLS?: Nearly 20,000 square feet of space is covered by the ICE! attraction and the air handlers that keep temperatures at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s about the size of four professional basketball courts.
BIG & SMALL, ICE! HAS IT ALL!: Artisans sculpt details out of ice that are as small as a coin, and scenes that soar 30 feet in height – as tall as most residential telephone poles.
