Cozy Guide to ICE! and Holiday Fun at Gaylord Palms for Tampa Bay Families
Our little family visits Christmas at Gaylord Palms each year, and somehow it still feels like stepping into a winter storybook. I’ve been going for nearly a decade now, long before my son came along, and now with my husband and son along, it is fascinating watching him grow up inside this sparkling, icy wonderland. It has become one of my most treasured holiday rituals.
We all know that the holiday season in Tampa Bay is festive and bright. But plan some time this season to visit our I-4 neighbors. If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that feels both magical and manageable for families, ICE! at Gaylord Palms truly delivers year after year. And, there is much more to enjoy here than the incredible ice sculptures, including special moments with Mrs. Claus, snowball tossing, and more!
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Our decade of ICE! memories
When my son was tiny, he mostly clung to me and stared at the sculptures with big, blinking eyes, unsure why Florida suddenly had ice at all. Last year, he went with my parents and barely made it through the nine-degree chill. But this year? This year, everything clicked. He was old enough to be thrilled instead of overwhelmed, and bundled up like a pro in layers, thick socks, and the iconic blue parka.
It was the first time all three of us glided down the ice slides together, side by side, laughing so hard we forgot how cold we were. That moment will live in my memory forever.
The Magic of ICE!
If you’ve never been, ICE! is a walk-through world carved from two million pounds of brilliantly colored ice. Each room tells part of a classic holiday story, with sculptures that are tall, detailed, and almost glowing in the chilly air. The artistry still amazes me every single time, even after a decade of visits. There’s something special about watching your child take in the craftsmanship, especially once they’re finally old enough to run up the steps to the slides and zoom down with pure joy.
Inside ICE!, it’s a steady nine degrees, which means you really do have to dress like you’re going on a quick trip to the North Pole. We always do long sleeves, a sweater, gloves, warm hats, and the thickest socks we can find. The parka they provide goes over everything, and it keeps the cold fun instead of intimidating. My son felt brave and adventurous this year, which helped us slow down and actually enjoy each sculpture without rushing toward the exit.
Holiday Activities Beyond the Ice
One of the biggest reasons families love Christmas at Gaylord Palms is that ICE! is just one part of an entire holiday village tucked inside the resort. Once we warm up, we wander through the atrium where twinkling lights drape from every corner and the giant Christmas tree seems to glow from within. There’s something new to discover every year, and families can easily turn it into a full day or even a weekend outing.
Here are some of our favorite extras:
Snow tubing
Snow Flow Mountain is a big hit now that my son is older. It feels fast, thrilling, and just snowy enough to count as winter fun without boarding a plane.
There is also the Snowball Build & Blast, where you get to build actual snowballs and toss them at targets.
Gingerbread decorating
This is the coziest option after the cold. Kids get hands-on creative time, and parents get a breather. We usually sip something warm and watch him add far too many gumdrops.
Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
A sweet little storytelling experience that’s great for younger kids needing a calmer moment.
Elf-themed activities
Every year, there’s something playful, crafty, or training-related that fits the theme. It always helps round out the day with something hands-on.
POMP, SNOW, and CIRQUEumstance Show
New for this year, Pomp, Snow, and Cirqueumstance blends playful characters, eye-catching costumes, and impressive acrobatics. This bright, joyful performance completely held my son’s attention from start to finish. He was especially drawn to the colorful visuals and the big, high-energy moments, while I couldn’t get enough of the sweet Snow character and Pomp’s charming, slightly mischievous personality.
The show is just the right length for younger audiences, offering plenty of wow-factor without ever feeling overwhelming, and it adds a fresh burst of magic to this year’s Gaylord Palms holiday lineup.
The nightly light show in the atrium
The lights, music, and gentle snowfall drifting from above create a moment that feels almost cinematic. My son looks up every time with the same wonder, and honestly, so do I.
A quick guide for Tampa Bay families
If you’re coming from Tampa Bay, expect about an hour to ninety minutes of drive time, depending on traffic. Try to leave earlier in the day so you can wander the resort before the evening crowds arrive. Parking is available onsite ($40), and you can choose to make it a day trip or stay overnight for a slower, more immersive visit.
Tickets for ICE! often sell out on popular dates, so I recommend booking ahead and looking at the bundled options. If your family wants to do snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, or Mrs. Claus’ show, the combination tickets can save a bit and help you plan your day. The resort map and schedule make it easy to hop between activities without backtracking too much.
As for packing, bring a tote bag for all the layers everyone sheds once you’re back in Florida temperatures. If you have younger kids or a sensory-sensitive child, early morning time slots tend to be calmer and quieter. The atrium has plenty of spots to pause, rest, and regroup when needed.
Why we keep coming back
There are plenty of holiday activities in Central Florida, but Gaylord Palms has become the one tradition we protect every year. ICE! feels different each season, yet comfortingly familiar. The sculptures, the colors, the cold air, the tubing, the lights, the cocoa afterward, the shows—it’s all part of the rhythm of our family’s holidays.
But this year’s memory of the three of us sliding down the ice together is the one I’ll carry the longest. Seeing my son finally embrace the full magic of ICE! made me realize how quickly these moments shift and grow. One year, he’s clinging to my leg; the next he’s tugging us forward with pure excitement.
Make Your Plans
If your family is ready for a holiday outing that blends imagination, chill-in-your-cheeks winter air, and every kind of festive fun in one place, Christmas at Gaylord Palms is truly worth the trip. We’ll be going again, bundled up and smiling, creating another memory that I know I’ll treasure long after the ice melts.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Parking is $40
For additional information and to book packages or tickets, visit ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.