A favorite holiday attraction is returning to Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, bringing a familiar Christmas story to life through elaborate ice sculptures, winter activities and festive entertainment.
ICE! featuring The Polar Express will be the centerpiece of the resort’s annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration, running Nov. 13, through Jan. 3, 2027. The 20,000-square-foot attraction will take guests through scenes inspired by the beloved animated film, all inside a chilly environment kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Polar Express Comes to Life in Ice
The attraction features 11 larger-than-life scenes from The Polar Express, recreated with hand-carved ice. A team of 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, will spend more than a month transforming blocks of ice into the detailed displays.
Visitors can follow the story of a young boy’s Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole, with scenes depicting the train arriving at his home, passengers enjoying hot chocolate, an icy mountain adventure and the train’s arrival at the North Pole. Colorful lighting and LED displays add to the experience.
The popular slide room will also return, featuring five two-story-tall ice slides that send visitors racing through Glacier Gulch.
The Polar Express last appeared at Gaylord Palms during the 2019 holiday season. Its return gives longtime visitors another opportunity to experience the attraction while introducing the story to a new generation.
More Holiday Activities Across the Resort
ICE! is just one part of Christmas at Gaylord Palms. The 65-acre resort will offer a range of seasonal activities throughout its atrium and Alpine Village.
Visitors can enjoy ice tubing on Snow Flow Mountain, Snowball Build and Blast, the new Christmas Carousel, and photos with Santa. The resort’s atrium will also feature holiday shows and displays.
Market Square, described by the resort as one of Florida’s largest Christmas stores, will offer holiday gifts, toys, collectibles, plush items, home décor, apparel, ornaments and ICE!-themed souvenirs.
Guests visiting ICE! will receive signature blue parkas to wear inside the attraction, though additional winter clothing is encouraged.
Tickets and Holiday Packages
Christmas at Gaylord Palms runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, with tickets and overnight packages available now. Advance reservations are recommended, as some experiences have limited capacity.
Visitors can find ticket options, activity schedules, and resort packages at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
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