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Create wonderful family memories this Christmas season at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee!
The Christmas celebration at Gaylord Palms may be best known for their unique ICE! experience. But there are many other holiday things to do at the hotel – entertainment options, interactive experiences and more. Some of these are even free!
We’re going to go through these fun activities and shows. And then we’ll let you know how to get a great rate for your hotel stay!
Please note that unless otherwise stated, you can enjoy these activities from November 17, 2023 through January 3, 2024.
Ticketed Christmas Activities
Christmas Dinner at Villa de Flora
This delicious dinner, held on Christmas Day, is a Mediterranean buffet. Enjoy traditional holiday favorites that draw inspiration from France, Italy, and Spain.
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
This impressive show includes Cirque elements, like acrobatics, tricks highlighting flexibility, and performers at heights of 35′. It also has a Broadway feel, with a storyline involving a child who wants to recover the true meaning of the Christmas season.
Elf Training Academy
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be one of Santa’s elves? Find out for yourself at the Elf Training Academy at the Elf Workshop! Santa’s top helper reveals the big secrets behind working at the North Pole. And guests can also create a craft to give to someone special (or keep as a souvenir).
Feast with The Grinch Character Breakfast
During this character breakfast at at Villa de Flora, you’ll get photo opportunities with the Grinch himself, as well as with his dog Max.
Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Get in touch with your artistic side as you decorate gingerbread. And you’ll also have the chance for a meet-and-greet with Nutmeg, a gingerbread man.
The Greatest Story Stage Show
In this musical stage show, 6 international storytellers share the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Note: there is also complimentary seating available, but it is on a first come, first served basis. Purchasing a ticket means you have a guaranteed seat. Also, please note that the last date of performances for this musical is (fittingly) December 25, 2022.
ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas
ICE! is a can’t miss holiday attraction at Gaylord Palms. This year, guests can see the story of the Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and other Peanuts characters, told through larger-than-life ice sculptures! It’s an impressive walk-through experience that covers 20,000 square feet.
Journey of Los Tres Reyes Magos
Take part in the Three Kings Festival! Celebrate when Jesus was visited by the Three Wise Men following his birth. Please note that this experience is only available from December 26 to January 1. There is limited availability – a ticket purchase will guarantee seating.
Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
Listen to a retelling of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas – from Mrs. Claus herself! There’s also a holiday singalong as well as cold milk and freshly baked Christmas cookies.
Naughty or Nice Escape Room
The bad news: Jack Frost has added your name to Santa’s Naughty List. The good news: If you can sneak into Santa’s office and solve puzzles before Santa returns, you can erase your name from the Naughty List.
New Year’s Eve Buffet at Villa de Flora
As the name suggests, this buffet only takes place on December 31. And what a buffet it is! The selections are inspired by the cuisines of countries such as Italy, Spain, and France.
Photos with Santa
Your child can fill Santa in on their wish list – and you’ll get a memento of the visit in the form of a photo.
Premium Pool Seating
Okay, so maybe this activity isn’t exactly Christmas themed. But if you want to go swimming during a holiday season trip to Gaylord Palms, you can get a guaranteed spot. Rent a private cabana, day bed, or poolside lounge seating.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Villa de Flora
This holiday meal on Thanksgiving is held at the recently renovated Villa de Flora. The glass enclosed atrium, decorated with over 2 million twinkling lights, makes for a beautiful setting. And you can dine on traditional holiday favorites as well as from a modern Mediterranean buffet.
Complimentary Holiday Activities
Acres Of Festive Decorations
The 64-acre resort is full of magical holiday decor!
This includes:
- Over 100 Christmas Trees
- 20,000 ornaments
- Over 3 million lights
Adventure Kids: Wonders of Winter
In this interactive show, Ava the Alligator, Seth the Sea Turtle, and Adventure Kid Sophie explore the wonders of winter. The entertaining show has three performances on Saturdays and Sundays: 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm.
Christmas Tree Trail
A walk along the Christmas Tree Trail reveals 8 gorgeous, highly decorated holiday trees.
Shine Light Show
Three times a night – at 7:30 PM, 8:45 PM and 9:15 PM – you can enjoy a delightful light show, choreographed to an upbeat holiday soundtrack. The show involves Christmas imagery on animated light curtains, as well as a dazzling 60-foot tall Christmas tree.
And if you happen to be staying in one of the select atrium-view rooms, you can even watch from your room’s balcony!
Snow Factory
In this snowy play area, you can enjoy the Snow Bar, Snowball Build and Blast, and a snowfall plaza. You can even go ice tubing down Snow Flow Mountain.
Wildlife Rescue – An Augmented Reality Experience presented by Bubly
Take a virtual safari and learn about endangered species! Thanks to augmented reality, you’ll see indigenous animals right in front of you. The virtual experience takes place in the large atriums inside Gaylord Palms.
Other Christmas Activities
Build-A-Bear Workshop
This is a fun way to create a personalized Christmas keepsake – or a wonderful Christmas gift! And you can participate in the one-of-a-kind Heart Ceremony.
Market Square Retail
This Christmas store is one of the biggest in all of Florida! Between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, you can shop for Christmas ornaments, decor, apparel, collectibles, toys & more.
Snow Bar
At the Snow Bar, you can order a special holiday cocktail or mocktail. Other beverages, including soft drinks, are also available.
Snowy’s Snack Shack
Snack options include a cup of Mike’s Italian Ice, a Cinnabon, or a hand-baked pretzel from Auntie Anne’s. You can also get a satisfying cup of hot cocoa.
Winter Wellness at Relâche Spa
At Relâche Spa, enjoy relaxing Winter Wonderland massage, facial, and pedicure treatments.
Where to Stay
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do to celebrate Christmas at Gaylord Palms! It really is a wonderful place for a family vacation during the holiday season. If you’d like to book a stay and want to get a good rate, click here.
You can also attend most of these holiday events, even if you aren’t staying at Gaylord Palms. In fact, only the following are restricted to overnight Gaylord Palms guests:
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- The Feast with The Grinch Character Breakfast
- Christmas Dinner
- New Year’s Eve Buffet
All other activities and attractions are open to day guests as well as overnight guests.
If you’d like to stay close to Gaylord Palms so that you can visit the resort’s festivities during the day, consider staying at one of these nearby hotels.
