Ice! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with a Dr. Seuss theme for 2022

Ice! and its holiday-inspired ice sculptures have been on hiatus for two years, but they will return to the Gaylord Palms Resort from November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023, themed to the Dr. Seuss story, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!”

A team of 40 ice sculpture artisans will once again make the journey from Harbin, China to Kissimmee, Fla. six weeks ahead of the event, to create 10 vignettes themed to the Christmas classic “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” using more than two million pounds of ice.

The colored ice sculptures they’ll carve rang, from a coin to a scene standing nearly 30 feet tall.

The walk-through Ice! experience takes place in an area chilled to nine degrees Fahrenheit, and guests are given warming parkas to wear while touring the attraction.

“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.”

Ice! is part of the resort’s annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms event, which also includes two-story-tall ice slides, live sculpting demonstrations, holiday-themed shows, kid-friendly activities, and more.

While the sculptures – highlighted by a Nativity scene carved from crystal-clear ice – are the main event, there is much more to enjoy during Christmas at Gaylord Palms.

Shows and live entertainment

“Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” – Witness trapeze artists, aerial silk performers, and acrobats whose feats are set to an original musical score during this 30-minute Cirque-style show that features Noel, a young child looking for the deeper meaning of Christmas.  

“The Greatest Story” – Watch the “greatest story ever told,” as seen through the eyes of six international storytellers during this multicultural celebration of faith, hope, and love.

“Shine” – Gaylord Palms’ atrium and the giant Christmas tree located there light up during an extravaganza of LED curtain animations set to a musical score.

“Adventure Kids: Wonders of Winter” – Follow Sophie and her friends Ava the Alligator and Seth the Sea Turtle as they learn about the wildlife and environment, all with a yuletide spin.

“The Journey of Los Tres Magos” – Through story and song, this live production pays tribute to the date Jesus was visited by the Three Wise Men, a tradition honored in Latin America, Spain, and around the world. The show will take place from Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023.

Activities

Jack Frost is making mischief again with new names for Santa’s “Naughty List,” and it’s up to guests to solve the puzzles that will keep their names off the list at the Naughty or Nice Escape Room.

Snow Factory is the place to be for ice tubing, snowball throwing, cocktails at Snow Bar, and a climb up Snow Flow Mountain for an inner tube ride back to the bottom. Date-specific admission tickets include unlimited ice tubing rides.

Do you have what it takes to become part of Team Santa? Drop by the Elf Training Academy and create a special keepsake to show off your toy-making skills.

Is it even Christmas without gingerbread cookies? Make some edible art without the bother of baking at the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, then have a meet and greet with Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man.

Alpine Village shopping area features a Build-A-Bear Workshop where guests can create a cuddly new best friend and take part in the Heart Ceremony. Seasonal items and accessories are found at Alpine Village, too.

Enjoy the ambiance

Gaylord Palms sparkles during the joyful season with more than 3 million lights, and more than 100 Christmas trees decked out in holiday finery, including the 60-foot-tall tree in the main atrium. See them all along the self-guided Christmas Tree Trail.

Get your Grinch on with dining and a scavenger hunt

The Feast with Grinch buffet character breakfast is full of holiday flavors that tempt even The Grinch and his little dog Max to attend. Reservations are required in advance and the experience is only open to overnight guests.

Solve riddles and find clues during The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt. Solve each of the challenges and receive a special stocking stuffer.

Let’s hear it for the Clauses

Santa Claus meets guests and hears their wish lists at Alpine Village from Nov. 18 – Dec. 24.

Mrs. Claus entertains guests with her story-time retelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” complete with milk and cookies, during Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions.

Visit during Christmas at Gaylord Palms with special room rates and admission to select events. Guests staying at Gaylord Palms can enjoy these exclusive perks:

• The “Chill Pass” gives overnight guests front-of-line access and shorter wait times Ice! Admission is not included, and is required.
• “Extra Cool Hour” early entry into ICE! and Alpine Village one hour before it opens to day guests. “guests.
• Overnight guests are the only guests who are allowed to reserve seating at four popular holiday dining experiences: Thanksgiving Dinner, The Feast with The Grinch character breakfast, Christmas Dinner, and New Year’s Eve Buffet.