A truly enchanting Christmas is created at the Gaylords Palms Resort (6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida), called ICE! 

From late November until early January, there is an enormous ice carving on display. Two million pounds of ice is hand-carved into a truly spectacular Christmas winter wonderland. The carvings are done by a team of 40 artisans who visit from Harbin China every year, and it is a pleasure to be able to view their artwork on display at this venue - one of only a few places in North America. 

Wrap up warm though; the ice carvings are kept at a chilly 9 degrees

Christmas 2007 heralded the carving of a candy house, ice cream sundae and giant frostproof express locomotive.  There were icy slides to try out (for the young and young at heart), as well as an outdoor ice rink, and of course, Santa comes to visit.  Another added attraction was the Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt – 20 gnomes hidden throughout the resort presented a unique challenge.

There was also a live stage show ‘Luminessence – A Christmas Fantasy’ and a synchronized laser light show.

Christmas plans are announced in August on the Gaylord Palms Resort website  www.gaylordpalms.com/ice, where you can purchase your tickets (or phone (407) 586 0000).

2007 prices were $12.99 for ICE, and $7.99 for ice skating (when purchased with ICE ticket)

Sand Sculptures

Gaylord Palms Resort also features an evolving array of sand sculptures in their Key West atrium. 

Blocks of building sand are sculpted into figurines, which are then sprayed with a thin coat of diluted Elmer’s Glue to keep the moisture within the sand.

2 tons of sand is used to create the sand displays and it takes about 3 days, and 60 working hours, to create each sculpture.  With the sculptures being kept in the weather-shielding atrium, they are able to be preserved for approximately 6 months.  However, they are continually updated - at least several times a year.

The artists who create the displays have won local, state and international honours for their works

Events are open to day ticket holders as well as inclusive for hotel guests.

If you get the opportunity to visit Florida during the Christmas season, then you are in for a treat. Most of the theme parks kick off their Christmas festivities immediately after Thanksgiving and most continue until the first week in January.

 A lot of the celebrations are included in the normal theme park ticket price so you can enjoy the extra entertainment at no extra charge. The only exception is the night time Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom which is by separate ticket admission.

Even if you are not visiting the theme parks, there is still plenty to enjoy with Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, float parades, carollers, music concerts and lighted boat parades in many towns throughout Florida.

Though it is rare for much snow to fall in Florida, there is plenty of opportunity to see snow at a number of special events including Disney’s town Celebration, Naples and Lake City. There is also the amazing ICE! at Gaylord Palms attraction in Orlando where nearly two million pounds of ice are carved into spectacular scenes.

Of course if you are able to stay until January, then you also have all the exciting New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations to look forward to as well.

Have an extra Special Christmas Holiday

Mary & Larry