Complete Guide to Christmas at the Gaylord Palms Orlando
The Gaylord Palms is one of our favorite hotels in the Orlando area. This resort features more than 1,500 rooms and suites that surround over 4.5 acres of glass-covered, indoor atriums that are separated into four different themes.
With it’s location just outside the Walt Disney World Resort, guests can at the front gate of each of the four Disney theme parks in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Additionally, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and all the restaurants & attractions along International Drive are just a short 15 to 20 minute ride up Interstate 4.
In addition to all that is offered at the Gaylord Palms, the resort hotels a number of seasonal events including Easter Eggstravganza, Pirate & Princess Weekends, SummerFest and Goblins & Giggles Getaway Weekend but the most popular event is Christmas at the Gaylord Palms.
Christmas at the Gaylord Palms
Typically every year beginning in mid-November and extending to early January, the Gaylord Palms hotel in Kissimmee (Orlando), Florida hosts “Christmas at the Gaylord Palms” which includes a variety of free and premium (paid) events in the convention center area as well as within it’s massive indoor atrium.
For the year 2023, this amazing spectacle runs from November 17, 2022 to January 3, 2024 and the scheduled events are as follows.
ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
ICE! is back for 2023 and it is not to be missed. This spectacular display of hand-carved ice sculptures is one of the most popular things to do in Orlando during the holiday season.
For 2023 ICE! is being themed after the stories of Charlie Brown and his dog Snoopy. Visitors will enjoy some of their favorite scenes from the story brought to life from over two million pounds of ice.
ICE! is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and depending on the date, this 25-minute experience costs $32.99 to $42.00 for adults and $21.99 to $29.99 for children ages 4 to 11. Book your tickets early as the weekend dates typically sell out quickly.
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
Back for 2023 is Cirque: Spirit of Christmas. Cirque is an acrobatic Christmas themed show that is free to hotel guests and visitors. This amazing show is held in the main atrium adjacent to Emerald Bay and is held at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM daily along with 8:15 PM on peak Saturdays.
Prices for seating start from $9.99 per adult and $4.99 for children ages 4 to 11. However, tickets for the best seats cost $38.99 per person.
The Greatest Story Stage Show
Also back for 2023 is The Greatest Story Stage Show is the “multicultural celebration of the Christ story”. Held in the main atrium adjacent to Emerald Bay this show, the free show runs several times per day.
This show is held on weekdays at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:15 PM and include a 3:00 PM show during “peak week”. Weekend shows are held at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Ticket prices are $13.99 per person.
#LIT Light Show
#LIT Light Show is shown in the main (St. Augustine) atrium which all that guests will need to do is look up to enjoy. Shine is a Christmas themed light and music show that is free to hotel guests and visitors.
Snow Flow Mountain
Go sliding down one of six multi-level ice slides on an inflatable tube at Snow Flow Mountain. There is a speed racing slide and a “ice coaster” plummet slide to choose from.
This premium experience is limited to guests 42 inches and over for the 16 foot slide, 40 inches and over for a solo ride on the 12 foot slide, or between 36 and 40 inches to ride the double tube on the 12 foot slide.
Snowball Build and Blast
Snowball Build and Blast is another premium experience where guests can are part of an assembly line of snowball making, then tossing the balls at targets that help keep the lights on. Advance purchase is required for a bucket of snowballs.
Naughty or Nice Escape Room
The Naughty or Nice Escape Room is also back for this year’s Christmas at the Gaylord Palms. Guests will need to solve a number of puzzles to remove their names from Santa’s Naughty List (that was put on this list by Jack Frost).
The cost of this escape room starts at $120.00 for groups of one to four people and goes up to $239.94 for a group of 10. This experience typically sells out quickly so it is recommended to book tickets as early as possible.
Market Square
Visitors can purchase a variety of Christmas themed decor’, apparel, toys and collectibles at the Market Square retail village.
Other premium and free experiences offered for Christmas at the Gaylord Palms include:
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
- Gingerbread Decorating
- Sugary Sweet Storytime
- Elf Training Academy
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Photos with Santa
- Acres of Festive Decorations
- Christmas Tree Trail
- Adventure Kids: Wonders of Winter
- Wildlife Rescue – An Augmented Reality Experience presented by bubly™
As previously mentioned, there is no longer an on-site box office so tickets must be purchased on-line. There are a variety of savings by purchasing bundled packages.
Our Hotel Tour and Review for the Gaylord Palms Orlando
As we indicated earlier, The Gaylord Palms is one of our favorite hotels in the Orlando area. Some of of the things we like include the extensive amount of amenities, fantastic location just out side of Walt Disney World, it’s unique design and features, excellent service across all areas the hotel, the spacious rooms and all the unique events & experiences including Christmas at the Gaylord Palms.
While not an inexpensive hotel, you get everything from a magnificent property, world-class amenities and exceptional service.
