Kissimmee’s Gaylord Palms Resort has always been a must-do stop during the holiday season, but this year’s big news takes the yuletide magic to the next level. For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ is headlining ICE! at Gaylord Palms, the resort’s signature walk-through frozen wonderland. Running November 14, 2025 through January 7, 2026, this fan-favorite attraction is built from a staggering 2 million pounds of carved ice—and now, it’s ready to bring the beloved 1964 holiday classic to life like never before.
Rudolph Lands in Central Florida
While Rudolph has appeared in ICE! at other Gaylord hotels across the country, 2025 marks his official debut at Gaylord Palms. That’s a big deal for Florida holiday fans who’ve been hoping to see the stop-motion classic recreated in glowing blocks of ice. Guests can journey alongside Rudolph and Hermey the Elf, encounter Yukon Cornelius, meet Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and even see Clarice and Santa Claus—all recreated as larger-than-life ice sculptures.
The experience spans 20,000 square feet inside a frosty 9-degree environment, where guests bundle up in signature blue parkas and step into Rudolph’s world. This year’s version of ICE! has been redesigned with brand-new interactive features, so you can crawl through snow tunnels, slide down two-story ice slides, step into the Misfit Toys’ gift box, and even meet Bumble in towering form.
How the Magic is Made
Nearly 40 expert carvers from Harbin, China—a city famous for its own world-class ice festival—will spend over a month sculpting the attraction. Using chainsaws, chisels, and grinders, they’ll transform more than 6,700 blocks of ice into dazzling characters and detailed scenes. Each sculpture gets its bright colors thanks to carefully mixed food colorings, and the whole display is enhanced with dramatic lighting effects, including embedded LEDs that make Rudolph’s nose glow just right.
More Than Just ICE!
Gaylord Palms doesn’t stop with just Rudolph. The entire resort transforms into a 65-acre holiday playground, and 2025 is packed with new entertainment. Highlights include:
- POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance – A brand-new cirque spectacular in the atrium, blending acrobatics, magic, and Broadway flair.
- Here We Glow A-Caroling – A massive light-and-music show featuring the 60-foot atrium Christmas tree.
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions – Storytime, sing-alongs, and cookies with Mrs. Claus herself.
- The Greatest Story – A stage show retelling the birth of Christ through music and narration.
- Snow Factory – Ice tubing on “Snow Flow Mountain” and real snowball battles.
- Holiday escape rooms, gingerbread decorating, scavenger hunts, Build-A-Bear fun, and even a brand-new Jack Frost Chocolate Factory.
On top of all that, overnight guests can enjoy perks like “Chill Pass” front-of-line access to ICE!, exclusive holiday dining, and balcony views of the atrium’s dazzling shows. With more than 3 million lights, 100 decorated Christmas trees, and one of Florida’s largest holiday shops, it’s a complete resort destination for families looking to make the season bright.
Why Fans Are Excited
For longtime Gaylord Palms visitors, ICE! has been a holiday staple since 2003, but this year feels especially big. Adding Rudolph to the lineup taps into the nostalgia of a holiday TV classic while also refreshing the event with new interactivity. It’s a win for fans who’ve been hoping to see new characters take center stage. And let’s be real—nothing says “holiday photo op” like posing next to a glowing red-nosed reindeer carved entirely out of ice.
Plan Your Visit
Christmas at Gaylord Palms runs from November 14, 2025, through January 7, 2026, and tickets are on sale now at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com. With limited entry to many events, advance reservations are a must—especially if you want to experience ICE! on peak nights.
So, bundle up, grab your mittens, and get ready to follow Rudolph’s nose straight into one of Florida’s most spectacular holiday traditions. This year, Christmas at Gaylord Palms is shining brighter than ever.
