Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a Growing Holiday Tradition: 2016 Includes ICE! Featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas & Much More (Photos, Video)

Hi everyone!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is in full swing, this is one of our favorite holiday events each year! Not only is ICE! Featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas available for guests to enjoy (see our article with photos & video), but there is a plethora of other options – some with an added charge, some are free. It is easy to make a full day of it now at Gaylord Palms during the holiday season, which ends on January 1st, 2017. Considering Gaylord Palms is a resort and not a theme park, it’s amazing how extensive the offerings now are. Here are some of our favorite holiday activities! Not every event is every day, so check the schedule for dates and times. You can find prices for all activities on the Gaylord Palms Resort website. There is also a resort parking fee, so be mindful of that. I believe the restaurant validation kicks in at $50.00, but double check if you plan to dine while there.

I’ve noted whether each activity costs money ($) or is free for guests.

ICE Featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas ($) – This classic Christmas story is told in 2 million pounds of carved ice, along with 4 ice slides. Make sure to bundle up, you will be given a parka to wear but I recommend gloves, double socks, a hat and a scarf. It is a 9 degree exhibit and it’s nice to be able to linger on each display. The On the Blocks Ice Bar has been very popular, and you can purchase drink tickets before entering the attraction. We always enjoy the Frostbite Factory live ice carving zone as well!

Here is our video walk-through of ICE!

Cirque Dreams UnWrapped – This Broadway-style stage show is about 25 minutes long and features aerial acts, juggling and other visually stunning displays. This is a free show and very well worth staying for. It is located in the atrium.

A Christmas Wish Light Show – The new stunning 60-foot tall Christmas tree with LED lights features a six-minute light and music show. This is free for guests!

Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends ($) – We LOVE this character breakfast! Guests meet with Snoopy first before heading into breakfast, where Charlie Brown and Lucy will stop at each table. The food for breakfast at Villa Flora is always one of our favorite breakfast locations in Orlando with a wide variety of options, including salmon, make-your-own omelets and a variety of pastries and fresh fruit (and a lot more).

Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Snoopy’s doghouse waffles are part of the buffet!

Alpine Rush Snow Tubing ($) – This is an eight-lane tubing hill which is a lot of fun! The tubes do go fast, it reminds me of riding a toboggan when I was growing up in New Jersey. And where else can you find real snow in Orlando?

Santa’s Snow Throw ($) – This was a surprise in how addictive it was to throw snowballs at targets – it’s the first year for Santa’s Snow Throw and I don’t think it will be the last. Kids and adults should enjoy this!

Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions and Story Time Sing-a-Long ($) – This 30 minute show includes Mrs. Claus telling stories, and singing with her elf sidekick (Mrs. Claus is a terrfic vocalist) as guests are encouraged to sing along. It is a lovely show, and includes a warm (delicious) cookie and a pint of milk.

Gingerbread Decorating Corner ($) – We’ve always enjoyed decorating cookies with the resident gingerbread character (this year, the character is named Cinnamon). The cookies are less intricate as far as icing and decorations this year, but it is still a fun family activity. It is also included on the Platinum Pass.

We haven’t yet tried the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt this year (it now is a $, but includes a prize at the end). Guests can also take photos with Santa ($), and enjoy strolling around the gorgeous atrium. Honestly, it’s not Christmas for me until we’ve visited Gaylord Palms Resort. While we were invited (for a one night stay to take in everything), all opinions are ours and we’d visit on our own as we have in the past.

And don’t forget the shopping! Not only is Build-A-Bear Workshop available, but also Charlie Brown merchandise and a lot of unique items. We always end up buying something (this year, we purchased a couple of ICE! Featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas shirts).