Events

Warm Hearts, Cool Scenes: ICE! Bliss in the Sunshine State

Published

1 year ago

January 2, 2024

Coach

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Unleashes Two Million Pounds of Frozen Fun to Bring ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ to Life.

December 28th, 2023

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort is a winter wonderland extravaganza that brings the magic of the holiday season to life in sunny Florida. Beyond the breathtaking main ice exhibit, the event offers a range of additional activities for an extra cost, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From gingerbread house making to snow tubing slides, a snowball toss, story time with Mrs. Claus, and a live show of Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, the array of options keeps the festive spirit alive.

The Alpine Village area complements the experience with merchandise, snacks, refreshments, and a beautiful Christmas tree display. This charming section of the event provides ample opportunities for photos, and the atmosphere remains inviting without ever feeling overcrowded.

The highlight of ICE! is undoubtedly the meticulously crafted ice scenes, a labor of love by 30+ Chinese artisans investing over 12,000 carving hours. The result is a mesmerizing snow-covered paradise featuring beloved Peanuts characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Sally, Linus, and Peppermint Patty. Navigating through the exhibit for at least 30 minutes, visitors also get the thrill of plunging down a two-story ice slide. The staggering 2 million pounds of ice and 20,000 square feet of frozen fun contribute to an immersive and memorable experience.

Maintaining a chilly 9 degrees at all times, the provided parka is essential, but it’s advisable to come prepared with gloves, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and earmuffs or hoodies for additional comfort. The attention to detail in recreating scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is impressive, capturing the essence of the classic story, including Charlie Brown’s sad Christmas tree, Snoopy’s Doghouse, Lucy’s psychiatric help stand, and the iconic holiday dance auditorium.

While the $37 parking charge may be a deterrent for some, the overall experience and the opportunity to create a unique holiday tradition in Florida make it worthwhile. The Gaylord Palms Resort itself adds to the charm, especially during the holiday season, with its festive decorations, atrium area, and resident alligators.

As you exit the exhibit, the gift shop beckons with a chance to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a delicious Cinnabon, providing a sweet conclusion to a frosty adventure. Overall, ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort offers a delightful escape into the holiday spirit, making it a great tradition for locals and a unique experience for visitors from warmer climates.

ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider
ICE! returns to Gaylord Palms Resort with A Charlie Brown Christmas. ©South Florida Insider

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Coach

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.