Gaylord Palms ICE! Brings Elf to Life

Experience the magic of Gaylord Palms ICE! featuring Elf. Stunning ice sculptures, slides, & holiday fun for the whole family!

🎄 Experience the Magic of Christmas: The Gaylord Palms ICE! Show Featuring Elf

If there’s one event that embodies the joy, sparkle, and pure Christmas magic of the season, it’s the annual ICE! show at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

This year, the frosty festivities are cranking up the holiday cheer with a feature based on the beloved holiday movie Elf.

Yes, folks, Buddy the Elf is back, and he’s bringing his boundless enthusiasm and sugar-loaded joy to the frozen wonderland!

A sculpture of a person wearing green and yellow stands with hands on hips in front of large letters "e" and "f" with snowflake decorations.

🧊 What is ICE!?

Imagine stepping into a winter wonderland where the temperature is a chilly 9°F, the air is thick with festive spirit, and every corner bursts with stunning ice sculptures hand-carved by master artisans from Harbin, China.

Large white "ICE!" letters in front of decorated, snow-covered Christmas trees against a backdrop of a wooden building facade.

This awe-inspiring display of artistry and creativity is the centerpiece of Gaylord Palms’ annual holiday extravaganza.

With over two million pounds of ice transformed into life-size sculptures and vibrant scenes, it’s a feast for the eyes and the ultimate holiday outing.

Statues of elves in colorful outfits sit at desks in a festive ice-themed workshop, with a sign outlining "The Code of the Elves.

Colorful ice sculptures of a walrus and a penguin surrounded by large candy canes and lollipops.

Ice sculptures of four people sitting around a dining table in a room made of ice, with a large recipe board on the wall and winter-themed decorations.

Three colorful ice sculptures dressed in festive attire with "The end" sign in the background.

Ice sculpture of Santa Claus in a red sleigh with reindeer, set against a dark background.

This year, the spotlight is on Elf, the 2003 comedy classic starring Will Ferrell.

The show brings Buddy’s hilarious and heartwarming journey to life with colorful ice carvings, immersive scenes, and even a touch of interactive fun.

🛷 What to Expect at the Elf-Themed ICE! Show

As soon as you enter the icy exhibit, you’ll be greeted by scenes that transport you into Buddy’s world.

A festive display featuring a Santa mannequin seated on a throne next to an elf mannequin, with a "Welcome Santa" sign above them.

Some highlights to look forward to include:

The North Pole: Marvel at the intricate carvings of Santa’s workshop, complete with toy-making elves and Buddy’s oversized bed (because he’s definitely not an elf).
Buddy’s Big City Adventure: Follow Buddy as he discovers the magic (and madness) of New York City, from revolving doors to the famous mailroom dance scene.
The Candy Cane Forest: Relive Buddy’s iconic journey through the candy cane forest and beyond, complete with whimsical touches that capture his childlike wonder.
Santa’s Sleigh: The grand finale features a larger-than-life ice sculpture of Santa’s sleigh soaring high above the crowd, with Buddy cheering him on, of course!

Promotional image featuring an invitation to join a facebook group by lifeintherv.com, displayed on various devices; tablet, laptop, and smartphones showing group content.

JOIN THE GROUP

🛝 Don’t Miss the Ice Slides!

Because what’s an ICE! show without a little adventure?

This year’s exhibit includes the ever-popular ice slides, where kids (and kids at heart) can glide down frozen slopes in a burst of giggles and holiday cheer.

Indoor snow tubing slide with blue-lit lanes and several people tubing. The venue has festive decorations and lighting effects.

Make sure you bundle up, though—these slides are as chilly as they are thrilling!

🎅 Other Festivities at Gaylord Palms

The ICE! show is just the tip of the (frozen) iceberg at Gaylord Palms. While you’re there, don’t miss:

Decorative winter display featuring a sign reading "Snow Factory," surrounded by festively lit artificial snow-covered trees.

Snow Flow Mountain: A tubing experience where you can race down real snow-covered slopes.
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas: A jaw-dropping holiday acrobatics show that will leave you in awe.
The Christmas Tree Trail: Stroll through beautifully decorated Christmas trees that add even more magic to the atmosphere.
Meet and Greet with Santa: No holiday outing is complete without a visit to the big man himself!

A themed drink station with snowy decor and gears. A staff member is preparing drinks behind the counter. A menu and signage are displayed on the wall.

🥶 Insider Tips for Visiting ICE!

Dress Warmly: The exhibit is kept at a frosty 9°F, so wear layers, bring gloves, and don’t forget hats and scarves. Gaylord Palms provides oversized parkas for everyone, but you’ll still want to be cozy.
Do Not Wear Flip Flops: When we went to the ICE! show the first time, I didn’t know what to expect. And I ultimately wore flip-flops (hey, I live in Florida!). They said I had 10 minutes before frostbite set in.
Book Early: Tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas. Book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Arrive Early: There’s so much to see and do at Gaylord Palms, so plan to arrive early and make a day of it!
Plan for Photos: The ice sculptures are stunning and make for unforgettable family photos, so bring your phone or camera. Just keep it warm to avoid battery drain in the cold!

An acrobat performs a breathtaking high-wire act inside the expansive Gaylord Palms venue, its glass ceiling casting glimmers like ice above the audience.

A performer in a colorful suit skillfully balances inside a large hoop, surrounded by vibrant stage props reminiscent of the enchanting Gaylord Palms ICE experience, with lush tropical plants setting the background.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

The Gaylord Palms ICE! show is more than just an exhibit…it’s a full-blown holiday experience that brings people together in the most magical way.

A series of four Christmas-themed ice sculptures, featuring elves and snowmen in various activities, including sitting, standing, and interacting in a holiday setting.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Elf or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season, this event is guaranteed to fill your heart with joy, your camera roll with memories, and your soul with enough Christmas spirit to rival Buddy himself.