Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Can you believe it? The holidays are almost here. And with them comes plenty of special holiday traditions. From November 13 all the way  to January 3, our friends at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center are putting together an unforgettable season full of games and fun for everyone. So make your list, and check it twice, and get ready to experience a whole lot of nice. Christmas at Gaylord Palms is coming to town — and here’s everything you need to know! 

Walking in a Holiday Movie Wonderland

Elf, A Christmas Story, The Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation — these are some of the most beloved holiday movies of all time. And this year, Gaylord Palms is bringing them to life as part of their all-new I Love Christmas Movies event. You’ll walk through scenes from your favorite Christmas movies in this fully immersive pop-up exhibit. Not only that, you can interact with characters and relive iconic moments from the movies. That means trekking with Buddy the Elf from Santa’s Workshop to New York City, being there when Clark Griswold lights up his home (and the entire neighborhood) with Christmas lights, and more! For any Christmas movie fan, this is an amazing gift — one that only Gaylord Palms can give. 

Star of Wonder, Star of (2 Million) Lights

You’ve never seen a holiday light show like this before. This year at Gaylord Palms, there are more than 2 million Christmas lights throughout the resort, with plenty of delightful decorations to match. But these lights are more than just a pretty way to light up your day, they’re all part of the #Lit Light Show — a high energy, spectacular celebration of the season full of dancing lights and twinkling sights. Best of all, you can experience #Lit for free all holiday season long.

Unwrapping a Gift From Cirque Dreams

Get ready to be dazzled by a simply spellbinding performance of Cirque Dreams Unwrapped. This 25-minute dreamscape of breathtaking artistry and showmanship is inspired by the magic and wonder of the holiday season. Full of broadway theatrics and seasonal joy, Unwrapped is a gift you can give that’s unlike any other.

Satisfy That Holiday Hunger

With so much fun to be had at Gaylord Palms, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, they’ve got you covered with dining experiences for everyone — and every occasion — at Villa De Flora. You can enjoy special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, all while dining under the breathtaking 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium. Combined with the holiday lights, it’s sure to be a feast for the senses, as well as your stomach!

Would you rather have a little mischievous fun with a feast for the entire family? Join The Grinch and his dog, Max, for an unforgettable breakfast. And after you eat, you can stop The Grinch from stealing all the presents (and maybe help his heart grow three sizes) on the Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt.

Holly Jolly Holiday Activities For Everyone

In addition to exciting new events, many of your favorite Gaylord Palms holiday traditions are returning this year, from building gingerbread houses at the Gingerbread Decorating Corner to bringing your very own friend to life at the Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Mrs. Claus will also be getting in on the fun as part of Mrs. Claus' Holiday Traditions. During this 30-minute interactive show, guests can cozy around to sing along to carols, delight in the reading of classic stories, and enjoy world-famous cookies and milk prepared by the jolliest hostess around.

And we’re only getting started! You can also learn how to be one of Santa’s helpers at the Elf Training Academy, power up the Snow Plaza with real snowballs at the Snowball Build and Blast, and climb to the top of Snow Flow Mountain, where six ice slides await! That’s right, real ice, right here in Central Florida.

Oh, and what are the holidays without a photo with the big man himself, Santa Claus? He’ll be here to make memorable moments with you and your family. Be sure to tell him what’s on your Christmas list during your visit!

New Traditions

If you’ve been to ICE! at Gaylord Palms, you might notice things are a little different this year. Their virtual box office is up and running, so you can easily buy tickets to the events. And with limited passes available, rest assured that you’ll be comfortable experiencing the holiday magic safely. They also have plenty of new guidelines — from sanitizing to social distancing — in place to help keep you safe (the number one thing on every holiday wish list this year). Learn all about what to expect during your stay at Gaylord Palms by checking out their handy FAQ.

If you’re looking for a place to bring the whole family together this holiday season while staying safe and healthy, look no further than Christmas at Gaylord Palms. There’s no doubt about it, this vacation experience is sure to put you at the top of everybody’s nice list! 

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