If you’re looking for a must-see Christmas attraction near Orlando, ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the most magical holiday experiences I’ve personally visited. From towering ice sculptures to immersive story scenes carved from millions of pounds of ice, this event truly brings the classic Christmas story to life.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — official dates, timings, venue details, program highlights, ticket information, registration steps, required documents, and my real-life experience.
What Is ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ?
ICE! is a seasonal indoor winter attraction hosted annually at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Each year, ICE! features a different holiday theme, and this season highlights the beloved classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™.
The experience is entirely indoors and kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing guests to walk through:
- Hand-carved ice sculptures
- Life-size story scenes from Rudolph
- Ice tunnels and arches
- Two-story-high ice slides
- Interactive photo spots
It’s designed for families, kids, couples, and holiday travelers of all ages.
Event Dates & Official Schedule
ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dates
- Start Date: November 14
- End Date: January 7
This long run makes it perfect whether you’re visiting before Christmas, during holiday break, or even after New Year’s.
Daily Timings
- Open Daily: Approximately 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
⏰ Time slots may vary by date, and entry is often scheduled in timed intervals. I strongly recommend checking availability and booking early, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Venue Details: Where ICE! Takes Place
📍 Venue Name:
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
📍 Address:
6000 W Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
The resort is located just a short drive from Orlando’s major attractions and is easy to reach by car or ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. On-site parking is available.
ICE! Program & Attractions (What You’ll See)
This is not just an exhibit — it’s a walk-through storytelling experience.
❄️ Ice Sculptures & Story Scenes
The attraction features over 2 million pounds of ice, carved into detailed scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™. You’ll see:
- Rudolph and his glowing red nose
- Hermey the elf
- Yukon Cornelius
- Santa Claus
- Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster
Each scene is illuminated with colorful lighting, making the ice sparkle beautifully.
🧊 Giant Ice Slides
One of my favorite parts was the two-story-high ice slides. Guests can slide down on special mats — kids and adults both love this part.
📸 Photo Opportunities
There are plenty of photo-friendly spots, including ice archways, character sculptures, and themed backdrops. It’s perfect for family Christmas photos and social media content.
🧥 Parkas Provided
Because the attraction is kept at 9°F, every guest is provided with a signature blue parka before entering. Gloves and hats are recommended for extra comfort.
Ticket Prices & Booking Information
Ticket Pricing (Approximate)
- Adults (12+): From $36+
- Children (4–11): From $24+
- Children under 4: Usually free (check official policy)
💡 Prices may vary by date and demand, especially during peak holiday weeks.
How to Register & Buy Tickets
- Visit the official Christmas at Gaylord Palms website
- Select ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™
- Choose your preferred date and time slot
- Purchase tickets online
- Receive digital confirmation via email
🎟️ Advance booking is highly recommended — popular dates often sell out.
Required Documents & Entry Requirements
From my visit and official guidelines, here’s what you need:
- ✔️ Digital or printed ticket
- ✔️ Valid photo ID (for ticket verification if required)
- ✔️ Closed-toe shoes (recommended for ice slides)
- ✔️ Warm clothing layers (even with provided parkas)
No special registration forms or waivers are typically required beyond ticket purchase.
My Real-Life Experience & Honest Review
Walking into ICE! felt like stepping into a real frozen Christmas world. The temperature change is dramatic, but once inside, the experience is unforgettable. The craftsmanship of the ice sculptures is incredible — every character is instantly recognizable.
What I Loved:
- Stunning detail in the ice carvings
- Short but exciting ice slides
- Well-organized entry system
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Things to Know Before You Go:
- It’s very cold — gloves help a lot
- The experience lasts about 20–40 minutes, depending on how long you stop for photos
- Best enjoyed earlier in the day if visiting with kids
Overall, it’s a unique holiday experience you simply won’t find anywhere else in Florida.
Best Time to Visit ICE!
- Mid-November to early December: Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
- Mid-December to Christmas: Most festive, but busiest
- After Christmas to early January: Still magical and slightly less crowded
If you want the best balance, I recommend weekday mornings or early afternoons.
Final Thoughts: Is ICE! Featuring Rudolph Worth It?
In my experience, ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ is one of the best Christmas attractions near Orlando. It’s visually stunning, family-friendly, and perfectly captures the holiday spirit in a way that feels special and memorable.
If you’re visiting Central Florida during the holiday season and want something unique, festive, and unforgettable, this experience is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
🎄 Plan ahead, dress warm, and enjoy stepping into Rudolph’s icy Christmas world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ICE! suitable for children?
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. Most kids love the slides and characters, but make sure they’re dressed warmly.
How long does ICE! take?
Most visitors spend 30 minutes, but you can take longer if you enjoy photos.
Is ICE! included with hotel stays?
No, ICE! tickets are typically sold separately, even for hotel guests.
Can adults enjoy this event?
Absolutely. The artistry and scale of the sculptures make it enjoyable for all ages.