ICE! At the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center
The ICE! attraction makes it possible for those who believe the holiday season should be all about ice and snow to enjoy exactly that. Expert carvers and sculptors create a large display of ice castles and tunnels, a 14-foot tall Santa made of ice, walk-through igloos and giant ice slides all set up in a room chilled to 48 degrees. Each year features a different theme, like Santa's Arctic Blast! or The Polar Express. Both clear and colored ice is used to build the structure, which also includes a life-size Nativity and the chance to go ice skating. For the grownups, there is also "A Winter's Night" Christmas Show, arts and crafts exhibits and special holiday-themed treatments at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, such as the orange and spice holiday facial. The attraction is open from November to January and features Christmas decorations and lights.
Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center
6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 586-4-ICE
www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/special-events/kissimmee-orlando-events/ICE/index.html?Source=cio
Hollyville at the Millenia Mall
A popular destination for the whole family, this is an ideal place for the kids to meet Santa or for the adults to do all their holiday shopping in one place while soaking up the holiday spirit. A storybook village is located in the center of the mall, where animations, short clips and giant LED screens are used to create a holiday story. Aside from the large Millenia Christmas tree, there are also tons of holiday lights, live converts and special events scheduled at the mall. From Apple to Tiffany to Gucci, shoppers will find tons of great items here.
Millenia Mall
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
(407) 363-3555
www.mallatmillenia.com
Leu's Holiday House
During December, the Harry P. Leu Gardens are transformed into an outdoor holiday extravaganza. All trees are decorated with ribbons, lights and ornaments, and most of the gardens, indoor rooms and walkways are decked out with traditional decorations. The holiday decorations also extend to the butterfly garden. And the 1880s Leu House Museum offers visitors a chance to see what a Victorian Christmas looked like, with pine cones, garlands and the scents of cinnamon and pine filling the air.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 246-2620
www.leugardens.org
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
