Now through January 4, 2015, Gaylord Palms will is an epicenter of holiday festivities, complete with free live holiday shows, festive feasts and libations, and of course, ICE!, the legendary frosty wonderland crafted from 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice.

ICE! was definitely designed with families in mind, but it’s a fantastic date night for grown ups, too. In fact, new additions this year, including a bar located smack dab in the middle of the wintery, 9-degree milieu, make it even more appealing for couples having QT.

Thinking about date night at Gaylord Palms? Let me convince you with this Grown Ups’ Guide to ICE!

Free things to do at ICE!
The Great Reindeer Roundup, a free scavenger hunt, takes guests on a stroll through the resort's 4.5-acre atrium where 10 reindeer (plus a few bonus reindeer) are hidden amidst the flora and decorations. You can pick up a list of clues at the Concierge Desk in the lobby and when you're done you can enter your guesses to possibly win an overnight package at Gaylord Palms in 2015.

Live entertainment takes place nightly in the Emerald Plaza when singers, musicians and aerialists take to the stage for three different shows at 6:15pm, 6:45pm, 7:45pm and 8:45pm.

NOTE: Self parking at Gaylord Palms is $18 per car, per day. Valet is $26.

Dinner and Drinks
Gaylord Palms houses six restaurants and bars, including my favorite local steakhouse, Old Hickory Steakhouse. Read more about that here. If you're heading there on the weekend, be sure to make a reservation and also inquire whether parking validation will be offered.

*NEW* VIP Show Package
You can now upgrade your show experience for $19.95, which gives you preferential seating, beverage service and one complimentary (alcoholic) beverage during one of two seatings each night. Call 407-586-0373 for more information.

Polar Bear Plunge Event *CANCELLED* 
This year's frozen dash will take place at night, versus its usual 7am start time. Details are still coming together for this event, but it is confirmed for Saturday, December 6 at 9pm and will include access to ICE!, Snow Tubing, the ICE! bar and, possibly, an after party. Price and details to be determined soon.

*NEW* ICE! VIP Date Night Experience
For those who want to experience everything Gaylord Palms has to offer this Christmas, consider checking out the new VIP Date Night Package, which includes:

    • ICE! Unlimited Entry Ticket – Day Pass
    • Snow Tubing (10 runs)
    • Souvenir ICE! Photo
    • On the Blocks ICE! tickets
    • Chill Pass (Bypass the line)
    • Hot Chocolate
    • Lanyards and VIP Passes
    • 10% off ICE! Merchandise
    • 15% off food and beverage in the hotel
    • Access to South Beach Pool plus 20% off cabanas
    • VIP Luminescence Experience

$199 per couple
Available dates: NOV 24-26, 28, DEC 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31 Jan 1-4

Gaylord Palms decorations
As part of the Great Reindeer Roundup, reindeer could be hidden anywhere in the atrium and lobby. This free scavenger hunt can take up to two hours to complete as the reindeer are really well hidden this year. Pick up your clues at the Concierge Desk in the lobby.

Gaylord Palms decorations2
Pretty much every inch of the resort is splashed with holiday color, including hundreds of live poinsettias planted along the walkways.

Gaylord Palms aerialist
Luminescence, a show that mixes holiday rock, special effects lighting and an impressive aerialist show, is performed nightly at 6:45pm and 8:45pm. No admission or tickets required.

Gaylord Palms atrium night
Millions of lights plus a 54-foot Christmas tree set the entire 4.5-acre atrium aglow. It's truly a magical sight.

Gaylord Palms ice collage
It takes 40 artisans from Harbin, China 30 days to craft and carve the ICE! attraction from 2.5 million pounds of ice.

Gaylord Palms 9 degrees
Trust me, it truly is cold inside ICE! Be sure to bring mittens, hat and a scarf with you. Also, you don't need to borrow the blue parkas Gaylord Palms provides at no extra cost. If you have a warm enough coat, feel free to wear that as you stroll through the attraction.

Gaylord Palms Alpine Rush
The new Alpine Rush Snow Tubing is seriously awesome. And it's not frigid cold at this attraction like it is inside ICE. Tickets, which include 10 runs down the snowy hills, are $18.95. A better deal is to purchase tubing tickets as part of an ICE combo, which is $45.94 per person when booked in advance online. FL residents receive a $4 discount per order.

Gaylord Palms on the block ice bar
New this year, the On The Blocks Ice Bar gives guests the chance to stop in for a frosty libation midway though the ICE! attraction. Tickets are $15.95 and include a tasting of Johnny Appleseed Hard Apple Cider poured through an ice slide, as well as one festive cocktail or glass of wine served in a souvenir glass you take home. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the ICE! box office and the bar is only open during peak times.

Gaylord Palms Old Hickory
Old Hickory Steakhouse is a fabulous option for those planning to have dinner onsite. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. 407-586-1600

Gaylord Palms sunset sams
Sunset Sams', which will be transformed into a new seafood concept in 2015, is another stellar dining option.

Gaylord Palms Villa de Flora
Villa Flora serves a dinner buffet each night starting at 5pm. Price is $36 per person.

Gaylord Palms wreckers
Wreckers Sports Bar features pub grub and an impressive 37′ sport screen. You can kick back and relax for an hour or two before heading out to the attractions.

Gaylord Palms happy hour
Sand Bar offers happy hour daily from 3-5pm with $10 Pina Coladas and five different types of Margaritas.

Gaylord Palms honeybell
Located in the Emerald Plaza, Honeybells features eight different flavors of frozen yogurt and dozens of fun toppings.