Dreaming of a white Christmas…in Florida? Long shot, right? Well, maybe not…
Moving down to Florida from Wisconsin when I turned 13 was devastating to me during the holidays. It wasn’t Thanksgiving with 80 degrees and lots of sunshine. It surely didn’t feel like Christmas in shorts either. I have never truly adjusted to not having a white Christmas in Florida, but with kids, this is the only holiday they know, so it’s up to me and Chance to make it “feel” like Christmas this time of year. I have mastered a few tricks that work for us to get the kids in the holiday spirit.
Finding The Typical Christmas Memories
While there is typically a slight chill in the air, it’s the snow, the ice skating, the hot chocolate, the cookies, the carolers and of course the Christmas trees and music that give kids (and grown ups) a sense of holiday happiness. For me, this is the first year that Christmas actually felt like Christmas. It has always been difficult to feel like it is “the season” when it’s 80 degrees outside. But this is what my kids know. They didn’t grow up with snowbanks to climb at school, snow days or a white Christmas. I have learned to adapt, but I hope that the snowy holidays I can show them will get them in the spirit too!
So what if I REALLY wanted them to experience what a Snowy Holiday in Florida? I have just found the answer.
1. Experience Kissimmee. Just go. You won’t regret it.
Kissimmee has so much to offer. We LOVE the Gaylord Palms Resort especially at Christmas, but now that we know there is so much more happening, we are sure to make this an annual trip (or trips) to experience a fun day, night or weekend that will become our snowy holiday tradition each year. ICE! at Gaylord Plams Resort was a hit and with 2 million pounds of ice, we didn’t even remember we were in Florida!
2. Spend an evening (or a few nights) at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee
My parents were down from Chicago in November last year and we decided to stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. ICE! is now a tradition and we make the Gaylord Palms our home base. We had the time of our life and experienced Christmas like never before. Each year is different and we love all the family activities too! We had such an amazing time with all they had going on for Christmas that it’s now a tradition to go back each November or December, even if just for a day (but a few days is so much better!).
So much happens each year on their property that there isn’t any reason to leave. Decorations, the show, the ICE! exhibit, Snow Factory, seeing Santa are reasons to come over and enjoy a holiday get away. The show…THE SHOW. In their atrium each night is the POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance show that rivals any holiday show I have seen. Combine aerialist, music and whimsical characters, plus all the holiday lights on display and what you have is wrapped up into the best 30 minute holiday show you’ll ever see. It happens nightly in their atrium and tickets are a must. The music is heavenly and the visuals that accompany the show are just stunning. Then head over to the ICE! exhibit and head home for the night. If you are staying, be sure to check out the Florida Buzz Report for some great deals at the Gaylord Palms.
ICE! has a theme of Ruldoph the Red-Nose Reindeer and it’s the first year it has come to Gaylord Palms! Each year, over 2 million pounds of ice is hand-carved and put on display, where spectators can marvel at the intricate sculptures carved. It is stunning!
3. Visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Of course, Mickey & Minnie know how to throw a Christmas party! And what a Christmas party it is! The lights, the decorations, the shows, the Christmas parade and the Cinderella’s castle! This year, the show blended a Frozen theme with their show and the lighting of the castle was actually Elsa icing the castle. Olaf, Anna and more Frozen cast members were on hand to help Elsa let her powers go! Don’t forget the Christmas parade and also snow on Main Street! Both are bucket list items for sure! Pure magic for everyone! Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party DOES require an extra ticket to attend. You can enter the park at 4pm and stay past midnight. There are only a select few weekends that this happens and once tickets are gone, that’s it. In addition to being open for later hours, because there is only a certain number of people who are able to attend each night, the lines are definitely shorter as there isn’t as many people inside the park like on a normal day. We had an amazing time at Magic Kingdom and will definitely be back to celebrate the holidays again with Mickey.
For more information on Walt Disney World Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Park visit the Trekaroo blog.
4. Stop by Celebration for a Snowy Night
Just outside of Disney World itself is the town that Disney built. You might not even know it’s there. Celebrate in Celebration as kids will play with faux snow, ice skate (on synethtic ice in 80 degree weather) or have a holiday dinner at the Columbia restaurant. Each night, starting at 6pm, the town square in Celebration becomes a place for carolers and families looking to celebrate the season. Take pictures in front of their Christmas tree for your holiday card or just stroll around the quaint shops complete with whimsical Christmas window decorations. Time seems to stand still here and maybe it will for you too while you celebrate the season.
For more on Celebration and their Snowy Night Celebration visit the Trekaroo blog.
I’ve realized over the years that it’s not just the snow that evokes my Christmas memories, but more about the traditions my kids will remember to bring their childhood to life during the holidays. But yes, because I grew up having a mostly white Christmas, it’s so fun to visit these places that help to bring me back down to memory lane, while creating fun memories for my kids.
