Ice Carvers Arrive at Gaylord Palms for Holiday Exhibit
A team of skilled carvers from China is preparing a new Polar Express-themed attraction in Kissimmee.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Ice Shows
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Ice carvers have officially arrived at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee to begin constructing a 20,000-square-foot ice exhibit. The attraction, which returns to the resort for the first time since 2019, will feature scenes from The Polar Express.
Why it matters
The exhibit is returning to the Kissimmee resort this year specifically to meet high levels of guest demand. The seasonal display serves as a major feature alongside other resort holiday programming, including the Telly Award-winning show POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance.
The massive 20,000-square-foot walk-through attraction requires 2 million pounds of ice to maintain an internal temperature of 9 degrees. This total inventory accounts for 1,000 tons of material shaped by carvers who traveled 7,000 miles.
The players
Gaylord Palms Resort
This 65-acre property in Kissimmee hosts large-scale seasonal attractions and events throughout the year.
The details
Artisans from Harbin, China, are using chainsaws and chisels to sculpt intricate scenes throughout the climate-controlled space. Staff at the 65-acre property welcomed the carving team with signs and noisemakers as work commenced on the resort grounds.
Timeline
Ice carvers began sculpting the attraction on October 20, 2026.
The attraction is scheduled to open on November 13, 2026.
The exhibit is scheduled to run through January 3, 2027.
The Polar Express theme last appeared at the resort in 2019.
Industry Dynamics
Large-scale holiday attractions are increasingly utilizing elaborate, themed ice sculptures to differentiate their seasonal offerings in a competitive market. The return of the 2019 Polar Express holiday exhibit signals a strategy to leverage proven fan-favorite experiences to drive visitor attendance.
Visitors planning a trip to the resort can expect the attraction to be open daily starting in mid-November. The climate-controlled exhibit is maintained at 9 degrees, so guests should prepare for frigid conditions while walking through the display.
The takeaway
Bringing the Polar Express theme back highlights the importance of responding to specific guest feedback in seasonal entertainment planning. Guests attending the exhibit should dress warmly to comfortably navigate the 9-degree environment during their visit.
What happens next
The attraction is scheduled to open to the public on November 13, 2026, and will remain available for visitors through January 3, 2027.
Further reading
For more on seasonal attractions in the region, visit the Ice Shows section.
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Do you plan to visit large-scale holiday-themed attractions in your area this season?
