Orlando Florida, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando is set to enhance its holiday offerings with a new outdoor ice rink and the beloved Winter Wonderland Market. The ice rink, located on The Ritz-Carlton’s Da Vinci Lawn, will be open from late November until early January, while the market will feature local crafts and holiday treats with an enchanting snowfall experience. Additional seasonal programs include family-friendly activities, festive cocktails for adults, and special holiday packages for an unforgettable winter getaway.
Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando unveils holiday lineup centered on new ice rink and market
Grande Lakes Orlando is opening a slate of holiday events for the 2025 season highlighted by a new outdoor ice rink and the return of a Winter Wonderland Market. The resort will operate the outdoor ice rink from November 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, with public hours from 5-9 PM, and will stage the Winter Wonderland Market on select December dates. These features are part of a broader seasonal program that includes family activities, ticketed events, food offerings and holiday packages.
Key features and dates
The resort’s holiday season events will feature a new outdoor ice rink debuting from November 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, open from 5-9 PM. The ice rink will be set on The Ritz-Carlton’s Da Vinci Lawn, marking it as Orlando’s only resort ice rink. Adjacent to the rink, glowing fire pits will be available during two nightly windows, 5-7 PM and 8-10 PM, with seasonal food offerings such as baked brie, roasted apple and pumpkin salad, and hearty chili with gourmet toppings.
The beloved Winter Wonderland Market will return, transforming the resort into a European-inspired village, open on December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 from 4-8 PM. Visitors at the market will be able to explore local artisan crafts, holiday delicacies and seasonal beverages while experiencing hourly snowfall to reinforce the holiday atmosphere.
Additional seasonal programming
Programming beyond the rink and market extends across the resort. Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea will be available in the Lobby Lounge, featuring a selection of teas, curated sweets, live entertainment, and an appearance by Santa Claus. For families who want hands-on activities, The Gingerbread School invites guests to craft their own edible masterpieces under expert guidance from the resort’s pastry chefs.
Adult-focused options include The Holiday Cocktail Tour will showcase curated festive spirits and handcrafted cocktails for adults. Entertainment offerings also include The Holiday Edition of the signature Magic Show by acclaimed magician Drew Thomas, a finalist on America’s Got Talent, will also be featured; exact dates to be announced.
Other holiday amenities and ticketed experiences described for the season include a room-delivered festive option, Guests can order the Merry & Bright Tree Delight offering, which delivers a sparkling Christmas tree directly to their rooms. On New Year’s Eve, the resort plans a premium event with a hospitality package and entertainment: On New Year’s Eve, guests can join the Fireworks & Fizz event in The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge, which includes live music, martinis, a bottle of Dom Perignon, and a seafood tower.
For families with children, the property will provide supervised evening programming: Families can enjoy the Ritz Kids Night Out Bash, which includes activities like face painting, s’mores, and games for children aged 4-12. For guests seeking a private viewing experience, Guests can book the New Year’s Eve Firework Cabanas, providing a luxury view of the fireworks along with champagne and caviar.
Packages, amenities and resort context
The resort offers several seasonal packages intended to combine accommodations with event access and resort credit. Travelers can take advantage of special holiday packages like the “Festive Escape” package, offering a $100 resort credit per night, valet parking, and four one-hour ice skating tickets per stay. Another option, The “Grande Escape Package” provides up to a $100 daily resort credit and complimentary parking, totaling over $230 in savings.
The property provides a wide set of on-site amenities year-round, summarized as follows: The resort boasts amenities such as sparkling pools, a dedicated waterpark, a 40,000-square-foot award-winning spa, 12 restaurants and bars, and a championship-level golf course. The resort identity and scope are summarized by a resort description and a stated seasonal aim: Grande Lakes Orlando is a 500-acre luxury resort destination located in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort is anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. The organization’s stated goal for the season is that Grande Lakes Orlando aims to provide a festive and luxurious winter getaway for families, adults, and groups of all ages.
Ticketing and reservations
Select events have limited dates or require reservations. The ice rink will operate nightly within the posted season and hours; the Winter Wonderland Market will operate on specific dates in December. Some events and packages will carry separate fees or capacity limits, and select experiences such as the Magic Show list dates as to be announced. Visitors are advised to check availability and booking requirements when planning travel.
Background
Grande Lakes Orlando is a large resort complex with multiple headline hotels and a range of guest services and leisure activities. The holiday program joins annual resort offerings such as dining, spa services and golf with limited-time seasonal activations to attract holiday travelers and local visitors.
FAQ
Q: What is Grande Lakes Orlando?
A: Grande Lakes Orlando is a 500-acre luxury resort destination located in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.
Q: Which hotels anchor the resort?
A: The resort is anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
Q: When is the new outdoor ice rink open?
A: The resort’s holiday season events will feature a new outdoor ice rink debuting from November 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, open from 5-9 PM.
Q: Where is the ice rink located and what is notable about it?
A: The ice rink will be set on The Ritz-Carlton’s Da Vinci Lawn, marking it as Orlando’s only resort ice rink.
Q: What food and fire pit hours are available near the rink?
A: Adjacent to the ice rink, glowing fire pits will provide a cozy area for guests to unwind from 5-7 PM and 8-10 PM, offering seasonal delicacies like baked brie, roasted apple and pumpkin salad, and hearty chili with gourmet toppings.
Q: When is the Winter Wonderland Market open?
A: The beloved Winter Wonderland Market will return, transforming the resort into a European-inspired village, open on December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 from 4-8 PM.
Q: What can guests expect at the market?
A: Guests can explore local artisan crafts, holiday delicacies, and seasonal beverages at the market while enjoying hourly snowfall.
Q: What family activities are available?
A: Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea will be available in the Lobby Lounge, featuring a selection of teas, curated sweets, live entertainment, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The Gingerbread School invites guests to craft their own edible masterpieces under expert guidance from the resort’s pastry chefs. Families can enjoy the Ritz Kids Night Out Bash, which includes activities like face painting, s’mores, and games for children aged 4-12.
Q: What entertainment and adult offerings are scheduled?
A: The Holiday Edition of the signature Magic Show by acclaimed magician Drew Thomas, a finalist on America’s Got Talent, will also be featured; exact dates to be announced. The Holiday Cocktail Tour will showcase curated festive spirits and handcrafted cocktails for adults. Guests can order the Merry & Bright Tree Delight offering, which delivers a sparkling Christmas tree directly to their rooms. On New Year’s Eve, guests can join the Fireworks & Fizz event in The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge, which includes live music, martinis, a bottle of Dom Perignon, and a seafood tower. Guests can book the New Year’s Eve Firework Cabanas, providing a luxury view of the fireworks along with champagne and caviar.
Q: What packages are available?
A: Travelers can take advantage of special holiday packages like the “Festive Escape” package, offering a $100 resort credit per night, valet parking, and four one-hour ice skating tickets per stay. The “Grande Escape Package” provides up to a $100 daily resort credit and complimentary parking, totaling over $230 in savings.
Q: What amenities does the resort offer?
A: The resort boasts amenities such as sparkling pools, a dedicated waterpark, a 40,000-square-foot award-winning spa, 12 restaurants and bars, and a championship-level golf course.
Q: What is the resort’s seasonal aim?
A: Grande Lakes Orlando aims to provide a festive and luxurious winter getaway for families, adults, and groups of all ages.
Simple chart: Key holiday features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Ice Rink | November 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026; 5-9 PM; Da Vinci Lawn (Orlando’s only resort ice rink) |
| Winter Wonderland Market | December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27; 4-8 PM; European-inspired village with hourly snowfall |
| Fireworks & Fizz (New Year’s Eve) | Lobby Lounge event with live music, martinis, a bottle of Dom Perignon, and a seafood tower |
| Family Activities | Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea; Gingerbread School; Ritz Kids Night Out Bash (children aged 4-12) |
| Holiday Packages | “Festive Escape” ($100 resort credit/night, valet, skating tickets); “Grande Escape Package” (up to $100 daily credit, complimentary parking) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Central Florida Fairgrounds to Host Major Gun Show
Florida’s Unique Halloween Celebrations: A Spooky Roundup
Orlando Hosts Major Gun Show This Weekend
Massive Estate Sale Draws Treasure Hunters to Orlando
Orlando Opens New Food Truck Park Art2 in Downtown
Discovering Orlando Beyond Theme Parks
Fall Weekend Events in Orlando
Orlando Schools Celebrate Holiday Cheer with Festive Events
A Guide to Free Outdoor Movies in Orlando
Kissimmee Welcomes Fall and Winter Attractions
Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Grande Lakes Orlando Holiday Experiences
- Travel And Tour World: Grande Lakes Orlando Winter Wonderland
- Travel And Tour World: Festive Adventure at Grande Lakes Orlando
- The Manual: Orlando Fall at Grande Lakes
- Wikipedia: Grande Lakes Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
