Entertainment

Grande Lakes Orlando Transforms into a Winter Wonderland with New Ice Rink and Holiday Magic

Published

11 months ago

October 20, 2025

Charles Elliot

Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Orlando’s premier luxury resort destination debuts exciting new experiences alongside beloved seasonal traditions for the 2025 festive season

When you think of Florida in winter, ice skating might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Grande Lakes Orlando is changing that narrative this holiday season with the debut of Orlando’s only resort ice rink, part of an expanded lineup of festive experiences that promise to make this 500-acre luxury destination the ultimate winter escape.

Grande Lakes Orlando ice skating rink — Festive Offerings at Grande Lakes Orlando

A Sparkling New Addition: Orlando’s Only Resort Ice Rink

Beginning November 27 and running through January 3, guests can lace up their skates and glide across a brand-new outdoor ice rink set beneath the Florida winter sky on The Ritz-Carlton’s Da Vinci Lawn. Open nightly from 5-9 pm, this picturesque rink offers something truly unique—the chance to ice skate in the Sunshine State while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades headwaters.

But the magic doesn’t stop when you step off the ice. Adjacent to the rink, glowing fire pits create the perfect spot to warm up and indulge in seasonal comfort food. From 5-7 pm and 8-10 pm, guests can savor baked brie, roasted apple and pumpkin salad, or hearty chili topped with gourmet fixings—the ideal way to cap off an evening of skating under the stars.

The Return of Fan Favorites

While the ice rink is making its debut, several beloved traditions are making their triumphant return to Grande Lakes Orlando this season.

Winter Wonderland Market

The resort’s charming European-inspired village returns on select dates (December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27) from 4-8 pm. Guests can wander through quaint cottages showcasing local artisan crafts, holiday delicacies, and seasonal beverages—all while experiencing hourly snowfall that transforms the Florida resort into a true winter wonderland.

Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea

In the Lobby Lounge, families can enjoy an enchanting afternoon featuring a lavish tea selection, thoughtfully curated sweets, live entertainment, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself.

Gingerbread School

For those who love hands-on creativity, the resort’s expert pastry chefs lead guests through crafting their own edible gingerbread masterpieces—a delicious way to create lasting holiday memories.

Magic Show: Holiday Edition

Acclaimed magician and America’s Got Talent finalist Drew Thomas returns with his award-winning colleagues to present an extraordinary holiday magic show. Expect mind-bending tricks, large-scale illusions, and plenty of humor in this electrifying performance (dates to be announced).

Elevated Holiday Experiences

Grande Lakes Orlando goes beyond the basics with several premium offerings designed to make the season truly special:

Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

Holiday Cocktail Tour: Sample artfully curated festive spirits and handcrafted libations throughout the resort
Merry & Bright Tree Delight: Have a sparkling Christmas tree delivered directly to your guest room
Fireworks & Fizz: Ring in the New Year in The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge with live music, martinis, Dom Perignon, and a seafood tower
Ritz Kids Night Out Bash: Ages 4-12 can enjoy face painting, s’mores, games, and more
New Year’s Eve Firework Cabanas: The ultimate al fresco celebration with champagne, caviar, and prime fireworks viewing

Beyond the Holidays

Of course, the festive programming is just the beginning. Grande Lakes Orlando’s year-round amenities ensure there’s something for everyone, including sparkling pools, a dedicated waterpark, a 40,000-square-foot award-winning spa, 12 restaurants and bars, a championship golf course, and expansive outdoor sports facilities—all set within the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades headwaters.

Special Holiday Packages

To make planning easier, the resort offers two attractive packages:

Festive Escape Package: Includes a $100 resort credit per night, valet parking, and four one-hour ice skating tickets per stay.

Grande Escape Package: Provides up to a $100 daily resort credit and complimentary parking—savings of more than $230.

The Bottom Line

Grande Lakes Orlando is proving that you don’t need snow to create authentic winter magic. By combining innovative new experiences like Orlando’s only resort ice rink with beloved returning traditions, the resort has crafted a holiday destination that appeals to families, couples, and groups of all ages. Whether you’re gliding across the ice, sipping cocoa by the fire pits, or exploring the Winter Wonderland Market, this Florida resort offers a festive escape unlike any other.

For more information and reservations, visit www.grandelakes.com.

Grande Lakes Orlando is anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, offering 500 acres of luxury accommodations and world-class amenities in the heart of Central Florida.

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Sports

Chili’s Takes the ‘19th Hole’ Literally With Golf Course Pop-Up

Chili’s took the 19th-hole tradition to a new level with a limited-time golf course pop-up in Burbank featuring food, specialty margaritas and exclusive golf apparel.

Published

6 days ago

September 8, 2026

Charles Elliot, Daily News Staff

Chili s x Rhoback KV2 — Chili’s is celebrating the everyday golfer — the ones who love this game the most, occasionally play it the worst and have the best time doing it

BURBANK, Calif. — Chili’s Grill & Bar took its casual-dining game onto the golf course with a limited-time experience celebrating one of golf’s favorite traditions: the 19th hole.

The restaurant chain transformed the clubhouse at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California, into the Chili’s Golf Club, a two-day pop-up held Aug. 28–29. The event welcomed golfers and fans to enjoy Chili’s favorites, specialty drinks and a golf-inspired apparel collaboration.

The concept played off the traditional “19th hole” — the post-round gathering spot where golfers grab food and drinks, talk about the day’s round and, perhaps, make those missed putts sound a little closer than they actually were.

The Chili’s Golf Club | Chili’s x Rhoback

Chili’s Meets the Golf Course

Guests at DeBell could stop by after playing 18 holes — or simply visit the clubhouse — for Chili’s menu favorites such as the Triple Dipper. The pop-up also featured golf-themed drinks including the Transfusion Marg and Tee Time Marg, created specifically for the Chili’s Golf Club experience.

The promotion also teamed Chili’s with active-lifestyle apparel brand Rhoback for a limited-edition Rhoback X Chili’scollection featuring the Chili’s Golf Club crest. The lineup included performance polos, hoodies, quarter-zips, crewnecks and golf hats.

“Chili’s is the people’s clubhouse, so it only made sense to bring that spirit to the course,” George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International, said in announcing the campaign.

Food, Golf and Entertainment Collide

Chili’s extended the promotion beyond the course with a campaign film celebrating everyday golfers — particularly those whose enthusiasm for the game may be considerably stronger than their scorecards.

The film featured appearances by Wesley Bryan, Caleb Pressley, Jena Sims Koepka, Chaz Bowker, Josh Kelley and JaNa Craig, bringing together golf, entertainment, food and lifestyle culture around the familiar 19th-hole tradition.

Although the Burbank pop-up lasted only two days, the campaign offers another example of restaurant brands looking beyond the dining room to connect food with sports, entertainment and fan culture.

For Chili’s, that meant finding a place where burgers, margaritas, golf stories and questionable scorecards already seemed like a natural fit.