Grande Lakes Orlando Brings Festive Magic to Life with Christmas Market and Open-Air Ice Skating

Grande Lakes Orlando has unveiled an expansive holiday and seasonal programming lineup to celebrate the 2026 festive season. Home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, the 500-acre luxury resort welcomes the return of its signature open-air ice-skating rink, Orlando’s only open-air ice-skating rink, alongside its annual Christmas Market, featuring festive activities such as family gingerbread decorating, ornament-making sessions, and traditional holiday treats.

“The holiday season is an especially meaningful time at Grande Lakes Orlando, as we welcome families, friends, and loved ones to come together, celebrate cherished traditions, and create lasting memories,” said Jon McGavin, Area General Manager of Grande Lakes Orlando. “Each year, it is incredibly special to see guests return for our beloved Christmas Market, open-air ice-skating rink, and festive celebrations that have become traditions of their own. This year, we are also proud to celebrate the reopening of our newly renovated championship golf course ahead of the PNC Championship, which marks an exciting milestone for the resort. Above all, we look forward to sharing the joy of the season and creating experiences that bring people together year after year.”

Orlando’s Only Open-Air Ice-Skating Rink

Opening 25th November, the open-air ice-skating rink returns to Grande Lakes Orlando. Set against the resort’s expansive lawn, the rink will debut Rinkside Brasserie, an elevated dining experience featuring an à la carte menu of seasonal dishes. Guests can also enjoy the Fireside Lounge, a cosy winter retreat offering gourmet s’mores and additional selections from the Rinkside Brasserie menu. In true Grande Lakes Orlando fashion, guests can enjoy the best of both seasons by pairing crisp winter evenings with the resort's heated pools and signature Grande Cocoa Cabanas. Designed for a festive poolside escape, the private cabanas feature Grand Marnier hot cocoa, gourmet s'mores, and dedicated food-and-beverage service.

Annual Christmas Market 

A festive-season highlight at Grande Lakes Orlando, the annual Christmas Market returns November 25 through January 2. Open to resort guests and the public, the European-inspired market features artisanal chalets, including the Signature Toy Shoppe, offering whimsical trinkets and keepsakes; the Alpine Chalet, serving Alpine Melts and Currywurst Sausage; and the storybook-inspired Nutcracker Chalet, featuring artisanal nuts and gourmet popcorn.

Additional offerings include The Sweet Haus, serving European- and American-inspired boozy hot chocolates alongside cookies and s’mores; the Yuletide Spritz Bar, featuring handcrafted spritzes and seasonal cocktails; the Pretzel Haus, offering freshly made sweet and savoury pretzels; and Arctic Treasures, showcasing a curated selection of culinary specialities and unique holiday gifts. Beyond the market’s culinary and shopping experiences, guests can enjoy a wide range of festive activities, including family gingerbread decorating, ornament-making sessions, face painting, and a Build Your Own Birdie workshop.

2026 PNC Championship Golf Tournament at Grande Lakes Orlando 

Beginning 1st November, Grande Lakes Orlando celebrates the reopening of its newly renovated championship golf course ahead of the annual PNC Championship. As the proud host of the upcoming tournament, the resort will unveil a course redesign led by two-time British Open champion Greg Norman and his team, focused on preserving the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife while maintaining the landscape's natural beauty and serenity. The newly renovated course welcomes golfers of all skill levels, with enhanced practice facilities, elevated greens, and refined green contours across the expansive terrain for an exceptional tee-to-green experience.

NYE at Grande Lakes Orlando 

Grande Lakes Orlando invites guests to ring in the New Year with the resort's annual fireworks display, speciality culinary offerings, and family-friendly festivities. Highlights include Grande New Year's Eve at Primo, an exceptional evening of culinary excellence featuring live entertainment and two distinct dining experiences. Guests can enjoy either a four-course tasting menu or a lavish six-course celebration, culminating with a Taittinger Champagne toast and exclusive access to Primo's private terrace for breathtaking views of the resort's midnight fireworks display. At JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, the annual New Year's Eve Party at EvrBar will feature live music, private party booths, and complimentary Champagne for the midnight countdown. Guests seeking a more exclusive celebration can reserve one of the resort's NYE Champagne Cabanas for an elevated poolside experience, complete with celebratory bottles of Champagne and dining service from Knife Burger. For younger guests, the NYE Kids Night Out event will feature a kid-friendly buffet dinner, interactive games, music, dancing, creative crafts, and a special New Year's Eve countdown.