Ice skating returns to Grande Lakes this winter
Grande Lakes Orlando is bringing its outdoor ice-skating rink and Christmas Market back for the 2026 holiday season, adding a Florida twist to familiar winter traditions. The resort's 15 October announcement confirms that the rink will reopen on 25 November and run through 2 January 2027. The open-air setting sits on the Da Vinci Lawn, close to festive stalls and dining areas rather than inside a conventional indoor ice arena.
The 500-acre Grande Lakes destination is home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, allowing hotel guests and local visitors to take part in the seasonal programme. This is a return of an existing event, not a claim that the resort has opened a new hotel. Anyone planning a visit should check whether skating requires a separate booking, even when staying overnight at one of the properties.
Evening sessions under Florida skies
The resort's published winter calendar lists ice skating from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on scheduled evenings, with one-hour sessions and variations on selected dates. The attraction offers an unusual contrast in central Florida, where the daytime weather can remain mild while visitors enjoy outdoor skating after dark. Decorative lights and holiday music help create the atmosphere of a winter gathering without travelling to a colder climate.
Time slots, ticket availability and any footwear or age requirements should be confirmed when booking. An evening activity can be particularly convenient after a day exploring Orlando, but families will still need to allow time for travel and parking. The operator's schedule is the best reference for updates rather than assuming that every evening throughout the season has exactly the same hours.
Christmas Market from November to January
Grande Lakes' annual Christmas Market returns from 25 November through 2 January, with its European-inspired chalets arranged on the Da Vinci Lawn. The 2026 programme includes the Signature Toy Shoppe, selling small gifts and keepsakes; the Alpine Chalet, offering warming snacks such as currywurst; and the Nutcracker Chalet, with popcorn and roasted nuts. The official calendar lists evening market hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The market is open to hotel guests and the public, making it a separate destination for Orlando residents as well as people staying at the resort. Its emphasis is on strolling, browsing and sampling seasonal food rather than attending one large ticketed performance. Visitors should check how access, parking and any separately priced activities are handled before arriving, particularly on popular weekend evenings.
A brasserie and fireside refreshments
A new Rinkside Brasserie is being introduced beside the skating area, with an à la carte menu of seasonal food. The nearby Fireside Lounge offers a more relaxed setting with fire pits, a s'mores experience and dishes available from the brasserie. Grande Lakes' winter calendar advertises bookable fireside sessions with a shared charcuterie board, a s'mores kit and a dedicated host.
These are dining and hospitality options associated with the rink, not necessarily an automatic part of a skating ticket. Reservations may be required and the exact inclusions depend on the package chosen. Guests can therefore design a short visit around an hour on the ice or spend longer at the market and fireside areas. The different elements make it sensible to plan the order of activities before arriving.
Warm pools alongside the winter programme
The resort is presenting its heated pools as a contrast to the evening skating experience. Its Grande Cocoa Cabanas are intended to give guests a private poolside setting with hot cocoa, s'mores and dedicated food and drink service. It is a distinctly Florida interpretation of a winter holiday, allowing visitors to combine pool time with festive activities when the weather permits.
Families should treat the cabanas and any special menus as bookable experiences rather than complimentary facilities. Pool access can also depend on whether guests are staying at the Ritz-Carlton or JW Marriott and on the rules of their particular reservation. The operator's announcement provides an overview, while staff can clarify guest privileges, prices and operating dates for each facility.
New Year's Eve celebrations for adults and children
Grande Lakes plans special activities for New Year's Eve, including reservable Champagne Cabanas by the pool and a separate Kids Night Out programme. The children's event is advertised with a buffet meal, games, music, dancing, creative activities and a dedicated early countdown. These arrangements may help families with different evening plans, especially when adults wish to enjoy a longer celebration.
Age restrictions, supervision arrangements, booking deadlines and cancellation terms should be checked for the children's programme. Families should not assume it operates as unrestricted childcare for the entire night. The resort also advises checking the precise details of poolside celebrations, including which drinks, dining items and services are included in any purchased cabana reservation.
A newly renovated golf course joins the season
Beyond the festivities, Grande Lakes is preparing to unveil its renovated Greg Norman-designed championship golf course ahead of the PNC Championship. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club hosts the annual event, and the refurbishment forms a separate investment milestone for the resort. Golf visitors may therefore find additional reasons to spend time on the property beyond the Christmas Market and skating rink.
An event on the tournament calendar does not guarantee public tee-time access during competition preparation or restricted periods. Guests wishing to play should ask the golf club about current course conditions, booking policies and any event-related closures. The seasonal combination of dining, sport and festive activities is broad, but each component has its own schedule and commercial terms.
Planning a stay or an evening visit
Grande Lakes brings together a 582-room Ritz-Carlton and a 1,010-room JW Marriott on a large site near Orlando's major attractions. The resort also offers dining, spa facilities, kayaking and other activities in and around its landscaped grounds. For travellers planning a winter escape, the holiday programme adds an evening option without requiring guests to travel to another part of the city.
The confirmed 2026 dates are 25 November through 2 January for the rink and market. Accommodation, restaurant reservations, skating sessions and special festive packages should be considered separately so that a chosen evening can be organised realistically. The official Grande Lakes winter calendar is the primary source for opening times, booking links and changes to seasonal activities.
