When it comes to holiday events, I personally don’t have time to waste on mediocre experiences during the busy month of December. I want to be blasted with holiday spirit early and often to distract me from the stress of the season. Preparing for Santa’s arrival isn’t easy when you’re a working mom of young children who have jam packed school and activity schedules…
So, I tend to seek out upgraded holiday events and experiences. They really have to be “worth it.” And this year, I think I found a couple that would impress even the most discerning of Boca families. Let’s go down the list…
ICE! At Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Through Jan. 4, 2025
Snow may not be coming to Boca Raton anytime soon (or ever), but you can make a trip up to Orlando to experience the cold (and I mean freezing!) weather in a whole new way at ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms had been on my holiday bucket list for years after hearing countless rave reviews from friends and in 2023, my family and I finally made it happen! We stayed on property, and if you can book an atrium room, your experience instantly becomes upgraded because you can catch the various holiday light shows right from the comfort of your balcony. Not to mention simply walking over to the Convention Center at your leisure to take advantage of all of the Christmas at Gaylord Palms activities. Tubing down Snow Flow Mountain brought out everyone’s inner kid and their signature scavenger hunt was nonstop fun (with prizes at the end)!
But the real reason to go? ICE!
This year’s ICE! theme was nothing short of magical. “Elf” (one of my favorite holiday movies!) whisks you away into an enchanting icy adventure set in New York City AND the North Pole. We laughed, we froze, but most of all, we were left in awe by the icy artistry on display. Did you know the colors in the ice sculptures are all thanks to a chemist who crafted a special, proprietary formula? Designed to perfectly match each movie character’s unique colors, they stay just as vibrant all season long. It’s impressive.
Book your 2024 ICE! Tickets HERE
North Pole Holiday Retreat Suite at the Hilton West Palm Beach
Through Jan. 7, 2025
When your tween daughter asks to have a “Christmas-themed” sleepover with her girlfriends, you know the bar has been set high. As a mom who lives to make magical moments happen for her only child, I took this challenge and ran with it. The Hilton West Palm Beach happened to invite us to experience their North Pole Retreat, an exclusive holiday suite transformed with festive décor, holiday cheer and winter-themed amenities. Frankly, it doesn’t get more upgraded than this.
Picture this—holiday bedding, twinkling Christmas trees, snowflakes projected everywhere, a cozy fireplace, even mistletoe. Every corner of the suite was thoughtfully decked out, down to the festive details in the bathroom. The suite’s package truly has it all—letters to Santa, cookie decorating and hot cocoa galore. Just order hot milk from room service. It’s cozy, imaginative, and so much fun!
The girls arrived in their matching holiday pajamas (which I also recommend purchasing if you decide to visit the Gaylord Palms) and wasted no time soaking up all the festive fun. Between dips in the pool and lounging in our private cabana with tropical drinks (because, hello, Palm Beach in December!), they were living their best lives. To up the ante, we ventured across the street to CityPlace where even more holiday magic awaited. Think Santa sightings and dancing under snowfalls in the plaza. Yes, real snow…Florida-style! Needless to say, the girls and I couldn’t resist joining in the fun.
This North Pole Retreat Suite at the Hilton West Palm Beach is holiday joy turned up to eleven. It’s an upgraded experience that is definitely worth the overnight if you can actually book the popular room.
Book your Hilton West Palm Beach North Pole Retreat Suite HERE
Cheers to making memories and dancing in the Florida snow (and ice!) this holiday season!
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
