The luxury resort is also set to unveil its newly renovated golf course ahead of the 2026 PNC Championship, alongside festive dining experiences, New Year's Eve celebrations, and more

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Grande Lakes Orlando is pleased to unveil its expansive collection of holiday programming and seasonal offerings in celebration of 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. In addition to its seasonal celebrations, the resort will debut its newly renovated championship golf course ahead of the 2026 PNC Championship, which Grande Lakes Orlando will once again proudly host.

"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 November 25, the open-air ice-skating rink returns to Grande Lakes Orlando. Set against the backdrop of the resort's expansive lawn, the rink will be accompanied by the debut of Rinkside Brasserie, an elevated dining experience featuring an à la carte menu of seasonal dishes. Guests can also enjoy the Fireside Lounge, a cozy 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, creating a uniquely Floridian holiday experience where cool air meets warm waters.

Annual Christmas Market

A signature highlight of the festive season at Grande Lakes Orlando, the annual Christmas Market returns November 25 through January 2. Open to both resort guests and the public, the European-inspired market will feature a collection of 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 savory pretzels; and Arctic Treasures, showcasing a curated selection of culinary specialties and unique holiday gifts. Beyond the market's culinary and shopping experiences, guests can enjoy an abundant collection 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 November 1, 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, with a focus on preserving the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife while maintaining the natural beauty and serenity of the landscape. The newly renovated course welcomes golfers of all skill levels to experience enhanced practice facilities, elevated greens, and refined green contours throughout the expansive terrain, offering an exceptional golf experience from tee to green.

NYE at Grande Lakes Orlando

Grande Lakes Orlando invites guests to ring in the New Year with an exciting collection of celebrations, festive dining experiences, and live entertainment. From the resort's annual fireworks display to specialty culinary offerings and family-friendly festivities, guests can enjoy a variety of experiences to welcome 2027. 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, offering 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.

For more information about Grande Lakes Orlando's holiday programming or to book a stay, please visit grandelakes.com.

Hi-res festive season images are available HERE.

About Grande Lakes Orlando:

Hidden in the heart of Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando sits on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, the only Central Florida Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel, a 1,010-room JW Marriott, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Hotel, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa, as well as three picture-perfect pools. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, which hosts the PNC Championship, includes an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. A dozen celebrated dining venues throughout include Knife & Spoon, a steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef John Tesar, and Primo, Mediterranean/Italian fare by multiple James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement. Grand Lakes Orlando restaurants source fresh ingredients from Whisper Creek Farm, an on-property 18,000-square-foot working farm, as well as on-site apiaries. The resort features a wide array of additional activities: kayaking, eco tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking, and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet, plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, and minutes from the major theme parks.

Follow Grande Lakes Orlando @grandelakesorlando on Instagram and grandelakesorlando on Facebook. Also, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott on Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmarriottorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando.

Media Contact:
The Brandman Agency
Andrew Cosenza
Senior Account Manager
grandelakesorlando@brandmanagency.com

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SOURCE Grande Lakes Orlando