January 7 – Sunday, January 10, 2010

Fueled by a dose of holiday spirit and tempered by a cool pinch of irony, sunny Orlando is home to one of then nation’s most spectacular (and unusual) art attractions, now in its seventh year. Who says the holidays in Florida are all about sunshine and palm trees, anyway?

Inside a simulated winter environment, guests are immersed in a whimsical wonderland of larger-than-life, three-dimensional hand-carved ice monuments and scenes, including fantastic frozen creations, slippery ice speed slides, and heart-warming holiday vistas. As for the chill, visitors are given oversized parkas to stay comfortable inside the attraction, which is kept at a chilly 9 degrees.

This year, ICE! will take guests on a trip to the North Pole. And, tag along on Santa’s journey, beginning with an encounter with Old Man Winter, through an arctic forest, and into the middle of a Christmas Carnival, complete with a life-size carousel! Next, chill-seekers will be able to explore Santa’s ornament room, climb onto his oversized knee (an unusual photo op!), and watch as he and reindeer take flight.

The attraction’s signature scene-a life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice-has been described as one of the most breathtaking depictions of the birth of Christ. Dramatic lighting and a stirring narrative track give guests an opportunity to pause and reflect on the story behind the season.

The award-winning attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. The talented artisans spend more than a month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival, where more than 2,000 sculptors annually carve a 100-acre walk-through ice park, using ice from the nearby Songhua River.

At the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando admission is free on Mondays from 9:00AM-12 Noon. Guests are free to roam the 50-acres of foot paths and neatly trimmed gardens. Free admission excludes tour groups.

The Green Meadow Farm offers a printable coupon for $2.00 off general admission for up to six people.

The Orlando Museum of Art celebrates First Thursdays. Art food and music mix with regular museum exhibitions to complete this arts and culture experience. Free entrance to the First Fridays at the Orlando Museum of Art is available for members only. There is a $10.00 fee for non-members. Print tickets at www.greenmeadows.com.

Its signature blue face-painted performers will have paint flying to their instrumentation and percussive beats. Although the Blue Men don’t use body language or words in their performances, audiences gain a deeper understanding of communication through strong eye contact and small gestures. Featured in movie soundtracks and commercials, the Blue Man Group has ventured into the world of music production through CD releases of “Audio” and “The Complex.”

At La Nouba, attendees get more than just the usual circus performance. Memorable characters and costumes prance before one’s eyes. Watch as Le Titan’s molds his muscular build into wild contortionist poses or experience the romantic dance numbers of the Pierrot Clown and the Lost Ballerina. There’s something for everyone at Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba.

At the Aiguille Rock Climbing Center, yoga classes and an array of kids climbing programs are offered. Come on down to the gym on Mondays for Challenge Night. From 7:00PM until closing, a variety of demanding physical and mental obstacles will test your strength and willpower. Challenge Night comes complete with team building exercises and difficulty courses that change weekly.

Skyventure is available to host your next party or group event. Special packages are also available. Skyventure is open daily. Call (407) 903-1150 for reservations.