Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor
There are so many wonderful events in the Washington DC area during the holidays.
Just a short drive from DC, the National Harbor in Maryland hosts a few holiday events that are fun for the whole family.
At the National Harbor, you can celebrate Christmas on the Potomac with a tree lighting ceremony, a visit with Santa, fireworks, holiday movies, a ride on the Capital wheel, and more.
On the blog, I will share all the fun things to do during Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor, including some fun holiday events at the Gaylord National.
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Christmas at the National Harbor
One of the best places during the holidays near Washington DC is Christmas at the National Harbor.
At Christmastime, the National Harbor turns into a winter wonderland with lots of fun Christmas events to look forward to. Here are some Christmas events at the National Harbor:
Nightly Christmas Tree Light Show
- FREE Christmas tree Light Show every night from Nov. 9-Dec. 28, 2024. You can watch the nightly lighting of the 56-foot tree at the National Harbor Waterfront District. The tree light show takes place daily, every half hour from sundown to 9 p.m. On weekends you can expect some snowfall as well is so much fun!
- Fireworks Show on Saturdays: FREE fireworks show from Nov. 9-Dec. 28, 2024 at 5:30pm
- National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show: Find a unique gift idea with a rotating selection of artisans and crafters, along with an array of holiday sweets and desserts.
- When: November 30th-December 22, 2024 every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm
- Location: American Way at the National Harbor
- Go shopping: Find that unique gift idea for those on your list at the shops along the Waterfront and at the Tanger Outlets. Plus get a free hot chocolate from select stores along the National Harbor!
- (TBA)
- Holiday Storytime: FREE Family Storytime on American Way by Mahogany Books on Saturdays at 2-2:30pm
- Nov. 27: Carla and the Christmas Cornbread
- Dec. 4: Chanukah
Holiday Movies on the Potomac
Watch some FREE Holiday movies on the Big Screen on Sundays, 2-4pm. Bring some blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy Christmas movies along the Potomac.
- Nov. 10-Dec. 29, 2024 Sundays from 11:30 am – 1 pm
- Movie Schedule:
- Nov. 10: Elf
- Nov. 17: The Grinch (2000)
- Nov. 24: Arthur Christmas
- Dec. 1: The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Dec. 8: The Santa Clause (1994)
- Dec. 15: The Year Without a Santa Clause (1976)
- Dec. 22: Jack Frost (1998)
- Dec. 29: The Polar Express
Santa at the Capital Wheel & Photos with Santa Paws
- Take a ride on the Capital Wheel and take photos with Santa!
- When: NOVEMBER 26 | DECEMBER 7, 14 & 21
- Tickets: General Admission $18.70
- Child (12 and under) $14.85
- Get Tickets here
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Visit the MGM National Harbor for a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classic in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects
- When: DECEMBER 7, 2024 7:30 PM –10:00 PM
- Ticket prices: starting at $71
- Location: The Theater at MGM National Harbor- MGM National Ave., Forest Heights, MD 20745
- Visit website here
Christmas at the Gaylord National Resort
ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas
One of the most fun things to do at the National Harbor is the Ice Sculpture event at the Gaylord National Resort.
ICE! at Gaylord National is back with larger-than-life ice sculptures featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Experience this classic holiday movie made entirely of ice and slide down the ice slide! Here’s what to expect:
- Ice Sculptures: The highlight of the ICE event is the Ice sculptures. Walk through a bone-chilling 9 degrees and take in all the amazing Ice sculptures. A Blue Parka is provided, but I also suggest wearing gloves and a snow cap!
- Ice Slides: The best part about the ICE event was the amazing slides made of ice. Make sure to pick the earliest time slot so you can have the place to yourself! We were here at the opening and got to go down the slides many times before the crowds arrived!
- The Christmas Village: Gingerbread decorating, visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus story time, fun scavenger hunt, hot cocoa, train rides, ice skating, and more!
- When: November 15 – December 28, 2024
- Tickets: Purchase tickets here
- Tickets start at $22.99 and vary depending on the day of visit.
- Silver Play & Save Pass: Save up to 20% on select attractions which include ICE!, Snow Flow Mountain & Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt.
- Gold Play & Save Pass: Save up to 30% off on select attractions which include ICE!, Snow Flow Mountain, Merry Snoopy Christmas, Snowball Build and Blast, Gingerbread Decorating, Ice Skating & Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions.
More Christmas Events at Gaylord National
- Snow Flow Mountain: Go tubing down a real ice slide on the Snow Flow Mountain. Tickets cost $25.99 for an unlimited ride down the slide. Tickets must be purchased online here and are valid anytime during operating hours from 10am-9pm. Person must be at least 42 inches tall to ride, and is a single-person ride.
- Snow Build & Blast: Build and toss real snowballs and earn points in this experience at Snow Factory. You get a bucket of snow and have a fun family challenge! Tickets cost $13.99, and must be purchased online here. Open daily from 10am-9pm
- Ice Skating at the outdoor skating rink was so much fun! Tickets cost $20.99 and is open from 10am-9pm. You get unlimited same-day skating and skates! Tickets are valid any time during operation hours and must be reserved online here. Children 11 and under require a paid adult admission to attend with them. Skate sizes range from 9 toddlers to 13 adults. Guests may use their own skates.
- Gingerbread Decorating: Decorate a gingerbread house with the kids from 10am-9pm at the Christmas Village. Tickets must be purchased online here. Purchase Options: Gingerbread House Kit $45.99
- Merry Snoopy Scavenger Hunt: Help Snoopy deck out his house for the Dog House decorating contest in this fun scavenger hunt with a prize at the end. Hours are from 11am-9pm, and tickets cost $13.99, and must be purchased online here.
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions Story Time: Retelling of T’was the Night Before Christmas, complete with holiday songs, freshly-baked Christmas cookies, and ice-cold milk. Tickets cost $14.99 and must be purchased online here.
- Photos with Santa: Pay a visit with Santa at Christmas Village. Select Date and Photo packages must be purchased online here.
- Gaylord Holiday Special ($99.00 + tax): All Digital Items for ICE! + (3) 6×8 Santa Photos
- Santa Package ($75.00 + tax): (3) 6×8 Photos + (4) Wallet Photos + Snow Water Frame + Ornament + Digitals
- Christmas Package ($55.00 + tax): Digitals Only
- Tree Package ($40.00 + tax): (3) 6×8 Photos
- Don’t miss the huge holiday gift shop at Christmas Village. They sell some fun souvenirs, holiday decor, and more!
- Cirque Spirit of Christmas Show: Cirque-styled Christmas show features dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. Tickets start at $22.99 and vary by date. Buy tickets here.
More Christmas fun at the Gaylord National
Don’t miss a stroll around the Gaylord National Resort and admire the Christmas decor! Gaylord National is decorated with millions of twinkling lights and decorations.
There are many fun FREE holiday photo-ops throughout the hotel, including a fun Gingerbread House display in the Hotel Lobby!
There are also a few holiday dining options including the Old Hickory Steakhouse, the Replay Rooftop 80’s lounge, Belvedere Lobby Bar, Harbor Marketplace, and other food choices such as pizza and more in the Atrium!
Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Lot pop-up bar experience for some holiday cocktails. There is a fun FREE Christmas tree photo-op here as well!
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