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. 11-Dec.30, 2023. 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. 11-Dec. 30, 2023 at 5:30pm
- (TBA) Gumdrop Tavern Pop-up Holiday Bar: Holiday Cocktails, Beer, Snacks, S’mores, and more at this Pop-up Bar at the National Harbor (opens on Oct. 26, 2021)
- 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.
- Movie schedule:
- Sundays Nov. 12-Dec. 17, 2023
- November 12: Fred Claus (2007) (2-3pm)
November 19: Shrek the Halls (12:30-1:30pm)
November 26: Disney’s Sing Along Songs – Very Merry Christmas (2-3pm)
December 3: Merry Madagascar (2009) (12:30-1:30pm)
December 10: Barbie in a Christmas Carol (2008) (2-3pm)
December 17: The Flight Before Christmas (2008) (2-3pm)
Santa at the Capital Wheel
- Take a ride on the Capital Wheel and take photos with Santa!
- When: Mon-Thurs 12pm-10pm- Fri-Sun 10am-10pm
- Tickets:
- General Admission $15.00 + tax
- Senior $13.50 + tax
- Child (12 and under) $11.25 + tax
- Military $13.50 + tax
- Get Tickets here
The Carousel at National Harbor
- When: Closed Mon-Thur/Fri-Sun: 12 pm – 8 pm
- Ticket prices: $7 Children ages 6 months and up require a ticket. Adults ride free when accompanying a paid child.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Visit the MGM National Harbor for a fun family spectacular at the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show, a Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry.
- When:
- December 15-17, 2023
- Ticket prices: Standard tickets start at $32.50
- Purchase tickets here
- Location: MGM National Harbor 101 MGM National Ave., Forest Heights, MD 20745
- Visit website here
Christmas at the Gaylord National Resort
One of the best places to spend the holidays is the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland.
For the 2023 season, ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is back!
ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
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 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
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 though a bone chilling 9 degrees and take in all the amazing Ice sculptures. We’ve done this a few times and the Charlie Brown, and Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas was our favorites! A Blue Parka is provided, but I suggest wearing gloves and a snow cap as well!
- 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 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 19-December 31, 2023
- Tickets: Purchase tickets here
- Tickets start at $29.99 and vary depending on the day of visit.
- Silver Play & Save Pass: Save up to 20% off on select attractions which include ICE!, Snow Flow Mountain & Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt.
- Gold Play & Save Pass: Save up to 30% off on select attractions which include ICE!, Snow Flow Mountain, Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt, 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 costs $24.99 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 costs $12.99, and must be purchased online here. Open daily from 10am-9pm
- Shine Light Show: New for 2022, watch thousands of dancing lights synchronized to a high-energy, seasonal soundtrack. Animated light curtains glow with Christmas imagery around a centerpiece tree that magically transforms into a gleaming and glowing holiday spectacle. Daily: 7:30pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm from Nov. 20-Dec.31, 2022
- Ice Skating at the outdoors skating rink was so much fun! Tickets costs $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 toddler to 13 adult. Guests may use their own personal skates.
- Ice Bumper Cars: Fun Bumper car experience on ice! Tickets costs $13.99 and must be purchased online here. Hours are 11am-9pm, and you must be at least 42 inches tall. Tickets are valid all day and can be redeemed anytime during operating hours.
- 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 Family Kit $25.99 / Gingerbead House Kit $41.99
- Christmas at Replay 80’s themed lounge with festive holiday drinks and sweets. Make sure to visit this pretty rad lounge for some yummy holiday drinks and treats with the most amazing Potomac River views and the National Harbor!
- The Greatest Story stage show: A FREE musical stage show featuring the birth and life of Jesus Christ through song. The show is on a first come-first served basis, but Guaranteed seating can be purchased here for $12.99.
- 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 costs $12.99, and must be purchased online here.
- Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions Story Time: Retelling of T’was the Night Before Christmas, complete with holiday songs, and freshly-baked Christmas cookies and ice cold milk. Tickets costs $13.99 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 ($108.00 + tax): All Digital Items for ICE! + (3) 6×8 Santa Photos
- Santa Package ($78.00 + tax): (3) 6×8 Photos + (4) Wallet Photos + Frame + Ornament + Digitals
- Christmas Package ($55.00 + tax): Digitals Only
- Tree Package ($38.00 + 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!
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 lots of 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 some 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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