There is no better place to take in the magic of the holidays than the legendary Christmas on the Potomac celebration at Gaylord National Resort. From a delightful Christmas Village, the World Famous ICE! experience, Cirque du Soliel shows, ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and so much more Gaylord National is the ultimate for fun family traditions and Holiday celebrations.
It is no secret, we LOVE celebrating the holidays – especially the Christmas season. When we heard of the incredible array of holiday events and activities for families at Gaylord Resorts, we immediately put a visit on our must-do Christmas Bucket list. Imagine all of these incredible activities under one roof? We couldn’t wait to visit.
COOL AS ICE – ICE! GAYLORD NATIONAL
ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Heard of the famous ice sculpture festival that takes place every year in Harbin, China? Those are the same talented artisans that descend on the Gaylord resorts for the holiday in order to bring iconic Christmas scenes to life. Note: These are far from typical ice sculptures and are truly a work of art.
Cool as ICE!
Visitors don big blue parkas before entering the ICE! tents, as it is kept at a cool and continuous 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The chilly temp is necessary to keep the beautiful ice sculptures crisp and bright. The parka usage is included in the ticket. The parkas come in child and adult sizing (and have a generous fit to be placed atop of the clothing). Warning: The 9 degree temperature gets COLD (colder than you think!!) after a few minutes – plan accordingly! Gloves/hats/under layers are essential, especially for small children.
Dr. Seuss Classic – in ICE!
ICE! is an annual celebration that changes each year. In past years the exhibits have ranged from themes of Frosty the Snowman, Charlie Brown, A Christmas Story, and Christmas Around the World. This year’s Gaylord National featured the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (a personal favorite!).
Visitors walk through their favorite scenes from this Christmas special such as the Grinch lurking through the chimneys of the Who-ville homes, the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes and sitting down at the Whos’ feast where the Grinch carves the roast beast. Everything is hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice! They are truly mind blowing and MUST be seen in person to be believed (even the pictures that above do not do these incredible sculptures justice!).
Sliding into Fun
One of the highlights of ICE! are the gigantic ice slides. The slide room included three larger slides and one smaller/shorter slide for children. The 2-story slides are illuminated with lights and are AMAZINGLY fun. No sled/blanket needed – guests in the blue jackets simply slide down on their parkas (as the coat is long enough to sit upon).
Meaning of Christmas
At the end of the experience, ICE! recreates the nativity scene dubbed, ‘The true story of Christmas.’ Regardless of whether or not you celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, it is gorgeous and a pretty moving experience.
THE GRINCH – GAYLORD NATIONAL
Feast with the Grinch
Not just confined to ice – the Grinch had a large role in many of the resort offerings. Our favorite – Feast with the Grinch! Here guests can meet the star of the holiday season while enjoying a delicious breakfast. This one-of-a-kind interactive experience includes a buffet of Who-ville inspired items, table-side visits with The Grinch and Max and special touches Dr. Seuss fans are sure to love. We adore character breakfasts and this was a really special experience. Highly recommend. Reservations essential.
The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt
The Grinch is attempting to stop Christmas by stealing all the presents! Can you help save Christmas? Scavenger hunters of this add-on experience can solve the clues and puzzles along the way to help the Grinch have a change of heart. The clues and hunt itself brings guests through the hotel atrium and grand lobby on an exploratory journey. Solve all of the clues and win a prize! A fun family activity that is perfect for all ages.
GAYLORD NATIONAL’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Aside from ICE! and the popular Grinch activities, Gaylord National also offers a full Christmas village complex to enhance your holiday experience. Important to note: walking through the Christmas Village is completely free, however the optional activities are ala cart and require a fee. Here is a look at some of our favorites:
Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions
Ticket holders gather in a private room with Mrs. Claus and Snowflake the elf for a fun filled celebration of Christmas traditions old and new. This adorable event includes a retelling of the Christmas classic, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, and sing along to favorite holiday songs while enjoying a warm freshly baked cookie and ice cold milk. A super cute experience that’s great for young kids. Bring your camera! The experience includes a meet and greet with Mrs. Claus after.
Reindeer Rush Tubing
Gingerbread Decorating Center
We loved decorating our own gingerbread kit in Gingersnap’s Christmas Kitchen. With lots of communal seating and various kits to choose from – the activity is perfect for large group competitions and smaller families alike. Afterwards, be sure to say hi and share a hug with Nutmeg, Gaylord’s National’s very own Gingerbread Man mascot. More information here.
Village Express
Perfect for the littlest guests, Village Express consists of a short ride on this classic children’s train in the heart of Christmas Village. Small but charismatic, the Village Express is Holiday must-do classic. Note: the train is designed for children 52” and below, and they must be able to ride unaccompanied by an adult.
….and that’s not all! The Christmas Village also offers a Build a Bear Workshop, Ice Skating rink, hot cocoa bar, and fully stocked souvenir shop. The fun is endless!
AS NIGHT FALLS AT GAYLORD NATIONAL
Nightly Atrium Christmas Tree Illumination
With millions of dancing lights surrounding the resort’s six-story atrium Christmas tree – this nightly tree illumination is a special treat. The impressive laser, light, and fountain show is choreographed to your favorite Christmas carols, and ends with a stunning snowfall. With laser lights that spread across the atrium and the dancing fountain soars over 60 feet high – It is GORGEOUS and an amazing multi-sensory experience you must witness in person. Even better – the show is completely free and happens multiple times nightly. Do not miss this!
Cirque Dreams Unwrapped
The Garden Atrium also comes alive nightly with Cirque Dreams Unwrapped. The dazzling production combines breathtaking artistry, music, acrobatics, aerialists, and antics in the Gaylord’s 19-story atrium. The colorful Christmas spectacular is performed right in the center of the action -on the atrium stage and high above in the air with spectacular costumes and soaring theatrics. At 25 minutes in length, this intimate entertainment extravaganza is perfect for families and visitors of all ages. Watching the show is FREE, and as much of the show happens in the air, we recommend trying to watch the performance from the 2nd level near the lobby bar lookout. Limited seating near to the stage is available for a small fee, and should be booked in advance.
Room with a View – Gaylord National
Our suggestion? Opt for a room that overlooks the atrium performances! The views from the atrium rooms are spectacular and offer a magical experience you and your family will never forget.
STAYING AT GAYLORD NATIONAL
Christmas Experiences for Overnight Guests
With all the amazing experiences located in the resort – there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by booking an overnight stay. Aside from the ultimate in convenience – all overnight Hotel guests receive special perks such as unlimited priority entrance access to ICE!, as well as exclusive, complimentary experiences that are not open to the public:
VIP Ice Carver Showcase: Hotel guests can experience a private, live, ice carving demonstration by artisans from Harbin, China – and are encouraged to ask questions about the tools, training and skills required to complete these incredible masterpieces
Pajama Storytime: Guests of the hotel can join Snowflake the Elf in the living room at Mrs. Claus’ House in Christmas Village for Storytime right before bed.
Silent Disco on Ice: Dance, twist, shout and of course SKATE to an array of holiday tunes on personal wireless headphones.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbour, MD 20745
Christmas on the Potomac is a seasonal experience – typically mid November through December. Read more about the magic HERE
Thank you Gaylord National Resort for sponsoring our visit.
As always, all opinions and reviews are our own.
