Updated for 2024
Scenes from your favorite holiday movies, ice bumper cars, and a 55-foot Christmas tree—it’s impossible not to get into the holiday spirit when spending Christmas at Gaylord National Harbor!
As you get older, it’s easy to lose the holiday spirit. Between work, family, and the busyness of life, even after putting up the tree and outdoor decorations, I didn’t truly get into the holiday season until I visited Gaylord National Resort.
Featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas, this magical holiday experience brings together over two million twinkling holiday lights, larger-than-life sculptures, and festive décor, making it the perfect place for holiday fun.
Every year, they host their annual Christmas event, which is unlike anything else you’ll find in the DMV. Over two million twinkling holiday lights, 155,000 square feet of magical holiday décor, and a 55-foot-tall Christmas tree are just the beginning. Overnight guests are treated to a truly enchanting experience, where the holiday cheer at Gaylord National Resort is contagious, rekindling your Christmas spirit in the most festive way possible.
Quick & Easy Guide to Christmas at Gaylord National
ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
The festive holiday attraction, ICE! at Gaylord National Resort, features a stunning display inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas, with larger-than-life sculptures that bring the beloved Peanuts characters to life. Guests can stroll through vibrant ice sculptures, including scenes featuring a red-nosed reindeer and iconic holiday moments, all crafted from over two million pounds of ice. With thousands of glowing holiday lights, this chilly, colorful wonderland offers a delightful experience for all ages, spreading joy and holiday fun in the most enchanting way.
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Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
This Cirque-styled Christmas show delivers an extraordinary blend of dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. The Broadway-style performance follows Noel, a child overwhelmed by the chaos of the holiday season. Desperate to rediscover her love for Christmas, she is visited by spirits who guide her through energetic, dreamlike chapters, ultimately helping her embrace the true meaning of the season. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that brings the magic of Christmas to life in the most captivating way.
Gaylord Christmas Village
One of the best parts about the Gaylord Christmas Village is their larger-than-life gingerbread display! The 200-square-foot display lets you experience a stunning Old English Village, complete with homes, churches, and more.
The nine-person team that concepted and constructed the idea used over 300 pounds of baked gingerbread, 100 pounds of chocolate, and 400 pounds of royal icing. But don’t just look – you can decorate your own gingerbread cookie in Christmas Village.
Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions brings a story time that is perfect to unwind after the excitement of I Love Christmas Movies and The Snow Factory. Listen to her read T’was the Night Before Christmas as you munch one of Santa’s favorite snacks, Christmas cookies!
Other aspects of Christmas Village are The Village Shoppe retail store, where you can buy souvenirs and other goodies. Or also the Build-A-Bear Workshop® and a booth where you can take photos with Santa Claus himself.
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Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt
One of the best ways to explore the 19-story atrium is by participating in the Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt. This beloved Peanuts classic comprises tons of hidden holiday clues that the little sleuths in your life can follow.
Stick around at the Gaylord’s atrium for the #LIT Light Show which brings alive the magic of decorating the 55-foot suspended Starlight Christmas tree through high-energy music, lasers, and dancing lights.
Afterward, head to the Christmas Tree Lot to partake in the time-old tradition of browsing Xmas trees to find the perfect one. This is a wonderful opportunity to take some family holiday photos.
Here We Glow A-Caroling Light Show
Experience the magic of caroling without stepping outside in this spectacular holiday light show. Thousands of glowing lights and a custom musical score take you on a journey through past holiday celebrations, from the swinging jazz of the ‘20s to the doo-wop of the ‘50s, and the funky disco beats and rock and roll riffs of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Classic Christmas carols come to life in a dazzling display of sound and light, leading to a high-energy sing-along finale. It’s an unforgettable experience that fills the season with festive joy and creates memories that glow long after the holidays.
Snow Flow Mountain
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure down Snow Flow Mountain! Hop on a tube and race down real frozen ice lanes, speeding towards the finish line. Challenge family and friends to see who can reach the bottom first! With your ticket, you can enjoy unlimited tubing thrills throughout the day, making it a perfect winter outing filled with fun and excitement for all ages.
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Warm up with Hot Chocolate and Sweet Treats
The Holiday Sweet Shoppe at Gaylord National Resort is a must-stop after hours of festive holiday fun! Indulge in delicious hot chocolate, eggnog, and an array of holiday sweets and treats that will make your visit even sweeter. These delightful desserts also make for great Christmas gift ideas for friends and family.
For those looking for more adult beverages with a kick, Gaylord’s Christmas-themed, 80’s-style pop-up bar has you covered. While the kids run wild, head over to this festive spot for fun photo opportunities, Instagrammable moments, and stunning views of DC at night.
Play some retro arcade games while sipping on holiday cocktails or peppermint milkshakes at Replay Rooftop.
If you’re visiting Gaylord National on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, don’t miss a stop at the Old Hickory Steakhouse. Their special four-course prix fixe menu, available all season long, has a magical holiday twist on the 24th and 25th of December, making it the perfect way to enjoy holiday treats in a cozy, festive setting.
Gaylord National at Christmas: More Fun
In addition to all of these activities, a chef at the resort will lead their Holiday Hosting 101 cooking class, perfect for learning how to prepare delicious seasonal hors d’oeuvres in a fun, interactive setting. You’ll be sure to impress your guests at the next holiday gathering with these new skills!
And if a couple of hours of holiday excitement isn’t enough, stay overnight in one of their Christmas suites! These suites are fully decked out for the holidays, and decorated with wreaths, garlands, Christmas lights, and holiday stockings.
Book your room ASAP this holiday season!
Suite guests also receive exclusive benefits, including a complimentary one-hour professional photo shoot in one of the resort’s many Christmas settings—ideal for cherished memories, family photos, or even a special proposal.
Guests staying in suites also get early access to the Sugary Sweet Storytime performance, where the Nutcracker Prince will tell the story of The Nutcracker, followed by a sing-along with the Sugar Plum Fairy! Other restrictions may apply, but with so much holiday fun, it’s no wonder that Gaylord National Resort has become a cherished holiday tradition for many families year after year!
