Scenes from your favorite holiday movies, ice bumper cars, and a 55-foot Christmas tree. You can’t help but get into the holiday spirit when spending Christmas at Gaylord National!
As you get older it’s easy to lose the holiday spirit. You know, work and family and just being busy with life. Even after putting up the tree and our outdoor decorations, I didn’t really get into the Christmas mood until I visited Gaylord National Resort!
Every year, they host their annual Christmas event that is unlike anything else you’ll find in the DMV. Over two million twinkling lights, 155,000 square feet of magical holiday décor, and a 55-foot-tall Christmas tree is just the start of what you’ll find.
Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Gaylord National
I Love Christmas Movies
One of this year’s favorites is the Gaylord National I Love Christmas Movies productions. These give guests the chance to walk through iconic scenes from some of their most cherished holiday movies like Elf, The Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and more!
There are thirteen immersive sets which are a replica of the original scene and includes film props and audio.
Grab the best rate and Christmas availability HERE.
The Snow Factory
Head over to The Snow Factory where the forecast indoors always calls for snow flurries in comfortable temperatures. You can head over to the Snowball Build and Blast where you can build snowmen and have a snowball fight.
Afterward, climb atop Snow Flow Mountain and snow tube your way down the hilly ice. Believe me, you’re going to have a fun time here no matter what your age is.
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.
Book your stay at the Gaylord National NOW!
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.
The Greatest Story Stage Show
The Greatest Story live stage show at the Gaylord tells one of the greatest stories ever: the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
The multicultural celebration is told through a musical stage show as seen through the eyes of six renowned international storytellers. Viewers will learn about the historic event full of hope, faith, and love.
The show has complimentary seating but that is on a first come, first served basis. You can purchase tickets for guaranteed seating.
Winter Square
What’s Christmas without the outdoor activities you’re used to such as ice skating? Head on over to the Winter Square for ice skating with stunning views of the Potomac River.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors but aren’t into ice skating, hop into the Ice Bumper Cars at Gaylord National’s Winter Square. It’s all the fun of bumper cars with all the vibes of the holidays.
Book your stay at the Gaylord National NOW!
Warm up with Hot Chocolate and Sweet Treats
The Holiday Sweet Shoppe is a must-stop after hours of festive holiday fun! They serve delicious hot chocolate, eggnog, and an array of tasty treats and desserts. It can be a great Christmas idea to even purchase some as gifts for friends and family.
Fear not because if you’re looking for the more adult drinks with a kick, Gaylord’s got you covered. Let the kids run wild and head on over to their Christmas-themed, 80’s-style pop-up bar. There are lots of fun photo opportunities that are Instagrammable and the views of DC at night are spectacular.
Play some retro arcade games while sipping on holiday cocktails or peppermint milkshakes at Replay Rooftop.
If you’re at Gaylord National on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, plan a stop at the Old Hickory Steakhouse. They have a special four-course prix fix menu all season long but there’s a special holiday version on the 24th and 25th of December.
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. An event perfect for you to learn how to prepare delicious seasonal hors d’oeuvres in a fun, interactive class. You’re sure to impress your guests at the next holiday gathering!
And if a couple of hours of holiday excitement is not enough, stay in one of their Christmas suites! These suites are fully decked out for the holidays and are decorated with wreaths, garlands, lights, and holiday stockings.
Book your room ASAP this holiday season!
Suite guests get a complimentary one-hour professional photo shoot in one of the resort’s many Christmas settings. Isn’t it perfect for family pictures or even a special proposal?
Suite guests also get an invitation to a complimentary viewing of their Sugary Sweet Storytime performance. Here, the Nutcracker Prince will tell you the story of The Nutcracker and there’s a sing-along with the Sugar Plum Fairy!
The Gaylord National Resort is doing Christmas better than the Claus’ themselves and it’s become a holiday tradition for many families to visit them year after year!
