Top 10 Must-See Holiday Attractions at Gaylord National for 2023
It’s the most magical time of the year — the Capital Region is bursting at the seams with holiday cheer and Gaylord National in National Harbor is your one-stop-shop for the ultimate yuletide celebration.
Don’t miss these top 10 attractions that will fill you with the seasonal spirit.
![A Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Ice sculpture featuring Rudolph, Hermey, and a Christmas tree](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5176652867fcae87675016c2535bdf5e 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9db39c76c44fb0679010d05072e37f2d 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=026976c9f8e345dcb9eac72ee8d819dc 750w)
1. Freeze the Date – ICE! Is back
Gaylord National Resort’s favorite arctic holiday returns November 19 - December 31. View over 13 scenes from the beloved holiday classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer like never before — brought to life in ice sculpture. Experience some of the most loved movie moments hand-carved in more than 2 million pounds of ice, by a team of 35 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China, spanning nearly 20,000 square feet. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but don’t worry, guests will be provided National’s signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty.
2. Lots of Reindeer Games
In addition to seeing the beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer carved in ice, guests can enjoy the interactive scavenger hunt, Reindeer Games™. Use the scavenger hunt booklet and follow the clues to find the Misfit Toys with a bit of help from Rudolph. Send them on their way to new homes just in time for Christmas.
![A young girl goes tubing down Snow Flow Mountain at ICE! at Gaylord National.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=279070844e405ca1c5b6e749328f39c1 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2439332e73cf4504fc4aae0cf6eeac30 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2bb92afca408b43f2b87dfb737bdea09 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=702cb0c33457f112bddf639588a2be00 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d25f82f8b4b2cc0d7231ef7f6dd9b7a9 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=40cae046a6a1ced08fb765f1d294daed 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=1699497f255816d545424f5e9d6dd5c8 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/311590718_10159618166736208_3125502838807927465_n.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=5ab1191af3c29ed68ad221161695d3be 2048w)
3. Need for Speed
Experience not one but two chances of thrilling slides! Feel the rush down the 2-story high icy path at ICE! then hold on to your inner tube to conquer the slopes of Snowflow Mountain to race with family and friends.
![Performers on stage during Cirque Spirit of Christmas at Gaylord National](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b8925cd7db577f218a39537c260d7e3a 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d7f9a1991a69e1b4ed6b66d24782110c 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=834ca4d85130133aadfcd293ff3304e6 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=fee040fd1a0d9d9f7db7f332d3ed6f93 1024w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=1463c6c0bfd6c9556ad508b8963e7e53 1200w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9597c7920b4be38908c4e68b370f470f 1440w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=79c33bc581147b6c73ef95b3c00369e3 1920w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=ed99ed87fbfb2c33c3c28ce6d6f5eba6 2560w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/Cirque-comp.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=21171429026f02a1b6febf196b8e3dee 3840w)
4. Broadway Style Shows in Maryland
Be prepared to be wowed as the Cirque Spirit of Christmas show features high-flying acrobats and stunts that will make not only your jaw drop but your heart skip a beat too. Afterward, sit back and enjoy a multicultural celebration highlighting the birth and life of Jesus in this musical, the Greatest Story Stage Show, told through the eyes of six international storytellers.
![Lit up Christmas tree with lights and decorations in the atrium at the Gaylord National](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylord-atrium.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6055f4ba85c3169d1602c322c57538a2 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylord-atrium.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7c95f8e1b923ea8db1ede0f5adaba71a 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/gaylord-atrium.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=11bdc09cd47fd5c649a544ceb9bd4c0c 719w)
5. See it Snow Every Day
The entire resort transforms into a holiday wonderland with more than 2 million lights emulating snowfall, over 10,000 ornaments, and miles of garland. Don’t miss the #LIT Light Show, while thousands of synchronized lights pulse to the beat of seasonal songs. Dance along to this high-energy display of holiday happiness.
6. Glide into Winter Wonderland
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, lace up your skates and enjoy a perfect day or evening under the stars by going on a yuletide glide on the outdoor ice skating rink made with real ice. This is the perfect activity for a romantic date night or an evening with the entire family.
![Mrs. Claus reads stories to children while on stage next to a Christmas Tree at the Gaylord National.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b82200290ed75f9c2e0f77898cb3323b 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5180381276e5486e2f936ffd07115ba0 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ad4bb68efddbbe06b74a8488a1c2be58 667w)
7. Meeting the Big Man and his Wife
Don’t miss the chance to tell Santa your Christmas wishes in person! Then, visit the house just next door in the Christmas Village and enjoy storytime with THE Christmas Queen herself as she reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
8. No Cooking Necessary
With a variety of restaurants, you won’t have to worry about cooking this holiday season. Come hungry, come merry, and come ready to experience the holiday spirit in every bite! Enjoy holiday cocktails and special holiday dishes at Old Hickory Steakhouse and Harbor Social.
![A cozy room at the Gaylord National is prepared with Christmas and holiday decorations for guests to enjoy.](https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=404b206f81a07e3835da04a496ad25fd 320w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=dbcf5576ed503c21e3dabc7638b213f4 540w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=bd23aeda6183002c4e3fddb674c39315 768w, https://national-harbor.imgix.net/images/unnamed-2.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=fdbb3d920479818016a72d4d8bf7a59a 869w)
9. Be Immersed in SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS.
Gaylord National is the only place in the region where you can stay in a Christmas Suite. These spectacular suites are filled with Christmas decorations, a full-sized Christmas tree, and more! This is the perfect place for a family to celebrate their time together. Plus, enjoy a fresh plate of holiday sweets made by the resort chefs as part of your overnight experience. There is limited availability – suites are expected to sell out quickly. Book your magical Christmas getaway today.
10. Feel like a VIP
Overnight guests at the resort can enjoy exclusive benefits that are not available to day guests. As an overnight guest, you get to bypass the line for ICE! with a chill pass or get exclusive access to ICE! and the Christmas village during “Extra Cool Hour” before opening to the public. Overnight guests also get priority reservations at the resort’s restaurants and exclusive access to restaurants on prime days. Of course, when you book an Atrium view room you also can enjoy spectacular views of the magnificent Christmas tree and enjoy the nightly lighting show.
Embrace enchantment and let the spirit of the season surround you at Gaylord National, where cherished memories and holiday wonders await. Learn more about the 2023 Christmas celebration at Gaylord National and purchase tickets to this year’s ICE! holiday event today!
*This blog post is sponsored by the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, Maryland 20745 (301) 965-4000 Website Find A Room