14 Must-See Holiday Attractions at Gaylord National for 2022
It’s the most magical time of the year — National Harbor is bursting at the seams with holiday cheer and Gaylord National is your one-stop-shop for the ultimate yuletide celebration.
Don’t miss these 14 attractions that will fill you with the seasonal spirit.

1. Freeze the Date: ICE! Is back
Gaylord National Resort’s favorite arctic holiday returns November 20 - December 31 after a two-year hiatus. View over 10 scenes from the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Story 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 17,000 square feet. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but don’t worry, guests will be provided Gaylord National’s signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty.

2. Cirque Spirit of Christmas
Be prepared to be wowed as this Cirque-style show features high-flying acrobats and stunts that will make not only your jaw drop but your heart skip a beat too. This 30-minute holiday rendition tells the story of Noel, a child dismayed by the fast pace of the holiday season who is visited by trapeze artists, acrobats, aerial silk performers, and others who help rekindle the Christmas spirit.
3. Ice Bumper Cars
4. The Greatest Story Stage Show
Sit back and enjoy a multicultural celebration highlighting the birth and life of Jesus in this musical stage show told through the eyes of six international storytellers. Complimentary seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Or get a front-row view with guaranteed purchased seating.

5. Snow Factory
6. Ice Skating
Perfect for a romantic date night or an evening with the entire family, lace up your skates and glide around the outdoor rink made with real ice.

7. Shine Light Show
The entire resort transforms into a holiday wonderland with more than 2 million lights, more than 10,000 ornaments, and miles of garland. Don’t miss the Shine Light Show, new this year, while thousands of synchronized lights pulse to the beat of seasonal songs. Dance along if you’d like to this high-energy display of holiday happiness.
8. Photos With Santa

9. Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Let your inner baker run wild with culinary creativity as you decorate your very own edible Gingerbread House. Once your sugary designs are complete, capture the moment with a visit from Nutmeg, the Gingerbread Man.
10. Take a Hosting Class
11. Pick up Your Gifts at the Christmas Village
Your one-stop shop for holiday shopping is at the Christmas Village at Gaylord National. This Bavarian-style market features treasures from local artisans as well as a giant Christmas store for all of your gift-giving needs.
12. Relax at the Spa
13. Sing-Along with Mrs. Claus
14. Get Special Access
Enjoy performances with front-row balcony views when you book a room overlooking the atrium at the resort. As an overnight resort guest, you can also pick up the Chill Pass for front-of-the-line access and shorter wait times for attractions. Or get exclusive access to ICE! and Christmas village during “Extra Cool Hour” which provides early entry to overnight guests one hour before it opens to the rest of the public on select dates.
To learn more about the 2022 Christmas celebration at Gaylord National or to purchase tickets to this year’s ICE! holiday event, click here.
*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