Holidays at National Harbor

The holiday season comes alive at National Harbor with festive events, memorable experiences, delectable bites and gifts for everyone.

Browse the roster of activities to start planning the perfect way to celebrate the winter with your loved ones.

Nightly Tree Light Show

Show runs every half hour from sunset to 9pm beginning November 8

Watch our 60-foot RGB tree come to life nightly. The breathtaking light show dances alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.

Festive Fireworks

Join us Saturday nights from November 8 - December 27 at 5:30pm for a spectacular fireworks display following the tree lighting show.

Events

So Much Christmas and ICE! at Gaylord National

Nov. 14, 2025 — Jan. 4, 2026

Experience So Much Christmas at Gaylord National with dazzling displays, tempting treats, holiday shows and festive activities like ICE! featuring beloved scenes from The Polar Express™ brought to life through colorful, colossal…

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National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series

Saturdays & Sundays Nov. 29 — Dec. 21 | 12 — 6pm

This enchanting holiday experience will offer something unique every day with a rotating selection of local artisans and crafters featuring one-of-a-kind treasures.

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Photos with Santa at The Capital Wheel

Fridays & Saturdays | 12 — 2pm | Nov. 29 — Dec. 21

Share your wish list and get your picture taken with Santa before you soar 180 feet above the Potomac. Ticket purchase required for photo opportunity.

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Cirque Italia

Shows On Select Dates: Nov. 7 — 17

Dive into a circus adventure like no other! Magic, acrobats, aerialists, and comedy collide under our big top with a unique water stage. An unforgettable show for all ages awaits—be there!

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Holiday Movies

Sundays Through November

What's winter without some classic movies? Bring your blankets and enjoy your favorite holiday films on our jumbo screen. Check out the full schedule.

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Photos with Santa Paws at The Capital Wheel

Saturdays | 12 — 2pm | Nov. 29 — Dec. 20

Bring your furry friends to meet Santa and take a spin on The Capital Wheel. Then trot to Flight Deck for Yappy Hour. Ticket purchase is required for photo opportunity.

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Toys for Tots

Saturday, December 6

Help make a holiday wish come true for a local child in need by donating a toy to Toys For Tots! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to National Harbor on Waterfront Street in front of the Holiday Tree on Saturday, December 6th from 11am - 3pm. As a thank you for your donation, The Capital Wheel will be handing out one Wheel ticket*. One ticket per family, only valid on 12/6/25.

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Thanksgiving Weekend

Take your holiday feast to-go or enjoy at one of our restaurants featuring special menus. Check out entertainment options for the weekend along with Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday offers.

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Christmas at the Harbor

Experience the magic of Christmas like never before at National Harbor. Check out the many ways we're celebrating the spirit of the season.

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New Year’s Celebrations

Details for 2025 will be available soon but check out how we celebrated last year below!

Ring in the new year at National Harbor! From special menus to all inclusive events and dueling piano shows there's something for everyone to celebrate.

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Holiday Shopping

National Harbor has the perfect gifts for holiday parties, stocking stuffers, Secret Santas and more. Surprise everyone with something they’ll love by shopping at the Waterfront District and Tanger National Harbor.

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Book Your Stay

With so much to experience at National Harbor during the holiday season, why not make it a getaway? Book your stay at one of our 8 hotels and enjoy all the magic!

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