Holidays at National Harbor Sparkle with Two Million Lights, ice! Tree Lighting and Weekly Fireworks, Holiday Market, and More

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS

Contact: Vicki Bendure
Vicki@bendurepr.com
202-374-9259 c

Holidays at National Harbor Sparkle with Two Million Lights, ice! Tree Lighting and Weekly Fireworks, Holiday Market, and More

Festivities begin November 7 with a spectacular Christmas tree lighting and fireworks, followed by ice sculptures, visits with Santa, holiday shopping and entertainment


NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Nov. 4, 2026—National Harbor transforms into a dazzling waterfront wonderland this holiday season, with more than two million twinkling lights, a spectacular 60-foot Christmas tree, weekly fireworks, festive entertainment, holiday markets and an array of family-friendly activities. The 350-acre mixed-use destination offers countless ways to celebrate the season, from magical experiences for children to romantic getaways, holiday shopping and festive gatherings with family and friends.

The holiday festivities begin on November 7 when National Harbor’s 60-foot RGB Christmas tree comes to life in the Waterfront District (150 National Plaza). The dazzling tree features a choreographed light show synchronized to a holiday medley recorded by the U.S. Air Force Band. The nightly show begins at sunset and repeats every half hour until 9 p.m. from November 7 through January 3. Spectacular fireworks will light up the waterfront every Saturday evening during the holiday season starting on November 7 through December 26, following tree lighting.

The popular National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series also returns November 7, continuing Saturdays through December 19 from noon to 7 p.m. at 100 American Way. Featuring a rotating selection of artisans and crafters each week, the market offers a treasure trove of unique holiday gifts, including handcrafted jewelry, children’s clothing, pet accessories, candles, home décor, bath and body products, cashmere and silk scarves, alpaca blankets, glasswork, leather goods, artwork and much more.

ice!™ is the signature frozen Christmas attraction at Gaylord National Resort where cherished holiday stories come to life through towering hand-carved ice sculptures, immersive walk-through scenes and two-story ice slides. The festivities also include Cirque: Frost, a dazzling production featuring high-flying stunts and breathtaking acrobatics as young Jack Frost discovers his destiny. Additional activities include gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa and other seasonal experiences.

Families can also enjoy visits with Santa at The Capital Wheel, with photo opportunities scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays from November 27 through December 19, noon to 2 p.m. Children can share their holiday wish lists with Santa before enjoying a ride on the 180-foot observation wheel, featuring comfortable, climate-controlled gondolas. Four-legged family members can join the fun during special pet-friendly Santa visits, followed by a ride on The Capital Wheel with their owners and a festive Yappy Hour at the Flight Deck.

With more than two million lights illuminating the destination, National Harbor provides a picture-perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations. Visitors can stroll along beautifully decorated waterfront streets, enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River, dine at more than 40 restaurants or make a weekend of it with a stay at one of the destination’s eight hotels.

MGM National Harbor transforms into a premier festive getaway with seasonal entertainment, larger-than-life decor, and exclusive holiday dining. The resort's 15,000-square-foot Conservatory becomes an immersive winter wonderland filled with thousands of poinsettias, shimmering ornaments, and holiday installations. For live entertainment, The Theater at MGM National Harbor is hosting seasonal blockbusters like Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on November 22. Additionally, the United States Air Force Band's annual "Season of Hope" free holiday concerts take place on Friday, December 4 at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, December 5 at 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Wrap up your festive day by savoring exclusive seasonal menus and craft cocktails at Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Osteria Costa, and Bellagio Patisserie.

Holiday shopping is another highlight, with more than 140 shops throughout National Harbor. Tanger National Harbor features 85 designer outlet brands, including Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Movado, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and Coach. In the walkable Waterfront District, shoppers can discover distinctive boutiques and specialty retailers, including MahoganyBooks, ZAAF, IT’SUGAR and Corinto Gallery, along with nationally recognized brands such as Carhartt.

Tanger National Harbor kicks off the holiday season with its own tree lighting on Friday, November 6 from 6-8 p.m. Santa will be there for visits and photos.

For those looking to create holiday memories with friends, family or out-of-town guests, National Harbor also offers a variety of unique hands-on experiences. Visitors can develop their own photographs at Sip & Develop, create custom-scented candles at Wigenton Candle Co., or customize their sneakers and other accessories at Thread & Sole. Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar is spreading holiday cheer with festive entertainment for the entire family on November 28, December 12 and 19 with a special Family Day featuring its popular Dueling Piano Show. With audience participation, these special events offer a fun way for families to celebrate the season and create lasting holiday memories.

Visitors can extend their holiday celebrations with a trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Mount Vernon, Va., just across the Potomac River from National Harbor. The historic estate will offer special candlelight tours on November 27, providing a festive opportunity to experience the home of America’s first president. On December 19, Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon will add even more sparkle to the season with a festive holiday celebration at the historic estate. These special events offer visitors additional ways to make the most of a holiday getaway to National Harbor.

Whether planning a family holiday adventure, a festive shopping excursion, a romantic weekend or a gathering with friends, National Harbor offers something for everyone throughout the season.

For more information about National Harbor’s holiday events, activities and hotel packages, visit www.NationalHarbor.com/hohoho. Additional destination information is available at www.nationalharbor.com.

###

About National Harbor
Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River, just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a premier waterfront resort destination. The 350-acre mixed-use development is home to two of Maryland’s AAA Four Diamond-rated hotels: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center, with nearly 2,000 guest rooms and 660,000 square feet of meeting space; and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort featuring acclaimed chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the-art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District offers boutique shopping, dining and entertainment along picturesque promenades. The iconic 180-foot Capital Wheel, Tanger National Harbor’s 85 designer outlet brands and a year-round calendar of special events round out a destination that welcomes more than 15.2 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.