National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season with Special Activities from March 21 to April 12

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National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season with Special Activities from March 21 to April 12
Destination Features Spectacular Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms on the Potomac River

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Jan. XX, 2026—
National Harbor, a 350-acre waterfront destination, is a prime location in the Washington, D.C. region to see spectacular (early) blooming cherry trees along the Potomac River. Visitors can enjoy more than 200 Okame trees along the 1.2 mile waterfront trail.

Cherry Blossom celebrations will take place March 21 to April 12 with National Harbor also serving as an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Seasonal celebrations will be filled with entertainment, food and drink specials, classes and more.

The annual Sakura Sunday festival, an official participating event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on Sunday, March 29 from noon to 5 p.m. The free, family-friendly celebration will feature cultural performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden, a Water Lantern Festival, a Japanese artisanal market and more.

Due to its popularity, the Water Lantern Festival
has expanded to three nights from March 27-29. The ticketed event brings families, friends, couples and individuals together for a meaningful evening experience that illuminates the waterfront with messages of hope, unity, and remembrance. Participants decorate lighted lanterns, which are released into an enclosed area, creating a peaceful and visually striking nighttime display.

Throughout the month, National Harbor will host classes and events including origami at 11 a.m. on March 21 at McCormick & Schmick’s (145 National Plaza), and at Grace’s Mandarin at 11 a.m. on March 22 (188 Waterfront St.). Muse Paint Bar (122 Waterfront St.) will also host special cherry blossom classes throughout the months of March and April. Wigenton Candle Co. (164 Waterfront St.) will have pre-poured cherry blossom candles along with cherry blossom fragrance at the Scent Bar so people can also design their own candles using the oil. Check back for other learning events, including bonsai workshop. Classes require advance online registration.

“We’re excited to celebrate cherry blossom season at National Harbor again this year. Our early blooming cherry trees are a signal that spring is near. It’s a special time around the Harbor, therefore, The Capital Wheel, waterfront trail, our buildings are illuminated pink.” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “We’re also delighted to be part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival again this year with our events and Sakura Sunday on March 29.”

Restaurants throughout National Harbor will celebrate with food specials and will join National Harbor hotels and retailers in having a variety of special offers and displays. MGM National Harbor will have special spa offerings
and The Westin Washington National Harbor has a special Cherry Blossom Package. For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule as confirmed.

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About National Harbor
Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center and has almost 2,000 hotel rooms and 660,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort with renowned chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades. The iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel, Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands, and a robust calendar of events round out this destination that welcomes more than 15.2 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.