Gaylord National's Christmas on the Potomac

About Christmas on the Potomac

Bigger, brighter and more brilliant than any other Christmas event in the Capital Region, Gaylord National's Christmas on the Potomac celebration presents all the joy, wonder and merriment of the holiday season on a grand scale!

Returning to the DC area for its second year, our 2009 Christmas on the Potomac is bringing back fan favorites, including a 60-foot glass Tree of Light, indoor snowfalls nightly, the majestic Voices of Gaylord National choir, and 2 million twinkling lights. And new this year, our highly anticipated holiday attraction, ICE! — an incredible interactive wonderland carved from two million pounds of ice — comes to the DC area for the first time!

There's no doubt that Gaylord National is the new Capital of Christmas!

Christmas on the Potomac Highlights

Spectacular Decorations

Including more than two million lights in and around the resort and the Tree of Light, a 60-foot Christmas tree made entirely of candy-like glass.
Ice Skating

Bring your own skates or rent a pair on site, then practice your figure-eights on the outdoor skating rink. Admission is free for guests who purchase our Family Fun Package!
Open 7 days a week, weather permitting. Hours are the same as ICE!
$8 one-time admission, skate rentals from $4 per person
Indoor Snowfall

Want to be sure to have a white Christmas this year? Come to Gaylord National's atrium where it snows twice daily... every day during the holiday season!
Daily, 6:15 and 9:15 p.m., November 20 - January 3
Peeps® Pursuit

A scavenger hunt where guests scour the lobby, atriums and ICE!, looking for signs of hidden Peeps. Presented in partnership with Just Born® candies. Learn more here.
Ongoing daily, November 20 - January 3
Brunch with a Claus

Back by popular demand, join Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus on weekends for a bountiful Brunch Buffet at Pienza restaurant. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$34 adults, $17 kids ages 3-12 (*Plus tax and gratuity)
Lunch with a Claus

Join Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus as they host a very special weekday lunch at Pienza restaurant.
Select weekdays only: Nov. 27; Dec. 21, 22, 23, 24. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$23.50 adults, $11.75 kids ages 3-12 (Plus tax and gratuity)
Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Gaylord National kicks off the Christmas season as we light the grand 60-foot glass Tree of Light, along with the rest of the resort's 2 million lights. Resort-wide events include private VIP events at Belvedere Lobby Bar and Cherry Blossom Lobby.
Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. / Lower atrium, Belvedere Lobby Bar, Cherry Blossom Lobby
Voices of Gaylord National

A 75-person mass choir raises their voices in celebration with a telling of the Christmas story through song and voice.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00 p.m., November 20 - December 20 /
Lower Atrium
Sounds of the Season

Enjoy the sounds of the holidays with acts from around the region.
Mondays - Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., November 20 - December 20
Nightly at 7:00 p.m., December 21 - January 3
Potomac Express Train

This model-size train display is sure to evoke fond memories of childhood Christmases past.
Daily, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., November 20 - January 3 /
Gazebo
Brightest Star Fountain Show

A heartwarming narration of the classic Christmas story, choreographed with dancing water and special effects.
Nightly at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. /
Atrium Lower Level
Seasonal Splash!

Mini-fountain shows throughout the day, when the waters "come to life," themed to favorite holiday tunes.
On the hour, hourly, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., November 20 - January 3
Northern Lights

Look up and be amazed by twinkling light curtains up to 150-feet long that morph into the colors of the Northern Lights.
Nightly from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the Atrium
Dive-In Movies: Christmas Classics

Nightly showings of classic family-friendly movies... poolside! This year's film classics include A Christmas Story, Elf and It's a Wonderful Life. Open to overnight resort guests only.
Nightly at 6:30 p.m., November 20 - January 3
Tributes to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa

Gaylord National proudly recognizes the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and the African celebration of Kwanzaa. Special recognition of these holidays will be featured in the resort.
Pienza restaurant will present a "Kwanzaa Brunch" on Saturday, Dec. 26.
Seasonal Spa Treatments

The holidays are stressful, and everyone needs a little pampering this time of year. Relâche Spa & Salon melts the tensions away with new seasonal treatments. Spa gift certificates also make great stocking stuffers. Call Relâche at (301) 965-4400 for more information.
ICE! Science Saturdays with National Children's Museum

Learn all about the science behind ICE!, with interactive activities for kids of all ages! Dec. 5, 12, & 19 at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the atrium; availability for this event is first come, first-served
Gingerbread Family Experience with National Children's Museum

Create a gingerbread house with this fun activity for the entire family. $25 (per gingerbread house) Resort Guests & $30 (per gingerbread house) Non-Resort Guests. Dec. 6, 13, and 20 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Belvedere Lounge; availability for this event is first come, first-served
Wine & Cheese Classes at Old Hickory Steakhouse

Our award-winning Fromagier and Culinary team will host an intimate wine and cheese presentation featuring the latest trends and tastes at these exclusive weekend events. The presentation includes an overview of three Artisanal cheeses paired with three fine wines. All are served with traditional accompaniments. $30 for resort guests, $40 for non-resort guests (plus tax and gratuity). Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 at 4:00 p.m. in Old Hickory Steakhouse
Cool Holiday Cocktails

Our resident mixologists have found the perfect blend of holiday spirits, including Belvedere Lobby Bar's Iceberg, Moon Bay's Blue Ice Cocktail, Pose Ultra Lounge's Mink Coat, and more!
Holiday Milk & Cookies (for overnight resort guests only)

Why should Santa get all the treats? Join us overnight and order up some our delicious Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies and a cold glass of milk from our in-room dining kitchen.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Martha Washington

Join our neighbor from down the Potomac River for a bountiful feast at Pienza Italian Market this Thanksgiving. Adults from $44 per person, plus tax and gratuity, children from $19 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Nov. 26 only, from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Pienza Italian Market
Pienza Italian Market's Christmas Feast

Our executive chefs at Pienza Italian Market have pulled out all the stops to prepare your favorite tastes of the holidays, with a deliciously Mediterranean twist. Adults from $44 per person, plus tax and gratuity, children from $19 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Dec. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Pienza Italian Market
Toys for Tots Tuesdays for $20 at ICE!

Bring a new, unwrapped children's toy to ICE! on December 1, 8, or 15 and your adult ICE! ticket is only $20* — a savings of more than 15%! In addition to your toy donation, Gaylord National® will donate $2 of every adult ticket purchased with a donation directly to TOYS FOR TOTS. *Certain restrictions apply. Dec. 1, 8, and 15 only at ICE!