Nine Top Things To Do At National Harbor During The Holidays

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—National Harbor is one of the Washington, D.C. region’s top destinations. With more than 12 million visitors a year, the waterfront destination is constantly adding new shops, restaurants and entertainment options to continue to delight guests. The holidays are no exception. The whole property is dressed up with more than two million lights. While Holidays at the Harbor features dozens of things to see and do, here are nine highlights:

1. See the 54-foot tree with its spectacular light show and a dazzling fireworks display following tree lighting on Saturdays. Tree lighting takes place every half hour daily starting at sunset through 9 p.m. (at the Belvedere event space , adjacent to Bond 45, 149 Waterfront St.) On Saturdays through Dec. 18, tree lighting is following by fireworks at 5:30 p.m.

2. Enjoy a classic holiday movie with Movies on the Potomac every Sunday through Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. on the waterfront screen (150 National Plaza.)

3. Gaylord National celebrates the season with its I Love Christmas MoviesTM exhibit. Participants walk through iconic scenes from favorite Christmas movies (some are the same movies being shown on the waterfront above,) in a multi-sensory experience. The fun continues with Christmas activities like the new ice bumper cars and snow tubing. Christmas on the Potomac runs through Dec 31.

4. MGM National Harbor brings back its annual tradition of Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 16-19—a family holiday spectacular that will delight all ages. It has been described as “A Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry.” Don’t miss the MGM Conservatory while you’re there with its spectacular holiday design.

5. Grab a drink, make s’mores and catch up with friends at the new (pop-up) Gumdrop Tavern. This fun, creative drink spot (137 Waterfront St.) with a gingerbread theme features cocktails, mocktails, hot chocolate and s’more kits to enjoy indoors or on the outdoor patio with fire pits. Open through Jan. 9 from Thursday to Sunday with hours of 4 to 9 pm. Thursdays and Fridays and 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

6. Young children will want to visit National Harbor to see Santa and take in Storytime. Santa will be at The Capital Wheel on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. Storytime takes place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. on American Way where Prince George’s County Library and Mahogany Books take turns reading to children.

7. Shop and Sip in the Waterfront District at National Harbor with dozens of unique boutiques and brands you know. Select Waterfront District retailers and restaurants will provide free hot chocolate on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through Jan. 2. Free cocoa mugs will also be given out by select retailers with a purchase of $50 or more, while supplies last.

8. Keep up your golf swing over the holidays and relax with friends at Topgolf (6400 Clipper Way) with half-price Tuesdays and a special Holiday Bonus Card-a-thon (buy a $50 card, get $10 free.)

9. Mix fun with shopping at MGM National Harbor and Tanger Outlets. Shop Tanger’s 85 designer brands while you partake in a holiday scavenger hunt with Elf on the Shelf, a Christmas Tradition.

For more information about all of National Harbor’s holiday fun, visit www.NationalHarbor.com\hohoho.