National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season With Special Celebration Activities From March 22 To April 12

National Harbor, a 350-acre resort property is a prime location in the 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. This year’s seasonal activities take place from March 22 to April 12 with National Harbor also serving as an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. In addition to National Harbor’s breathtaking waterfront views, this year’s celebration 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 30 from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden, a Water Lantern Festival, a Japanese artisanal market and more.

Throughout the month, National Harbor will host classes and events including origami from 2-3 p.m. on April 5 (120 Waterfront St., Suite 425), bonsai from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 22 (120 Waterfront St., Suite 425) and a cherry blossom themed mixology class at the Westin National Harbor (171 Waterfront St.) from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 12. Classes require advance online registration and costs vary. There is also a free Japanese Game Day presented by Katsucon on April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. on the Waterfront Plaza.

The Spring Water Lantern Festival takes place on March 29 and 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and there is a fee that includes a lantern kit. Families, friends, couples and individuals can share in an unforgettable experience that lights the night with warmth, friendship and love. Each person decorates a lighted lantern on behalf of a loved one, a memory or a hope or dream. The lanterns are then floated in an enclosed area of the water in a spectacular display of unity and peace.

“Every year, we’re excited to welcome spring in and celebrate cherry blossom season. This year we’ve expanded our offerings to include the popular Water Lantern Festival. We think it will be a great addition to our annual National Cherry Blossom sanctioned event, Sakura Sunday.” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “We will also turn National Harbor pink on certain dates. This includes lights around the waterfront and The Capital Wheel.”

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. 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.