A Smaller Sphere Is Coming to National Harbor In Maryland, Beside The MGM National Harbor Casino

Sphere Entertainment is preparing to bring its signature immersive venue concept to the Washington, D.C. region — this time in a more compact form. The company has announced plans to build a 6,000‑seat Sphere at National Harbor in Maryland, positioned beside the MGM National Harbor casino. The project would mark the first “smaller‑scale” version of the Las Vegas Sphere, which seats more than 17,000.

State officials and developers describe the venue as a major cultural and economic opportunity for Prince George’s County. The proposed structure would feature the same striking Exosphere — the programmable LED exterior that has become a global visual icon — though scaled to fit the waterfront site overlooking the Potomac River. The location is currently a parking lot, according to planning details.

The Maryland Sphere would be only the second in the United States and the third worldwide, following the Las Vegas flagship and a planned venue in Abu Dhabi. The project is expected to be supported by a mix of public and private funding, including roughly $200 million in incentives from state, local, and private partners.

Local leaders say the venue could help fill the gap left by several entertainment closures in the region and further elevate National Harbor as a destination for tourism, nightlife, and large‑scale events. Sphere Entertainment CEO James Dolan emphasized that the company aims to build a “global network of Spheres” in forward‑looking cities, with National Harbor serving as the first example of the new, smaller design model. The timeline for construction remains uncertain, as the project still requires formal agreements and government approvals. But if it moves forward, the National Harbor Sphere could become one of the region’s most distinctive landmarks — and a new East Coast hub for immersive entertainment.

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.

National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms During Its Popular Cherry Blossom Season From March 20 To April 14

National Harbor has become a prime location in the D.C. region to celebrate its spectacular (early) cherry tree display. The 350-acre resort property has more than 200 cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy the trees along the 1.2 mile waterfront trail that bloom earlier than those on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. This year’s festivities take place from March 20 to April 14 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, hotel room packages, 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 24 from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights, and a Japanese market.

Throughout the month, National Harbor will host classes and events including origami, sushi making, Japanese games provided by Katsucon Entertainment, Inc., bonsai, sake, and candle making.

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 has its beautiful spring conservatory installation. Some of National Harbor’s eight hotels will offer specials and packages. Select hotels will provide special National Harbor welcome swag bags with Cherry Blossom package deals.

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.

National Harbor Lights Up the Holidays With Two Million Lights, And More

National Harbor has quickly become one of the nation’s top holiday waterfront destinations. The 350-acre property turns magical during the holidays and is all dressed up with more than two million holiday lights and decorations throughout. With its eight hotels, more than 40 restaurants and The Capital Wheel, it’s the perfect location to make holiday memories. From family activities to a romantic getaway for couples—National Harbor has it all.

Each year, National Harbor welcomes Gaylord National Resort’s amazing annual holiday celebration including its world-famous ICE! attraction. This year, the fun begins on November 19 and runs through December 31, 2023. The interactive ICE! will include 13 scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ with classic characters including Clarice, Bumble, Sam the Snowman, Hermy the Elf and the star of the show, Rudolph. The carvers, from Harbin, China, work with more than two million pounds of colorful ice, taking more than 12,000 man hours to create the nearly 20,000 square foot, frozen attraction. This year, a Carver’s Showcase will feature a live demonstration where guests can see how the talented artisans carve the larger-than-life sculptures. ICE! is part of Christmas at Gaylord National, which includes a variety of family-friendly holiday events such as photos with Santa, ice skating and more. For additional information, visit ChristmasAtGaylordNational.com.

MGM National Harbor celebrates the holiday season at National Harbor with spectacular decorations throughout, including the property’s popular Conservatory where the holidays come alive with a breathtaking display. Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be at the Theater at MGM National Harbor from Dec. 15-17.

The holiday celebration continues throughout the destination with the lighting of the Waterfront District’s extraordinary 60-foot RGB tree, guarded by two new 12-foot nutcrackers. The nightly light show starts at sunset and continues every half an hour until 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy thousands of lights dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band, the season kicks off November 11. Saturday night fireworks run November 11 through December 30 at 5:30pm. Activities continue throughout the holidays with the opportunity to meet Santa at The Capital Wheel on Saturdays and Sundays from December 2 until December 17 from 2-4 p.m. Participating stores will have free hot cocoa on weekends from Nov. 11 through Dec. 31.

National Harbor is the perfect location to enjoy a wide array of holiday activities and events in close proximity to the Capital Region including Christmas at Mount Vernon (George Washington’s Alexandria home.) Holiday activities at Mount Vernon include holiday lights, fireworks and candlelight tours. Also nearby, the Accokeek Foundation has an annual Winter’s Eve Festival. Visitors may explore Piscataway Park and the National Colonial Farm by candlelight.

National Harbor is also the perfect location for holiday shopping with more than 140 shops including Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands such as Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Movado, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Coach and H&M.

There’s additional shopping in the Waterfront District where there are walkable streets with unique shops and boutiques such as MahoganyBooks, ZAAF, BrookieGirl, Miguel Wilson, It’Sugar, Corinto Gallery and more. These join nationally recognized brands including Carhartt and others. MGM National provides additional boutique shopping opportunities.

Also at National Harbor, over the holidays, there’s Titanic. The Exhibition. Visitors will travel back to 1912 through a collection of over 200 artifacts and personal belongings from passengers and crew members of the world's most famous ship including photographs, handwritten letters, keepsakes and more, telling countless stories about the fates and heroic deeds of those on board. Far more than a display of historic items, the exhibit immerses participants in a captivating narrated journey through the life and legacy of the Titanic on its maiden and final voyage. For tickets, visit www.titanicexhibition.com/dc/.

For more information about all of National Harbor’s holiday fun and hotel packages, visit www.NationalHarbor.com/hohoho. For more information on National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.

National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms, March 17 To April 17 With The Region’s Earliest Blooming Cherry Tree Waterfront Display

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.— National Harbor has become known for its spring display of hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront. The trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region.

To celebrate the spectacular display, National Harbor is hosting a Cherry Blossom Celebration beginning March 17 through April 17. The month long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more.

“We are delighted to have become a destination for viewing cherry blossoms,” said Jackie Saunders AVP Marketing at National Harbor. “Because our trees bloom early, we provide visitors with an extended opportunity to view and celebrate cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region.”

National Harbor’s more than 200 trees are Okame cherry trees—recognizable by their masses of striking pink flowers. They are more tolerant to cold than most other types of cherry trees and are early bloomers with flowers lasting up to three weeks. They also grow about two feet a year and are very desirable for areas that want quick, hardy, spectacular color. In a region that is known for its cherry blossom displays and celebrations, the trees at National Harbor have quickly become a large draw.

While National Harbor is again an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the property has expanded its offerings and created a month celebration including its popular Sakura Sunday event taking place on Sunday, April 3. Sakura Sunday will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music and dance, culinary delights and much more! Art in Bloom artist Josue Martinez who has a gallery at National Harbor will update his chair in time for the festival.

During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor will have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor will have its beautiful conservatory installation that includes cherry blossoms. In the Waterfront District, shop windows will be creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms and retailers will feature a wide array of cherry blossom promotions. Some of the classes that will take place during the celebration include origami, cherry blossom painting, flower making, Japanese gardens and more.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks.

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.

National Harbor Celebrates With Special Cherry Blossom Cocktails and Treats through April 11

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.— National Harbor’s famous waterfront cherry trees are now in full bloom and the whole property is celebrating this gorgeous display with a wide array of activities and special events including Sakura Sunday every Sunday through April 11. Each Sakura Sunday will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, yoga and meditation classes and much more.

While The Capital Wheel lights up in brilliant pink every night and lights throughout the property turn pink, many of National Harbor’s restaurants, bars and food retailers are celebrating with special cocktails such as the Blossom Blast Cocktail at Voltaggio Brothers at MGM; Sakura Fling, a cherry blossom tini, at the Westin; Cherry Blossom Spritz at Bond 45; Silver Blossom available at Bar Harbor in Hyatt Place; Whiskey Cherry Coke at TAP Sports Bar at MGM and Strawberry Mochi from Ginger at MGM. Treats include Cherry Cheesecake from National Market at MGM, Cherry Pink Lemonade cheesecake from The Furlough Cheesecake, Cherry Blossom Messysicles from Messy Treatz, Crème Brulee cheesecake with cherry drizzle and fresh cherries from Bar Harbor at Hyatt Place and Cherry Truffles from Savannah Candy Kitchen.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor has its amazing conservatory spring garden installation. In the Waterfront District, shop windows have been creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms; Muse Paintbar is holding three special cherry blossom inspired painting classes. BrookieGirl Bath + Body Care has cherry blossom body care products.

National Harbor is thrilled to participate in National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Art in Bloom, a community-wide visual art exhibition featuring 26 over sized cherry blossom sculptures. “Cherry Blossom Swirl Freestyle” by artist Josue “Cortino” Martinez is situated along the Potomac adjacent to the Plaza at the entrance of Freedom Pier.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/.

National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms, March 20 to April 11

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.— National Harbor has become known for its spring display of hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront. The trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region.

To celebrate the spectacular display, National Harbor is hosting a Cherry Blossom Celebration beginning March 20 through April 11. The water taxi, opening just in time, is a great way to view the blossoms from the water.

“We are delighted to have become a cherry blossom viewing destination,” said Jackie Saunders AVP Marketing at National Harbor. “Because our trees bloom early, we can provide visitors with a longer opportunity to view cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region.”

National Harbor’s more than 200 trees are Okame cherry trees—recognizable by their masses of striking pink flowers. They are more tolerant to cold than most other types of cherry trees and are early bloomers with flowers lasting up to three weeks. They also grow about two feet a year and are very desirable for areas that want quick, hardy, spectacular color. In a region that is known for its cherry blossom displays and celebrations, the trees at National Harbor have quickly become a large draw.

While National Harbor is again an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the property has expanded its offerings and created a two-month celebration including its popular Sakura Sunday event every Sunday from March 20 to April 11. Each Sakura Sunday will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, culinary classes (in person and virtual) and much more!

During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up pink every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.

Hotels and shops at National Harbor will have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor will have its amazing conservatory cherry blossom installation. In the Waterfront District, shop windows will be creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms; Muse Paintbar will hold three special cherry blossom inspired painting classes; the Westin will feature a signature Cherry Blossom-Tini; BrookieGirl, will offer cherry blossom body care products. Seasonal classes during the celebration include origami, cherry blossom painting, sushi rolling, flower making, and more.

National Harbor will also feature one of the 25 giant cherry blossom sculptures created by local artists that will be displayed throughout Washington, D.C.

For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks.