Gaylord National Resort invited us to experience Christmas on the Potomac recently. From our Feast with the Grinch to exploring this year’s ICE! attraction, we tried out all the fun things to do during the holidays at Gaylord National Harbor……..

We look forward to this event every year! Christmas on the Potomac has become a holiday tradition for our family. So when the invitation arrived announcing this year’s theme – How the Grinch Stole Christmas– we could hardly wait!!

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Harbor for the Holidays

Our day started with a character breakfast inside the atrium of the Gaylord National resort. If you haven’t been, the Gaylord National is a beautiful place. It’s especially pretty during the holidays with all the decorations and festivities going on.

We stopped on the way inside to snap a picture in front of the Grinch themed backdrop. Once seated, we ordered coffee and juice as we spotted the Grinch making his way around the room. The kids were so excited to say hello and give him a hug! They got to meet Max too, and then made their way to the buffet to fill their plates.

The breakfast buffet is delicious. Everything from eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes and a variety of pastries are offered. Oh, and pancakes and green waffles with lots of kid-appealing toppings! Fresh fruit, cereal, oatmeal and yogurt are also included for those looking for lighter, healthier options.

Grinch Character Breakfast

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Resort – Christmas on the Potomac

Following our feasting, we headed off to the Workshop room to preview a few of the exciting activities the Gaylord is offering on Wednesdays in the Pienza Marketplace.

Beginning in December Workshop Wednesday will feature something new guests won’t want to miss. The workshops will be held on Dec, 11 and 18 from 4-8 p.m. Activities vary each Wednesday but guests can expect fun, festive craft nights and special family friendly events, including:

  • Ooey Gooey Grinch Slime
  • Winter Mint Body Scrub
  • Medieval Times will join the party with a Knight performance, a “knighting” ceremony for the kids and more!

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Checkout B getting in on the slime-making action! He and K loved making Mint Sugar Scrub and Ooey Gooey Grinchy Slime.

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

After a little crafting we explored the Garden Atrium searching for clues from our Grinch scavenger hunt.  Look up and you’ll see the dazzling 55-foot suspended Starlight Christmas tree. The Garden Atrium is also home to the newest version of Cirque Dreams Unwrapped, a spellbinding production of seasonal dreams combining breathtaking choreography, music and showmanship.

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

ICE! Exhibit – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Of course, you can’t miss the incredible ICE! experience exclusive to Gaylord hotels during the holiday season. Imagine 15,000 square feet of hand carved ice sculptures creating scenes from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! It’s 9 degrees inside, which is why you have to don cozy blue parkas before entering the “cold room.” Getting geared up in parkas is part of the fun!

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Truly, it’s a one of a kind experience that’s something you just have to see for yourself. It’s a delight for all ages, from the tallest to the smallest. We brought my grandmother this year and she loved seeing all the massive sculptures.

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

There are lots of instagrammable spots to snap pics inside. A forewarning though: it’s so cold your phone will quickly lose it’s battery life if you don’t keep it warm. Just a thought to keep in mind! Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Also inside you’ll see the giant ice slides, a favorite for kids and adults. Climb to the top and make you’re way down the faux ice path.

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

I’m always amazed at all the detail that goes into creating these displays. Artisans from Harbin, China are brought in to create the more than 2 million pounds of ice.

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Snow Tubing, Ice Skating and Santa Visit

After we explored the ICE! exhibit we grabbed hot cocoa to warm us up and spent some time in Christmas Village. Here you’ll find a fabulous shop filled with holiday souvenirs, toys and trinkets of all kinds. There’s even a Build-a-Bear workshop!

And after you’ve shopped for gifts and goodies you have to take a ride down Reindeer Rush, an indoor snow tubing attraction that’s SNOW much fun.

You can also stop by and see Santa himself while you’re inside Christmas Village. Get pictures with Santa taken and listen to Mrs. Claus tell a story. Visits with Santa are free and pictures with Santa are available for purchase.

Last on our list of fun for the day, ice skating! The new outdoor Winter Square overlooking the Potomac River hosts an outdoor Ice-Skating Rink. We traded our shoes in for skates, laced up and hit the ice. Circling the rink while Christmas music played was the perfect way to end a magical day.

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

 

Gaylord National Resort - ICE! 2019 Christmas on the Potomac - Holiday Events Washington DC

Visit Christmas on the Potomac to plan your visit to the Gaylord National Harbor resort for the holidays!
Our friends at the Gaylord have given us a special discount on ICE!
Use this link and enter code Influencer19 for $3 off tickets to ICE! valid on all days

 

 

 

More Holiday Posts You’ll Like…

Santa Tracker

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ICE! at the Gaylord National is a Holiday Event You Don’t Want to Miss

The Grinch- How the Grinch Stole Christmas Party Ideas