The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from anywhere in the DMV, Gaylord National Resort will soon turn into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together, and make new traditions.
From November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive music, and seasonal treats that dazzle, delight, and set the perfect holiday scene.
ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™
At the heart of it all is ICE! featuring The Polar Express™, the beloved holiday movie brought to life with more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved, colorful ice.
This immersive wonderland includes ice sculptures, ice slides, and scenes from the Christmas classic—masterfully crafted by 40 expert artisans from Harbin, China.
Armed with a 300-page design book filled with sketches and blueprints, the artisans spend six weeks carving each piece—some as small as a coin, others nearly 30 feet tall. Using chisels, tongs, grinders, and even chainsaws, they transform ice into a 20,000-square-foot holiday attraction.
Guests will marvel at stunning carvings of familiar characters and heartwarming scenes, from the children from the train to the iconic and whimsical hot chocolate dance.
To preserve the sculptures, Gaylord National uses a state-of-the-art chilling system. Guests don’t need to bring heavy coats—parkas are provided—but scarves, gloves, and hats are recommended for those who get chilly. Inside, families can slide down icy chutes, explore larger-than-life displays, and soak in the frosty magic.
So Much Christmas
Beyond ICE! featuring The Polar Express™, Gaylord National Resort offers a winter wonderland of festive activities for the whole family.
- Ice Tubing – Brave the four-lane hill for a thrilling ride.
- Gingerbread Decorating – Craft sweet creations to take home.
- Snowball Build & Blast – Build and toss real snowballs at fun targets.
- Photos with Santa – Meet the man in red and capture the perfect photo.
- Mistletoe Mile Scavenger Hunt – Work together to search for clues, solve the puzzle, and earn a prize!
For an unforgettable performance the whole family will love, grab seats for Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, a cirque-style Christmas show that will dazzle with acrobatics, stunts, and Broadway flair.
After a day filled with Christmas cheer, linger over an exceptional meal. Old Hickory Steakhouse offers timeless cuts in an elegant setting. Harbor Social serves elevated comfort food and shareable starters in an interactive sports bar setting. The Belvedere Lobby Bar is the perfect spot to savor light bites and perfectly crafted cocktails while enjoying a stunning view of the garden atrium and Potomac River. As the day winds down, enjoy an evening stroll through the glowing, atrium, shimmering with holiday lights.
Make Memories that Last
This year, skip the travel stress and give your family the greatest gift of all: time together. With so much to see and do, Gaylord National Resort is the ultimate holiday destination for creating new traditions and making memories that last a lifetime.
Explore overnight packages, ticket bundles, and special offers at ChristmasAtGaylordNational.com, and make this holiday season one your family will never forget.
Enter to win a 2-night stay at Gaylord National, including tickets to ICE!
