Christmas at Gaylord National

There is something magical about holiday decorations and this time of the year. The twinkling lights, the smell of cookies baking and the cozy feelings that come with the holidays. Not everyone wants to put up an elaborate display of their own though and going to visit a holiday light display is a great way to enjoy beautiful decorations without the stress.

The Gaylord National is one of my favorite holiday displays to visit. Not only is the atrium always beautifully decorated and full of Christmas lights, but the hotel also, has many themed activities. Some of the holiday activities for purchase this year include the I love Christmas Movies walk through, holiday Build-A-Bear popup, Sweet Shoppe, Tree Lot bar, a rendition of the Christmas Story and a holiday light show in the atrium (free).

I Love Christmas Movies Experience

One of the new activities this year is the I love Christmas Movies features a unique walk through. This experience emerges the visitor in some of the classic Christmas Movies sets such a Year Without a Santa Clause, Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story, The Polar Express, and Elf. In the experience one can walk into areas with backdrops and props from these movies. Santa’s workshop from Elf, the train from Polar Express, the house from Christmas Vacation and the town from Year Without a Santa Clause were my favorites of the experience.

Outside the walk through is a gift shop featuring many products from classic Christmas movies and the Snow Factory area which has many fun holiday themed activities. Some of the activities this year include an ice hill for tubing, snowball fight games, a Build-A-Bear popup shop, Gingerbread house decorating, a scavenger hunt and other activities like ice bumper cars. There is enough to keep young and young at heart entertained for the day.

Sweet Treats and Food Options

The hotel restaurant Old Hickory Steakhouse is a great option is you have time to sit down and enjoy a meal during your visit. I would suggest making reservations in advance if you want to dine there though. Other food options include a market place for quick service eats and a popup pizza place in the atrium. There are plenty of options for festive holiday drinks and treats as well in the atrium.

At the popup Holiday Sweet Shoppe I tried eggnog with a choice of fireball for an extra kick. The Shoppe also, contained gingerbread houses, holiday treats, Yule log cakes and desserts to tempt. There was a popup themed Tree Lot bar in the atrium that had some delicious seasonal drink options as well. I tried the Home for the Holidays cocktail there featuring rum and clove. Both drinks and the macaroon cookies I had at these locations were delicious.

Visiting Gaylord National kicks off our Christmas season and I can highly recommend going to the Gaylord National to celebrate the holiday season. We have made coming to Gaylord National part of our holiday traditions and our first Christmas activity each year. My favorite part of the night is grabbing a drink and watching the light show inside the atrium each year. If you’re local to the National Harbor area the Gaylord National is perfect for a day trip and if you’re a few hours away like me booking an overnight stay extends the fun of this wonderful holiday experience. This would be the perfect place to start a holiday tradition.

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