ICE!

Now through January 5th, things are curiously cold at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Complete with indoor snowfalls, a 60-foot-tall glass Christmas tree, and more than two million pounds of hand carved colorful ice (all kept at a frigid 9 degrees!), the resort is transformed into the iciest of indexattractions with its sixth annual Christmas on the Potomac… and ICE!

Even if you’ve been in past years, you know you’ll marvel again at the hotel’s award-winning indoor attraction, this year featuring a brand-new theme, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, which includes beloved scenes like Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap, visions of Sugar Plums, and Saint Nick with his eight reindeer – all hand-carved into life-size ice sculptures. You’ll shimmy and shiver down 20-foot-tall ice slides and wonder at bonus scene “Christmas in New York City” — boasting the tallest ice sculptures ever created throughout the history of ICE!

IMG_6784And while you’re there, don’t skip out on these other seasonal specials!  (Check for times and prices)

  • Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating: Hosted by “Gingy” from DreamWorks’ Animation’s Shrek, gives guests the choice to decorate a delectable gingerbread family, gingerbread Christmas tree or gingerbread house, as well as meet Gingy for a heart-warming hug.
  • Brunch with Santa: Treat the family to a fabulous brunch with the big guy himself!  Guests will delight in a menu of traditional brunch favorites served family style, followed by an incredible dessert buffet. Kids will enjoy spending some quality time with Santa to tell him what they really want for Christmas, and everyone can gaze at spectacular views of the city from high atop the hotel’s 18th floor.
  • DreamWorks’ Madagascar Crack’ A Lackin’ Cook-in Character Breakfast: Following their circus adventures in the latest DreamWorks Animation Madagascar film, the gang is ready to party. Guests can join King Julien, Alex the Lion and their friends at a feast fit for the King of the Jungle. The breakfast buffet menu features Madagascar-themed items and desserts such as the Flingin’ Chimps Chocolate Fountain.
  • Peeps Potomac Express Train Rides: All aboard!  Kids can take a ride on a winter themed miniature train.
  • Tree of Light and Nightly Tree Lighting Show: The Tree of Light is a one-of-a-kind work of art made of synthetic “candy” glass. Hanging from the atrium, it stands 60-feet tall and weighs 7,000 pounds. By day, it resembles a spectacular stained-glass. At night, a free Tree Lighting Show featuring holiday music, lights and a dancing fountain that shoots 60-feet high makes the tree glow brightly.

Brrrr…illiant!