Holiday Activities Abound At National Harbor: Santa, Stories, Scavenger Hunt, Bumper Cars

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Ring in the holidays with a visit to National Harbor, which twinkles with more than 2 million lights. There's an abundance of fun activities to see and things to do while there, in addition to shopping and dining.

1. Check out the 54-foot-tall 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, the tree lighting will be followed 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 at 150 National Plaza. Movie schedule can be found here.

3. Gaylord National celebrates the season with its I Love Christmas Movies 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 Dec. 16-19, a family holiday spectacular that will delight all ages. 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 at 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. Children can 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. 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. Engage in a holiday scavenger hunt with Elf on the Shelf, a Christmas Tradition.