Christmas at Gaylord National featuring The Polar Express™
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering – Event may differ

Christmas at Gaylord National featuring The Polar Express™

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the spectacular ICE! attraction that brings The Polar Express™ to life in stunning ice sculptures. Beyond the icy marvels, discover a resort aglow with over 2 million lights, festive shows, and hands-on activities like gingerbread decorating and ice tubing. It's the ultimate holiday destination for creating unforgettable family memories.

What to Expect

ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ in a winter wonderland.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Self-parking costs $34.00 plus tax and valet parking costs $54.00 plus tax.
  • Accessibility: The ICE! cold tent and other holiday attractions are accessible and ADA compliant. Strollers are allowed if they do not impede traffic flow, but are not permitted in the ICE! tent. Wagons are not permitted in the ICE! tent.
  • Pets: Service animals welcome

Other Christmas Events Near National Harbor

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, magical, immersive, family-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low (ice! is indoors, other activities may be indoors or outdoors)

Special Events & Promotions

  • FLASH SALE: Up to 50% off ICE! Tickets! Book by Nov. 1 using code GIFT25.
  • Save up to 30% with Ticket Passes (Silver Pack, Gold Pack).
  • ICE! Overnight Package available.
  • Stay Longer and Save: Up to 20% off for three or more nights with code S6058.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Overnight Package: Save up to 15% off room nights with ICE! tickets and earn 1,000 bonus points per night with code D0873.

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlyinteractive displaysSanta visitsfestive foodholiday seasonwinter activitiesholiday traditionThe Polar Expressice sculptures

Location

Gaylord National Resort
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD
20745

Event Details

Duration

Varies by activity, ICE! attraction visit typically 30 minutes

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

National Harbor

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Gaylord National Resort

Food & Drink

Festive food and warm beverages available, including hot chocolate. Dining reservations may be exclusive to overnight guests on select peak dates.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Dress warmly for ICE! as it's kept at a chilly 9°F, even though parkas are provided. Consider bringing hats and gloves for extra comfort.
  • Arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled ICE! time slot to ensure entry, as capacity limits are strictly enforced.
  • Consider purchasing a bundled ticket pass (Silver or Gold) to save up to 20-30% on multiple attractions, including ICE!.
  • Overnight guests receive a complimentary 'Chill Pass' for front-of-line access to ICE!, but separate ICE! tickets are still required.
  • For guests with sensory sensitivities, specific Monday mornings (Nov 18, 25, Dec 2, 9 from 10 am-11 am) offer modified experiences with lowered music and lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to visit ICE!?

All guests are provided a blue parka. Hats and gloves are recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are advised; open-toed and high-heeled shoes are not permitted.

Do overnight guests have unlimited access to ICE!?

No, all tickets to ICE! are for timed entry only. Overnight guests receive a 'Chill Pass' for front-of-line access, but separate ICE! tickets are still required.

Where do I park and is there a fee?

Self-parking costs $34.00 plus tax and valet parking costs $54.00 plus tax. Follow signs for guest parking.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are allowed if they do not impede traffic flow, but are not permitted inside the ICE! tent. Wagons are also not permitted in the ICE! tent.

Are tickets refundable?

Day guest tickets are non-refundable. Overnight guests have a 72-hour cancellation policy for a full refund; cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

Follow us for updates and more events!