Ice! returns to National Harbor with ‘A Christmas Story’ theme
After a two year hiatus, Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland will once again host Ice!
By Rebecca W. Davis
This year, the theme of the unique walk-through experience will be “A Christmas Story,” celebrating the 1983 film and its new sequel, coming to HBO Max on Nov. 20, 2022. The exhibition will open five days earlier than usual and will coincide with the film’s release.
Artisans from Harbin, China bring these holiday stories to life through hand-carved sculptures. Constructed from over two million pounds of ice, the sculptures are housed inside a large, insulated tent and kept at nine degrees fahrenheit. Guests are loaned long parkas to wear inside the exhibit (we recommend bringing your own gloves and hat too.)
The attraction is wheelchair accessible, and discounted tickets for military personnel are available every day. Ticket prices start at $36.99 for adults and $27.99 for children four and up. Children three and under enter free.
More Winter Holiday Offerings at Gaylord National Resort
In addition to Ice!, Gaylord Resorts will offer a variety of holiday-themed activities for both overnight and day guests. Fan-favorites like ice skating and gingerbread decorating will return, along with festive refreshment offerings such as the Nitro Pepsi pop-up bar featuring holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails.
Winter Square
Guests can go Ice Skating or take a spin in the Ice Bumper Cars in the newly located Winter Square.
Gingerbread Monument Display
An over-the-top gingerbread display will depict the various monuments of Washington, D.C. A team of nine pastry chefs works over the course of three months to design and construct the village from 300 pounds of gingerbread!
Live Entertainment
The “Shine Light Show” and the 55-foot suspended Starlight Christmas Tree return this year with the addition of a new 60-foot light curtain!
“The Greatest Story” live stage show and a “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” live stage show are new entertainment offerings this year.
Snow Factory’s Snowball Build and Blast
At Snow Factory, guests can build and toss real snowballs or slide down the frozen hill at Snow Flow Mountain!
Merry Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Fans of the Peanuts classic “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” can enjoy exploring the atrium in search of hidden holiday clues.
Christmas Village
The village will feature gingerbread cookie decorating, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, The Village Shoppe retail store, and photos with Santa Claus.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus will read “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and share Santa’s favorite Christmas cookies!
Festive Spa Treatments
Relâche Spa will get into the spirit with luxurious treatments including the Ice! Ohhh Fudge Body Scrub, a Winter Wellness Facial, and a Winter Wellness Eucalyptus Massage.
Overnight Offerings
Overnight guests of the resort can enjoy the popular Christmas suites, which are decked out in holiday décor to give them a home-for-the-holidays feel. Accommodation and activity packages are available, visit christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com for more details and to book your visit.
The Gaylord National Resort sits in the National Harbor, which also offers various holiday events and programming. This winter, National Harbor plans to delight guests with a nightly tree-lighting ceremony every half hour from sunset until 9 p.m. Then, each Saturday from Nov. 12-Dec. 17, a fireworks show will light up the skies.
They absolutely NAILED the Ralphie pose here.
Fra-Gee-Lay all!