Christmas on the Potomac - Gaylord National Resort

Duration: 2 Days | Meals Included: 1 Lunch 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

National Harbor

National Harbor is the ultimate waterfront escape, offering a unique blend of dining, entertainment, and breathtaking views from the iconic Capital Wheel (admission not included). It’s a one-of-a-kind destination where endless possibilities await. The National Harbor Circular Bus is a free shuttle between the Gaylord Hotel, MGM Casino, Tanger Outlets & Waterfront (just show your room key to ride the shuttle; if your room key is not ready upon arrival, we will give you an “unprogrammed” room key to use). Reservations are recommended for dining in National Harbor during this time of year; click here to check out all the dining options. For information on other activities in National Harbor, click here. 

 

Gaylord National Resort

This spectacular waterfront resort, with a stunning 19-story glass atrium and sweeping views of the Potomac River, is steps from National Harbor's premier entertainment and shopping district. At Christmastime, experience over 2 million twinkling lights, festive holiday décor, several dining options, luxurious spa services, and endless hours of activities! For information about Christmastime at Gaylord National, click here. 

 

ICE! at Gaylord National Resort

Experience the magic of more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and take a thrilling ride down towering two-story ice slides - all kept at a chilly 9 degrees! This is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Delight in holiday scenes and travel to the North Pole to see Santa and his elves. More than 40 world-renowned master artisans spend more than six weeks hand-carving approximately 6,000 blocks of ice to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas attraction! The 2025 theme is TBA.

 

Gadsby's Tavern

Originally built in 1792 as the City Hotel, Gadsby's Tavern has been meticulously preserved and restored to reflect its late 18th-century charm. Today, the restaurant offers an authentic colonial dining experience, complete with period-appropriate food, serving pieces, furnishings, costumes, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy the same historic atmosphere that once hosted patriots, high society, and even President George Washington.

 

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Step back into the 18th century at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, where history comes alive through the stories of famous figures and everyday people who dined and stayed here. Explore the rich history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, cuisine, and attire of the era. Experience the same hospitality that once welcomed George Washington, who attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor, along with other distinguished patrons like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day two is included at Historic Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant. Choices are (order when seated): 

• Top round roast beef

• Chicken fontina

• Baked New England-style codfish

• Butternut squash ravioli

Meal also includes tavern salad, bread, dessert, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

 

Need to Know:

• This tour has a lot of time on own and the area is large. Plan on lots of walking to experience all there is to see and do on this tour.

• At Gaylord National Resort, please note that the hotel restaurants and stores are cashless, accepting only credit card payments.

• To enter MGM Casino, you must show an acceptable form of identification (Driver's License, State ID, Passport)

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling and related gratuties are included.

 

Accessibility:

• Gadsby's Tavern Museum Tour: includes navigating two staircases; no elevator access available.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor, MD)

 

This spectacular waterfront resort, with a stunning 19-story glass atrium and sweeping views of the Potomac River, is steps from National Harbor's premier entertainment and shopping district. At Christmastime, experience over 2 million twinkling lights, festive holiday décor, luxurious spa services, and endless hours of activities! The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness room and several diverse restaurants/lounges featuring everything from savory steaks and handcrafted cocktails to crab cake sliders and fresh salads, there’s something for everyone to savor. Guest rooms are "Standard" rooms and include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board. The National Harbor Circular Bus is a free shuttle between the hotel, MGM Casino, Tanger Outlets & Waterfront (just show your room key to ride the shuttle; if your room key is not ready upon arrival, we will give you an “unprogrammed” room key to use).

 

For more info on holiday activities at the Gaylord National Resort, click here.