Christmas is one of our famliy’s favorite holidays. So when the Gaylord National Resort invited our family to learn about their new offerings for its 2012 Christmas on the Potomac celebration, I could couldn’t resist. Let me tell you, the Gaylord knows how to throw a party!
My sister and I were impressed by the ice carvings in last winter’s ICE! and this year we’re making plans to check out this winter’s ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Hall. They had Shrek come out to announce the new theme and my poor toddler was terrified. I don’t blame Jaxson. Shrek is an ogre after all. Thankfully Sophia was not scared by Shrek or Gingy.
After the big ICE! theme announcement, we had a small taste of Christmas. The Gaylord decked out their ballroom with a huge Christmas tree, photos with Santa, lots of sweets, and our kids’ favorite: decorating gingerbread houses with Gingy. My vocal daughter made it well known how exciting it was to decorate real gingerbread houses, as opposed to our homemade graham cracker creations. I’ll try not to be too offended.
The gingerbread decorating kits are available at Gingy’s house during the Christmas season right in the atrium at Gaylord National. Jaxson did a great job supervising his dad during the decorating process. (The mood lighting made it hard to take good photos.)
Once the kids finished stuffing their faces with candy from their gingerbread house kits, we headed to the National Harbor Waterfront for an after party. I haven’t been to the National Harbor since last winter and wow, so much has changed. There are so many more restaurants: Pinkberry, Nando’s, CakeLove and more. The National Harbor has so much going on in the summer! Lots of free activities like yoga, free outdoor concerts and the Gaylord’s summer fireworks show.
It was a rainy Saturday this past weekend, but the kids had so much fun they didn’t mind at all. I’m looking forward to the Gaylord’s Christmas on the Potomac this winter. Hubby didn’t get see ICE! last winter so we’re making sure he sees this year’s exhibit. If you want to visit the ICE! indoor exhibit and slide down the ice slides, grab your early bird tickets now. Tickets are only $18.99 (regularly $22.99) but that price is only available until Oct 1, 2012. There are also lots of Christmas packages at the Gaylord available.
Our family was invited to preview Gaylord National’s Christmas offerings but was not obligated to post about it. I’ve been to the Gaylord previously on my own dime for various conferences. It’s a really beautiful resort. They even offer anniversary and birthday packages. Hmmm, our 10 year anniversary is coming up next month. . . .