Things to Do in National Harbor for the Holidays

This post is in collaboration with the National Harbor who provided us with complimentary tickets to The Capital Wheel and Carousel. All opinions are my own.

We just returned home from a fun filled weekend at the National Harbor and we already cannot wait to go back. It was our first time there and we couldn’t have picked a better time to visit. The weather was beautiful and everything was decorated so pretty for the holidays. There was so much to do, both my toddler and my tween had so much fun. They’re already talking about making this a yearly trip to kick off the holidays. We kicked off our holiday season celebrating Christmas on the Potomac. With plenty of hotels, shops, restaurants and fun things to do all in one place, it’s no wonder we all enjoyed ourselves.

We stayed at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center and it was only a short two block walk to the waterfront. The weather was unseasonably warm this weekend so we tried to spend as much time outdoors as we could. In colder weather, I would definitely bundle up with warm jackets and gloves.

Whether you’re headed down for the day or the weekend, here are my top picks for some holiday fun:

1. VISIT ICE!
This is a must see. I’m a Jersey gal so you think I’d be used to cold weather but I don’t like it at all. I’d rather be somewhere warm but I knew this is something the kids would love and figured I’d take one for the team here. Little did I know I would be the one having the most fun! We all had a great time but I really surprised myself here and had a blast. See those slides? They’re made entirely of ice and I spent plenty of time racing my son down them. Some of the most fun I’ve had in awhile. This is definitely a must do when your in the area. Check out ICE! here. Ticket prices start at $21 for kids/$29 for adults.

2. THE CAPITAL WHEEL
It’s hard to miss the Capitol wheel when you arrive in the National Harbor. Soaring high above the Potomac River, you can enjoy a ten minute ride with amazing views of the Harbor and beyond. The views up top are simply breathtaking. The kids loved being high in the sky and loved checking out the Harbor from above. Tickets prices start at $11.25 for kids and $15 for adults visit TheCapitalWheel.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

3. STOP BY THE PLAZA
Enjoy a movie, live music or sports on the jumbotron. Directly behind the jumbotron is a giant outdoor sandbox with a climbing sculpture for the kids. It’s the perfect spot for them to run around and burn off some energy.

4. VISIT THE PEEP STORE AND CHRISTMAS TREE
A trip to the Peeps store is a must. My oldest has loved Peeps since he was two so I knew we had to stop in for a visit. There’s plenty of Peep merchandise for sale and of course plenty of Peeps to eat! Directly on top of the Peeps store is a giant Christmas tree which is beautiful during the day and night. Be sure to check out the adorable Peeps jammies for kids. The holiday ones are too cute. It’s makes a great backdrop for a quick family photo or just a pretty site to see.

5. TAKE A SPIN ON THE CAROUSEL
This beautiful carousel is fun for kids of all ages. Enjoy music, a play area with slides and more. Saturdays through December 18th, you’ll find Santa enjoying the carousel from Noon – 2pm. Take a ride with Santa or stop for a picture. For more information and a complete schedule visit NationalHarbor.com.

6. SHOPPING AT THE TANGER OUTLETS
A short ride from the downtown area is the Tanger Outlets. With over 85 stores, it’s the perfect place to do a little holiday shopping for everyone on your list. If you’re staying at the Gaylord National Hotel, enjoy the complimentary shuttle to take you over and bring you back when you’re done.