“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” does indeed have a very shiny nose—to paraphrase the famous holiday song, you could even say it shines like ice! “Winter travelers” can now experience the legendary stop-motion animated television offering in ice sculptures at the ICE! attraction at Prince George’s County’s National Harbor in an “arctic journey.” Rudolph and his reindeer friends, Hermey (the elf who wants to be a dentist), the Abominable Snow Monster, the misfit toys, and others are all on display in ice at National Harbor. Fans from every generation will appreciate the very charming (and chilly) scenes from “Rudolph,” as meticulous ice sculptures evoke a childlike wonder from the young and fond, nostalgic memories for those who have viewed over a lifetime the annual TV special (now running in its 59th consecutive year).
Before venturing outside the Gaylord National Hotel to enjoy “Rudolph” (as well as religious sculptures in ice), Rachel Dinbokowitz of the ICE! team offers this important advice: “Please remember to dress warmly, as ICE! is 9 degrees. You will be provided with a warm blue parka, but we encourage people to wear closed toe shoes, gloves, hats, and scarfs.”
After a welcome hot chocolate after the cold ice exhibition (we did so in the cozy Ginger Snaps Sweet Shop), visitors will want to take in the many other fun winter offerings, such as a ride down a snowy mountain of ice (“Snow Flow Mountain”) in a snow tube. (There is also an ice slide on the “Island of Misfit Toys” in the “Rudolph” exhibit.) Outdoor ice skating is also available in a winter-wonderland setting of Christmas lights on trees. Children may also visit Santa in the Gaylord Hotel’s Christmas Village. Christmas and circus enthusiasts will enjoy the “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” show, representing a sort of carnival in holiday mood. Augmented by acrobats, trapeze artists, a clown, and other staples of a circus, the story enacted revolves around the main singer who anxiously awaits the magic of Christmas. Acrobatic stunts include exhilarating tricks of balancing boards on cylindrical cans, a young woman performing dangerous flips on a trapeze swing high off the ground, twin twirling air acrobats performing duet ribbon-like rope tricks, and flying rotating fabric disks being juggled with impressive coordination. The soundtrack during the flying disk act includes “Jingle Bells” with a hint of Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing;” other Christmas music is heard, such as “Carol of the Bells.” The music also aids the show as it contains programmatic sound effects to tell the story.
The ”Cirque” performance is conducted by a flamboyant ring master/clown whow leads the audience to cheer and clap in rhythm to the background Christmas music. While there are tickets for sale, the show can also be enjoyed free of charge in “standing room” in other parts of the Gaylord’s Atrium. There is also a light show and, on certain days, a “Greatest Story” stage show recreating the Nativity.
While these activities are centered at the Gaylord hotel, a large Christmas tree and Ferris Wheel illuminated with the red-and-green colors of Christmas await the visitor outside. With manifold activities and ambience, it is little wonder that Christmas at National Harbor has become a holiday tradition for so many in our region.
For further information, please visit: christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com
