Christmas at Gaylord National Resort with Kids: ICE! and More Holiday Fun Near DC in National Harbor

You don't need to go outside to make and throw snowballs! Photo by the author

There is nowhere in the DC area that has more Christmas in one place than Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. From the annual ICE! event to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to over-the-top lights and decorations, there are activities to suit all ages. You'll truly feel like you've stepped into a holiday movie.

My family has come to experience Christmas at Gaylord National nearly every year since moving to the DC area 11 years ago, and it only seems to get more magical each year. One year we even stayed overnight to ensure we'd get to do everything!

This year, only my 11-year-old daughter was able to attend with us. Read on to learn all about our 2025 visit to Christmas at Gaylord National, all the holiday activities the resort is offering, and my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your experience. Then check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids for more holiday fun!

LA's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

Sock skating is a unique holiday activity in LA. Photo by Jamie Pham

When you think of LA, it most likely conjures images of sunshine, palm trees, and Hollywood. But did you know there are dozens of amazing family-friendly holiday activities in Los Angeles? As your resident Los Angeles mom of four (ages 2 - 9), I've tried them all and curated a list of the best and most unique holiday activities in LA.

We're not talking your average overpriced light display or kitschy Santa experience. We're talking genuine, quality fun that the kids will talk about for years to come. So skip out on the mall Santas and pass on Candy Cane Lane (it's become too commercialized for my taste, and the parking is a nightmare); this list of unique Christmas events for kids in LA will set you up for the best December ever. 

Long Island's Most Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Events

Explore the Victorian era during Port Jefferson's Charles Dickens Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page

Looking for something out of the ordinary to add to your list of holiday must-dos? Long Island is full of traditional holiday fare like light shows and decorated neighborhoods, but maybe you're looking for something a bit more off the beaten path. If so, we've rounded up Long Island's most unusual and underrated holiday events that Long Island families won't want to miss. 

Take a look at our Guide to Holiday and Christmas to get the most out of this holiday season.

NYC's Most Unusual Christmas Events

Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

Christmas in NYC brings to mind the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the Rockettes, ice skating in Bryant Park, and dazzling storefronts on Fifth Avenue. While we love these classic and time-honored NYC holiday attractions, there are also many lesser-known and more offbeat NYC holiday activities that are just as delightful and often come with smaller crowds.

So, while you should definitely go see Santa at Macy's or the Holiday Train Show at the NYBG, be sure to save space in your holiday schedule for one of these underrated holiday activities in NYC. Below, we're highlighting underrated and unusual holiday activities that are smaller in scale, artist-driven, a little quirky, and uniquely New York.

You'll find all of our holiday picks for the best family-friendly activities in our Ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Families. Find more insider tips on how to spend the Christmas season in New York in our ultimate 3-day itinerary for a magical NYC holiday with kids.

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 40 Best Things to Do with Kids in Philly

 A winter oasis, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest houses a skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge and more. Photo by Danielle Smith

Winter can test your creativity in entertaining the kids, and sometimes you just need to get out of the house or at least find new indoor activities. Fortunately, we have some amazing outdoor winter activities that allow kids to romp, play, and explore, as well as fresh ideas for being at home that can shake off winter fatigue.

For all the best ways to make the most of the chilly temps, check out the Best Outdoor Ice Skating, and don't miss our Winter Activities Guide. Looking for ways to stay entertained at home? Check out our Boredom Busters Guide for lots of great ideas!

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