This holiday season, the 350-acre site at National Harbor transforms into a winter wonderland, replete with an estimated 2 million sparkling lights and decorations, and plenty of themed activities. You can make it a destination visit thanks to eight hotels, more than 40 restaurants and a wide range of activities. A schedule of holiday shows at Theater at MGM National Harbor includes Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on Dec. 7; The Temptations & The Four Tops on Dec. 8; and Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour on Dec. 15.

Each evening, beginning at sunset and continuing until 9 p.m., a light show takes place every half hour at the animated, 60-foot-tall Christmas tree. On Sundays at 11:30 a.m., Movies on the Potomac brings seasonal favorites to the screen, including The Santa Clause on Dec. 8, Jack Frost on Dec. 22 and The Polar Express on Dec. 29.

© National Harbor

If you’re on the hunt for unique, handcrafted holiday gifts, make plans to visit the Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series, open each weekend through Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located along American Way, this market includes a selection of new craftspeople and artisans each week, with a wide selection of offerings that includes textiles, personal care products, dinnerware, leather goods, metal art, home décor and pet accessories.

Ice tunnels and frozen slides are also part of the fun thanks to Gaylord National Resort’s ICE! attraction. This year’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” with ice sculptures created by carvers from Harbin, China.