Looking for a Christmas tradition to add this year? Look no further than Ice at the Gaylord is a magical tradition at Christmas on the Potomac! This year the theme is The Grinch!! One of my childhood favorites! I was given an opportunity to check out all the deets! Let's dive in!
Our day started out with a Feast with the Grinch and Max in the Atrium. They gathered us for our first of many picture opportunities. A feast that any Who from Who-ville would approve: hot bar including bacon, eggs, french toast, to a waffle station with GREEN waffles and fruit. The staff was waiting to take drink orders and for any adult Who-ville there was adult drinks available! The Grinch and Max came to each table to welcome their guests multiple times which added much cheer and fun to the breakfast.
With our bellies filled it was time for us to move on to the next activity. As you walk down the corridor to Christmas Village the festive décor is welcoming. We used our Chill Pass for entry and were greeted by the ICE staff to receive our blue parkas to place over our coats. ICE is super cold but well worth all the chills. Next we exited the building and entered the tent for instructions on the dos and don'ts doing the visit of ICE. The entry way resembles an igloo with the Grinch perched on top. It’s amazing how a troop of artisans from Harbin, Northeast China can turn two millions tons of ice into a story. I learned on my most recent visit to ICE that there are three types of ice: crystal, white and colored. It’s magical to see the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas on each panel from the Grinch taking all the Christmas gifts to the big dinner in Who-ville. The Who-ville comes to life in each panel full of vibrant colors and wonder. There are slides for the whole family to enjoy. Many opportunities for taking pictures but be mindful of phones insides it’s 9’o degrees in ICE, so phones can freeze up. I could’ve stayed in ICE all day but it was time to move on to the next activity!
My daughter saw the Village Express and demanded to ride the train! The train ride was nice and long! A little break for me! I took this time to enjoy my hot chocolate from the Tinsel Tavern! Next up Reindeer Rush Ice Tubing! The staff gives you the tube. You walk the steps to the top with tub in hand. Place the tube down then seat with legs crossed. Note: little ones might ready need help with this. My daughter is tall and she is 4 but I had to help carry her tub to the top. The staff gives you one gentle push then you are on your way down. It seemed like I was flying and would fly out in space. 😂 Make sure you follow directions and hold on to the tube and keep your legs crossed. My niece really enjoyed tubing so much that she took unlimited to a whole new level! However my 4 year old was one and done! Too fast for her!
The Workshop Wednesday experience was a hit for my family! The kids were able to make their own DIY Green slime! What kid doesn't love slim! My daughter has asked for hers everyday since we left! I love making my own DIY Wintermint Sugar Scrub that my family re-named Grinch Wash! The kids like making the scrub too because it super easy! Ice skating at Winter Square was next up. Please note the my family never ice skated before! The staff was truly helpful to us with putting on the ice skate on and giving helpful tips. I asked if they had the trainer bar but they did not. My young niece made one trip around the tent but ended a nasty fall. The staff rushed to help my niece who crashed face first on the ice. It was good to know they have a professional nurse on staff to render first aid. (Some things behind the scenes that you truly would never know till needed) The nurse addressed the wound and told us what to expect pros and cons of recovery time. She gave full attention to my niece and answered her questions too. We are truly thankful to the ice skating staff.
Last of our activities was the The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt. We have to solve questions which took us all around the Atrium for clues with answers. Really easy for the children and fun! I don’t want to spoil the prize at the end!
With much time left on parking pass we decided to stay to view the Atrium light and Cirque Dreams Unwrapped shows.
It truly was a family fun packed day!
Would you like to add this to your Christmas Traditions?!
Macaroni Kid South Baltimore Discount:
$3 off tickets to ICE! valid on all days
- Use code: MacaroniKid19
- Link: http://bit.ly/2Ob5I14
For more information check out Christmas on the Potomac website: https://www.marriott.com/gaylord-hotels/gaylord-national-harbor-christmas-on-the-potomac.mi
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*sponsored article, however and opinions and views are my own
