By JOHN ARUNDEL
Managing Editor

With the rollout this year of its $3 billion hotel and entertainment complex astride the Potomac, the Peterson Cos. and the soaring new Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center have shown there's little they haven't imagined in making a grand entrance.

Let's see. There were indoor fireworks at a raucous grand opening in April. Check. A sprawling food and wine show in April, followed by a yacht show, a weekend farmer's market, live bands on sultry summer evenings, clambakes, Oktoberfest and so on. Check. Check Check.

It's enough to make even P.T. Barnum blush.

Now, it's the Holiday season, and National Harbor is getting ready to celebrate in even grander style.

On Monday, the Gaylord rolled out its Christmas on the Potomac extravaganza, a 37-day celebration of holiday revelry. The signature annual event runs Nov. 24 through Dec. 30 and will showcase the holidays in "true mid-Atlantic style," said hotel spokesperson Amie Gorrell.

"Just like the other Gaylord Resort properties have become popular holiday attractions in their respective cities for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, we promise to become a popular destination for the mid-Atlantic region," Gorrell said. "Throughout the celebration, a unique collection of entertainment, attractions and activities will offer something for everyone."

Of course, there will be spectacular holiday decorations. Check. "The hotel will come alive with brilliant holiday décor throughout the resort," she said.

According to Gorrell, the Holiday celebration will include:

A Tree of Light, the centerpiece of the celebration. Standing 60-feet tall, weighing 7,000 pounds and made of synthetic “candy” glass, this one-of-a-kind tree is a work of art. Comprised of 110 individual hand-formed pieces of green holly leaves and red berries, the glass tree will glow brilliantly every night, casting a festive mood throughout its atrium.   

• Light-cicles. These 50-150-foot sparkling icicles, accented by gold ribbons, hang overhead and brilliantly light the ceiling of our 20-story atrium.

• Potomac Express Train Village. Peek into a scene of Christmas past and marvel at the miniature details of a mid-Atlantic town as it celebrates the holidays.

Voices of Gaylord National Christmas Show: With Gaylord National’s Tree of Light serving as the backdrop, this presentation of classic Christmas music is performed by a 100-voice mass choir.  The 40-minute show features select regional high school choirs, gospel groups and professional singers. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights: Nov. 24, 28 and 29; Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20).

The Coca Cola Polar Bear Pursuit: Find all the Coca-Cola Polar Bears hidden throughout the resort atrium for the chance to win a grand prize.

Snowfall on Holiday Lane: Yes, it will snow nightly on the Atrium's Lower Level.

The Christmas Market:  A collection of holiday décor, gift items and memorabilia will be available on the Atrium Lower Level.

Brightest Star Fountain Show: A narration of the classic Christmas story, choreographed with dancing water, whimsical lighting, fog and other special effects. (Nightly performances at the Atrium Fountain) 

Sounds of the Season: The talents of the region with performances by local musicians and vocalists. (Performances Sunday through Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. throughout the resort.)

Brunch with Mrs. Claus: Santa’s “better half” is the star of the show at Pienza Italian Market restaurant (Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $34 adults/$17 kids ages 10 and under).

Let Gaylord do the Cooking: Give yourself a break from the kitchen on Thanksgiving and Christmas with an outstanding selection of special holiday meals at our signature restaurants: Old Hickory Steakhouse and Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine.  Or, feast on a special Thanksgiving Day Buffet and Christmas Day Buffet at Pienza Italian Market. ($42 adults/$21 kids ages 10 and under; reservations strongly encouraged.)

Seasonal Spa-ahhh Treatments: Everyone needs a little pampering this time of year, and the season’s favorite squash offers a host of restorative benefits. Try a Pumpkin & Spice Body Wrap, Pumpkin & Spice Manicure or Pumpkin & Spice Pedicure at Relache Spa. Then, get ready to ring in the New Year with a Champagne Massage or Champagne Facial. No matter your choice, these treatments are pure bliss. Spa gift certificates also make great stocking stuffers. (Call Relache Spa at 301-965-4400 for reservations.)

A Tribute to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa:  Gaylord National recognizes the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and the African holiday of Kwanzaa. Special recognition of these holidays will be featured in the resort.

Christmas on the Potomac activities and entertainment are available throughout the celebration to resort guests and day guests. Most activities and entertainment are complimentary, except where special pricing or exclusions are indicated. Daily parking is available at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center parking garage, or in the nearby National Harbor public parking garages.

For more information, or to make dining or hotel reservations of its specially priced $200 Holiday Family packages, call 301-965-2800. To learn more about Christmas on the Potomac, visit www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com.