Gaylord National's ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls

 Ice, ice baby! And lots of it ( 2 million pound to be exact).

 Yesterday, my family and I attended the spectacular holiday attraction known as ICE! at Gaylord National at the National Harbor. We have been a few times in the past – in 2010, 2011, a preview event in July of 2012, and this year.

Before we even visited the attraction, we saw a news spot on the television while we were waiting at the barbershop with my son. We also saw a coupon for $4 off of the attraction at a local Subway. Talk about getting the word out.

The moment you drive into National Harbor, you will notice the huge, white fixture sitting on the parking lot. It almost looks like a huge igloo. Once you filter through the revolving doors, there is a magical world of all things Shrek just waiting to greet you. Once again, the theme for ICE! at Gaylord National is DreamWorks Shrek the Halls.

There are a few important things you should know before attending this attraction.

Pricing: It's best to purchase your tickets online. If you visit the website, you can check the best times and dates to visit, as well as any updates. ICE! at Gaylord National is open daily from November 16, 2012 to January 6, 2013, on holidays as well. More information on tickets, dates and pricing can e found here.

What to Wear: This is a bit tricky. Everyone has their own level of comfort when it comes to the temperature setting. If I had to recommend one thing, it would be to bring a pair of gloves. My hands are always the first thing to start freezing when I visit, mostly due to the fact that I like to take pictures and gloves don't work with my smartphone. Everyone is provided a parka with a hood to wear on top of your clothing. These keep you relatively warm. The temperature inside of ICE! is 9 degrees. Brrrrr!!!

Rules: Don't touch the ice. Don't lick the ice. Do not sit on the ice (I think we broke this rule). But do bring your camera to capture all of the beautiful artistry of the ice sculptures. It's unbelievable. Also, enjoy yourself. Take in all the excitement.

Parking: There are plenty of garages at National Harbor. The garage we parked in started at $3 and increased with the hours. There is also 2-hr. parking on the streets if you do not plan on staying for awhile. 

What ELSE is there to do: ICE! Featuring DreamWorks' Shrek the Hallsl is great, but it is not the only thing to do while visiting.

• Spectacular Décor 
• Tree of Light 
• Nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Northern Lights
• Brightest Star Fountain Show
• Visits With Santa
• Seasonal Spa Treatments
• ShrekFeast Interactive
• Character Meal DreamWorks Meet and Greets
• DreamWorks-Themed Scavenger Hunt
• Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating

Visit ChristmasonthePotomac.com or call 301-965-4000 for more information.

You can also walk around National Harbor and take in all the scenery. There are plenty of photo opportunities.

Here is a quick look inside of ICE! at Gaylord National:

 

I would say that I was a bit disappointed that there was no ice-skating this year. My family really enjoyed this aspect from previous years. Oh well. There is enough to keep busy despite this loss.

I would recommend you bring your wallet to purchase something special from the gift shop inside of the ICE! pavilion.

If you're looking for something special to treat your children to this holiday season, I would suggest spending a night at Gaylord National to experience Christmas on the Potomac.

Season's greetings!!

 
Disclosure Information
My family and I were provided complimentary tickets to visit ICE! at Gaylord National. The opinions and views are own own.