National Harbor has become known for its spring display of hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront. The trees bloom each year in March and are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region.
To celebrate the spectacular display, National Harbor is hosting a Cherry Blossom Celebration beginning March 17 through April 17. The month long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more.
“We are delighted to have become a destination for viewing cherry blossoms,” said Jackie Saunders AVP Marketing at National Harbor. “Because our trees bloom early, we provide visitors with an extended opportunity to view and celebrate cherry blossoms in the Washington, D.C. region.”
National Harbor’s more than 200 trees are Okame cherry trees—recognizable by their masses of striking pink flowers. They are more tolerant to cold than most other types of cherry trees and are early bloomers with flowers lasting up to three weeks. They also grow about two feet a year and are very desirable for areas that want quick, hardy, spectacular color. In a region that is known for its cherry blossom displays and celebrations, the trees at National Harbor have quickly become a large draw.
While National Harbor is again an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the property has expanded its offerings and created a month celebration including its popular Sakura Sunday event taking place on Sunday, April 3. Sakura Sunday will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music and dance, culinary delights and much more! Art in Bloom artist Josue Martinez who has a gallery at National Harbor will update his chair in time for the festival.
During the same timeframe, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration.
Hotels and shops at National Harbor will have a variety of specials and displays. MGM National Harbor will have its beautiful conservatory installation that includes cherry blossoms. In the Waterfront District, shop windows will be creatively decorated to celebrate the cherry blossoms and retailers will feature a wide array of cherry blossom promotions. Some of the classes that will take place during the celebration include origami, cherry blossom painting, flower making, Japanese gardens and more.
For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to
https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule in the coming weeks.
