It’s that time of year when the National Cherry Blossom Festival will add beautiful colours to your lives. The festival will begin from March 22 through April 12 in Washington, D.C., with neighbouring communities in Maryland and Virginia hosting special coinciding events.
National Harbor is a 350-acre resort property in the D.C. region. It is a prime location to see spectacular (early) blooming cherry trees along the Potomac River.
That’s not it. The visitors can enjoy more than 200 Okame trees along the 1.2-mile waterfront trail.
This year’s seasonal activities take place from March 22 to April 12, and it will also be an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
In addition to National Harbor’s breathtaking waterfront views, this year’s celebration will include entertainment, food and drink specials, classes, and more.
The annual Sakura Sunday festival, an official participating event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held March 30 from noon to 5 p.m. and feature free cultural activities, including Japanese performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden, a Water Lantern Festival, a Japanese artisanal market and more.
National Harbor will host classes and events, including origami from 2-3 p.m. on April 5 (120 Waterfront St., Suite 425), bonsai from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 22 (120 Waterfront St., Suite 425) and a cherry blossom-themed mixology class at the Westin National Harbor (171 Waterfront St.) from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 12. Classes require advance online registration, and costs vary. A free Japanese Game Day will also be presented by Katsucon on April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. on the Waterfront Plaza.
“Every year, we’re excited to welcome spring and celebrate cherry blossom season. This year we’ve expanded our offerings to include the popular Water Lantern Festival. We think it will be a great addition to our annual National Cherry Blossom-sanctioned event, Sakura Sunday,” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “We will also turn National Harbor pink on certain dates. This includes lights around the waterfront and The Capital Wheel.”
The Spring Water Lantern Festival takes place March 29-30 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and there is a fee that includes a lantern kit. Families, friends, couples and individuals can share in an unforgettable experience that lights the night with warmth, friendship and love. Each person decorates a lighted lantern on behalf of a loved one, a memory or a hope or dream. The lanterns then are set afloat in an enclosed area of the water in a spectacular display of unity and peace.
Restaurants throughout National Harbor will celebrate with food specials and join National Harbor hotels and retailers in having a variety of special offers and displays. For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, visit www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule as confirmed.
