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Washington's Most Festive Holiday Programs

Celeberate the holiday season in colonial style with Christmas at Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon by Candlelight.

These two festive programs offer a glimpse at holiday celebrations in George Washington's day. Watch historic chocolate-making demonstrations, dance the Virginia Reel, and pet Aladdin the Camel. Daytime visits also include tours of the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion. Evening tours enchant and delight with character-led tours of Washington's beautiful home, lively music, and refreshments.

Mount Vernon
by Candlelight

Nov. 23-25 (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) | Buy Tickets
Dec. 1-16 (Saturday and Sunday Only) | Buy Tickets

  • Experience Washington's most festive holiday event — Mount Vernon by Candlelight! Meet people from Washington's world as you tour the Mansion in the evening. The popular seasonal tradition includes music, dancing, holiday treats, and a chance to meet Aladdin the Christmas Camel.

  • New this year: The Donald W. Reynolds Education Center is open during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Top off your enchanted evening with a fireside dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn and shop for special gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon.

  • Timed Tickets go on sale beginning November 1 at 10:00am at MountVernon.org. Admission is $22 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under. This event is not included in general admission. The Shops, normally open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily, are open until 9:30pm during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. No admission is required to shop.

Christmas at Mount Vernon

Nov. 23, 2012 - Jan. 6, 2013 | Buy Tickets
Open daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Eve

  • Seasonal Decorations: Mount Vernon decks the halls throughout the estate with themed Christmas trees and festive holiday touches. Traditional boughs of hand-cut greenery will adorn doorways in the Mansion, which will be staged with an elaborate holiday course in the formal dining room. The Mansion's rooms will also be changed from their normal appearance to reflect the home preparing for overnight guests. And Martha Washington's "Great Cake" will take center stage (and visitors may take home her original recipe which called for more than 40 eggs!).

  • Special Visitors: Each Christmas, Mount Vernon welcomes special guests including Aladdin the Camel. In 1787 George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to delight his visitors. In recent years, Mount Vernon has also proudly displayed the National Thanksgiving Turkey after its official "presidential pardoning" at the White House.

  • Exclusive Holiday Happenings: Holiday visitors enjoy extra daytime treats. Tour the rarely-open third floor of the Mansion, where Martha Washington retired after her husband's death. Learn how chocolate was made in the 18th century with with live demonstrations. New this year: children can also hear engaging tales from Washington's time in special weekend story hours.

Shopping and Dining

  • The Shops at Mount Vernon: Find one-of-a kind treasures for everyone on your list or add a touch of history to your own decorations witha visit to Mount Vernon's acclaimed gift shops. George and Martha FigurinesBrowse estate jewelry, reproduction china, fascinating books, collectible figurines, linens, ornaments, toys and more. There is also a large Christmas section, with dozens of ornament, Buyers' Choice® Carolers — including a George and Martha Washington! — snow globes, and wooden advent calendars. And yes — you can shop online!

  • The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant: Fireside dining and early-American-inspired favorites are always on the menu at The Mount Vernon Inn. Stop in early for an early dinner after a day of sightseeing, or make a reservation for your holiday gathering.

  • Season of Giving: Honor a family member or friend with a one-time gift to Mount Vernon or a gift of membership that lasts all year long. Visit MountVernon.org to make a gift today and learn more. Mount Vernon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives no government funding.