Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.

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Add to Calendar 12/20/2024 17:30:00 12/20/2024 20:30:00 America/New_York Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.

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Cost

Members:
Adult: $48
Youth: $26

General Public:
Adult: $58
Youth: $36

A Holiday Fireworks Show

Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations.

Wintry Lights

See the lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns.

You'll hear classic holiday music and patriotic inspirational quotes on the Bowling Green.

Fireworks

Hear season's greetings by General & Lady Washington, and watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River. The program begins at approximately 8 - 8:15 p.m.

Winter Encampment & Market

Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. 

Participate in 18th-century dancing in the upper garden's Greenhouse (5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

Winter Market

Visit with sutlers (vendors) that produce 18th-century wares and crafts, available for purchase at the 18th-century Winter Market.

Additional Activities

  • Warm-up with food and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck.
  • Visit the Donald. W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center (5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
  • Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon (open until 8 p.m.)

Concessions

Drink and snack concessions are available on the East Lawn only.

Full concessions menu of hot food, drinks, and snacks are available from the Food Truck on the 12-Acre Field.

Concessions Menu

Concessions are only sold at the Food Truck on the 12-acre field.

Hot and Cold Food

Jumbo Hot Dog — $5
Chili Dog — $9
Pulled Pork Sandwich — $9
Chicken Tenders — $8
Grilled Chicken Bites (GF) — $8
Fried Cheese Curds — $8
Corn Dog — $6
Chili with Baguette — $8
Warm Brie with Baguette — $8
Turkey & Provolone on Rye bread — $9
Veggie Wrap (GF) — $8
Pretzel Twist — $7
Pretzel Twist with cheese — $8

Winter Snacks

Assorted Chips — $2
Assorted Candy — $1
Seasonal Cookie — $3
Brownies — $4
Rice Crispy Treat — $4
Blondie — $4

S’mores Box

Box for 2 — $8
Box for 4 — $16

Winter Drinks

Soda — $2
Bottled Water — $3
Bottled Drinks — $4
Hot Apple Cider — $3
Hot Chocolate — $3
Illy Coffee — $3

Winter Drinks with Alcohol

Hot Apple Cider with Apple Brandy — $9
Hot Chocolate with choice of shot — $9
ButterShots, Irish Cream, Amaretto, Peppermint

Wine (red or white) — $8
Domestic Beer — $5
Craft Beer — $6

Lawn Seating

Guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the east lawn, but please be courteous to those around you. Oversize chairs, tables, tents, carts, and coolers are not permitted. Seating is not provided.

Please note that all guests must go through Bag Inspections upon entrance. 

Bag Inspections

Please be aware of the potential long line for entry at the beginning of the event, and help the line move faster by packing lightly.

Accessibility

Christmas Illuminations is an outdoor walking experience at night. Be prepared for low temperatures, varying levels of light, and uneven walkways.

The event also includes moving lights, amplified music, and musket firing demonstrations, which can be heard throughout the evening in the historic area.

Please contact events@mountvernon.org for more information.

Pet Policy

Please note, while we enjoy our four-legged friends during the daytime, pets are not allowed on the grounds for evening events.

Face Coverings

Face Coverings

Face masks are recommended indoors for all persons, vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Face masks are required for all unvaccinated guests.

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