Special Events

Fall Harvest Family Days

October 27 and 28 (Sat and Sun, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music.  Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

November 23, 24, and 25 (Fri, Sat, and Sun, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
December 1 and 2 (Sat and Sun, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
December 8 and 9 (Sat and Sun, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
December 15 and 16 (Sat and Sun, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

Join "Mrs. Washington" as she hosts an enchanting evening of candlelight tours, fireside caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. Tours include dancing, merry music, and characters from Washingtons’ world guiding visitors through the first and second floors of the home, adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon.

Christmas at Mount Vernon

November 23, 2012 - January 6, 2013 (Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for Christmas at Mount Vernon, a special daytime program offered through January. Themed decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing will be offered.

Tour the rarely-open third floor of the Mansion and learn how the Washingtons celebrated Christmas. In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon for the enjoyment of his guests. During Christmas at Mount Vernon, visitors can meet Aladdin the camel on the grounds. View a five-foot-wide gingerbread replica of the Mansion.