Celebrate the Holidays at Mount Vernon: Meet Aladdin the Christmas Camel, Take a Candlelit Mansion Tour, Shop for Unique Gifts, Experience Fireworks on the Potomac, and More

There’s no better place to celebrate the holiday season than George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Visitors can walk back in time with Candlelight tours of the estate, enjoy holiday fireworks on the river, and find unique holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon.  

Located just outside of Washington, D.C. on the banks of the Potomac River, upcoming events and activities include: 

Meet Aladdin the Christmas Camel. In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain his guests. Come to Mount Vernon and meet Aladdin, our very own Christmas Camel. Read more here.  

Holiday Candlelight Tour on November 25, 26 and December 2, 3, 9, 10, 18. Experience the holidays like George and Martha Washington. Meet Mrs. Washington and 18th-century Mount Vernon residents during a 45-minute candlelit estate tour, see the themed Christmas trees, and shop for holiday gifts. Read more here.  

Book Talk: Women in George Washington's World on December 15. A panel of scholars discusses a new collection of essays about the women who had tremendous influence on the nation’s first president. Read more here.  

Christmas Illuminations on December 16 and 17. Celebrate the holidays with friends and family during an enchanted evening that includes illuminations, fireworks on the Potomac, Christmas carolers, 18th-century wares and crafts, Aladdin the Camel, and season's greetings by General Washington. Read more here.  

Find Unique Holiday Gifts. Cross everyone off your holiday gift list after visiting The Shops at Mount Vernon, and pick up unique holiday décor. There’s nowhere else shoppers can find the Mount Vernon illuminated porcelain ornaments and advent calendar, George Washington’s rye whiskey and sundial, and historic-inspired jewelry, china, toys, and artwork. Every purchase helps support preservation of George Washington's legacy, and members save ten percent on purchases. After shopping, stop by the Mount Vernon Inn for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Read more here.  

Free Beanie with Admission on December 10 Visitors purchasing a grounds pass for December 10 will receive a winter beanie featuring the Mount Vernon mansion. One per person while supplies last.