From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
With many families remaining close to home this holiday season, Mount Vernon's holiday season will offer many socially distanced and outdoor offerings that are a perfect escape from your holiday staycation.
Winter Glow
November 27-29, December 11-13 and 26-28
Join us for an enchanted evening of winter lights at Mount Vernon. See the estate illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Activities include:
Chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment
See sparks fly at the Blacksmith shop
Listen to costumed Christmas carolers
Meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel
Shop for artisan-made goods crafted using 18th-century techniques
Purchase warm food and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck
Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon
Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon on a tour that takes you to the gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the Mansion’s kitchen and cellar. Learn how the food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served during the holiday season to the Washingtons and others who lived at Mount Vernon. You'll learn about the festive celebrations in the Mansion, what hired and enslaved servants at Mount Vernon ate, and how they observed the holidays.
Friday - Sunday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - November 27 - December 31
In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon for the entertainment and delight of his guests and family. During this free 30-minute program, James Anderson and other characters tell stories about Washington's interest in exotic animals and share facts about camels. Since 2008, Mount Vernon has followed Washington’s lead, welcoming Aladdin the camel to the estate for the holiday season.