Contact Info
Matt Briney
Vice President, Media & Communications
Fireworks, Candlelight Tours, and More Specialty Programming November 23 – December 31
MOUNT VERNON, VA—Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate. From November 23 through December 31, visitors of all ages can tour the Mansion, watch 18th-century demonstrations, and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed characters.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 23 & 24, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
November 30 & December 1, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
December 7 & 8, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
December 16, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join Mount Vernon's residents and visitors for a festive evening tour. The experience begins in the Ford Orientation Center, where you can enjoy the sounds of the holiday season and view spectacular Christmas trees highlighting the lives of the Washingtons and their home.
When your tour begins, you will be guided into the 18th century for a lantern-lit tour of the historic area, where you will see the Slave Quarters and the Blacksmith Shop. Inside the Mansion, Martha Washington and other Mount Vernon residents will welcome you into their home and share stories of past Christmases. Tickets: $25 adult, $17 youth (ages 6-11). More details: mountvernon.org/candlelight
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Friday & Saturday, December 14-15, 5:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Kick off the holidays with an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music, with fireworks beginning around 8:30 p.m. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, and learn 18th-century dance moves from costumed guides. George and Martha Washington will also be on site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. Tickets: $35 adult/$25 youth with Mansion tour, $30 adult/$20 youth. More details: mountvernon.org/illuminations
Holiday Time for the Washingtons Tour
Saturdays & Sundays, December 1-30, 12 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays at Mount Vernon and discover what the Washingtons, enslaved people, and hired workers ate during this season. Learn how food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served during the holiday season during this 60-minute tour. Tickets: $7 in addition to general admission. More details: mountvernon.org/christmas
Holiday Centerpiece Workshop
Sunday, December 9, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Construct a homemade holiday wreath during this two-hour workshop. Mount Vernon's greenhouse manager instructs participants how to construct the wreath using greens, preserved pomegranates, and dried seed heads from Mount Vernon's gardens. Tickets: $75 per person. More details: mountvernon.org/christmas
Cookie Decorating
Saturday, December 15, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Visit the cozy greenhouse and receive a box of cookies and decorations to adorn them. Create beautiful gingerbread cookies with the guidance of a Mount Vernon staff member. Tickets: $5 per person in addition to general admission. More details: mountvernon.org/christmas
Colonial Ornament Making
Saturdays & Sundays, December 2-23, 2-4:30 p.m.
Create a beautiful and fragrant pomander with an orange, cloves, and ribbon. Tickets: $5 in addition to general admission. More details: mountvernon.org/christmas
Christmas at Mount Vernon occurs from November 23 through December 31. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. More details: mountvernon.org/christmas
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