Holiday Events
Evening Holiday Events
Throughout the season, Mount Vernon hosts events for the entire family.
Winter Glow
Nov. 27-29, Dec. 11-13, 18-19, & 26-28
Join us for an enchanted evening of winter lights at Mount Vernon.
Christmas Illuminations
DECEMBER 20 & 21
Kick-off the holiday season with wintry lights and sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 24-25
December 1-2; 8-9; 17
Join us for a candlelit tour of the historic area and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia.
Daytime Holiday Activities
Visit Mount Vernon during the holiday season.
Visit Mount Vernon
Open Daily, Including Christmas Day
Holiday programs and tours fill each day with delight at George Washington's estate. Tour the Mansion (reserve your tour ticket during online checkout) and enjoy the grand Christmas trees in the Ford Orientation Center.
Aladdin the Camel
Nov. 26 – Jan. 6
Meet the Christmas camel, Aladdin.
In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon for Christmas.
The Shops at Mount Vernon
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale: 11/25-11/28
In-Store: Buy More, Save More
- For orders of $50, save $10
- For orders of $100, save $20
- For orders of $150, save $30
This offer is valid in-store only.
Online: save 20%
Shop for holiday gifts online and save 20%. (This discount does not apply in-store).
Visit Aladdin, the Christmas Camel
In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain his guests. Mount Vernon continues the tradition every holiday season.
Aladdin the camel will be visiting the 12-Acre Field from Nov. 26 through Jan. 6.
Holiday Giveaway: Winter Beanies
Dec. 10
Visit Mount Vernon on December 10 and receive a free winter beanie featuring George Washington's Mansion.
Beanies will be distributed upon entry to the estate inside the Ford Orientation Center.
This giveaway is applicable to visitors with a December 10, 2022 grounds pass. 1 beanie per person. Supplies are limited.
Holiday Craft Workshops
Dec. 3 & 4
Create your own holiday decor with an assortment of evergreens and botanical accents, including some collected from Mount Vernon’s historic landscape. Each craft workshop is taught by Melanie Welles Creamer, Mount Vernon Greenhouse Manager, and longtime floral designer.
The Holiday Craft Workshops are SOLD OUT.
Mount Vernon Gift Cards
Order by Dec. 12 for Delivery by Christmas
Purchase a Mount Vernon gift card to bring your family and friends to Mount Vernon.
Gift cards can be used on the estate for general admission tickets, specialty tours, event tickets, dining, and items at the Shops at Mount Vernon.
Gift cards are sent by mail and balances never expire.
Gift Memberships
Give your loved ones access to Mount Vernon year-round. A membership includes:
- Free, unlimited daytime admission for 12 months
- Discounts on event tickets, food, and gift shop purchases
- A subscription to Mount Vernon Magazine
- Access to exclusive member-only events
Mount Vernon is located in northern Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C.
For more information about things to do in Virginia, visit Virginia.org, the official tourism website for the state of Virginia. You’ll find an overview of each region in Virginia, as well as information about cultural attractions, museums, upcoming events, and where to stay. You can also purchase merchandise featuring the official Virginia slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.”