Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Mount Vernon's residents and visitors host a festive evening during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season while viewing spectacular Christmas trees highlighting the lives of the Washingtons in the Ford Orientation Center. Light concessions will be available for purchase.

Your tour begins with a lantern lit walk of the historic area.  Learn about holiday traditions of the 18th century while viewing the Slave Quarters and outbuildings of the estate. Inside the Mansion, Lady Washington and other Mount Vernon residents will welcome you into their home and share stories of past Christmases.

After the tour concludes, visit the Greenhouse and participate in 18th century dancing, just as the Washingtons might have done during the holidays. Travel to the 12-Acre Field to pay a visit to Aladdin the Christmas camel. You can also visit an 18^th-century soldiers’ winter encampment to learn and reflect upon the sacrifices made in service to country. The evening concludes with lives music, cider and cookies in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center Lobby and an opportunity to visit the Education Center exhibits and The Shops. The Museum will be closed.

The Shops at Mount Vernon are open until 9:30 p.m. on the evenings of Mount Vernon by Candlelight and Christmas Illuminations.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight takes place rain or shine. Tour start times vary each day, see the ticketing page for time information. Guests will be allowed entry through the main gate 15 minutes prior to their tour time.