Mount Vernon by Candlelight FAQs

1. What happens if it rains or snows? Is there a make-up date?

Candlelight will take place, rain, snow, or shine. In the case of unexpected extreme weather conditions, we will post a banner on our website at www.mountvernon.org, and ticket holders will be notified of details.

2. How long is the Candlelight event?

Plan for two hours, much of which is outside. Please dress for the weather conditions. The actual tour is about 45 minutes.

3. When and where should I arrive?

You may enter the estate through the main gate and into the Ford Orientation Center up to 15 minutes before your ticket time. If you arrive earlier, you can visit the Education Center (open until 8:30 p.m.) or the gift shop (open until 8 p.m.).

4. Are there discount tickets available?

Evening events are priced as shown and there are no discounts offered.

5. If Mount Vernon sells out of tickets, is there a waiting list?

All ticket sales are final and Mount Vernon does not maintain waiting lists if tickets are sold out.

6. My friend and I bought tickets and have different tour times. What should we do?

You may tour together, entering the main gate at the later of the two times.

7. Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed at this event.

8. Do our Candlelight tickets also allow us to tour the estate during the day?

The Candlelight tickets are valid for the evening event only, which is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you want to tour the full estate, please purchase general admission tickets, which are valid from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

9. If I have a day-time ticket, can I just stay up on the estate?

On Candlelight nights, the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center remains open through the event (the Museum will close at 5:00 p.m.). If you hold a Candlelight ticket, you may stay in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center until your Candlelight tour time starts; i.e, when you enter through the main gate and begin the tour at the Ford Orientation Center.

10. May I bring food?

Outside food or beverages are not allowed. Light concessions will be sold in the Ford Orientation Center.

11. Can we tour the whole estate during the event?

Only the historic grounds area near the Mansion, the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, and the Gift Shops will be open. The other areas are closed.

12. I use mobility equipment, such as a wheelchair, walker, scooter, etc.

The first floor of the Mansion is accessible by wheelchair. Interpreters will lead visitors who are unable to walk upstairs to a waiting area where they can view images of the upstairs rooms until they can rejoin their party and resume the Mansion tour.

The Candlelight experience also includes a visit to Aladdin the Camel and the Winter Encampment, which are held on the 12-Acre Field. The use of mobility equipment may be taxing for that portion of the event since there are no paved paths and there is some uneven ground.

13. Where do we park?

Mount Vernon has free parking in our two main parking lots and an overflow parking lot near the Mount Vernon Inn.

14. Will my bag be inspected?

Yes, all bags and containers 16x16x8 inches or smaller are subject to inspection.

15. Is smoking allowed?

Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are not permitted indoors or in the historic area.

16. What if I have a question that is not answered here?

The Call Center staff is available to answer your questions. Please call 703-780-2000 or email grouptours@mountvernon.org.