Holiday Events
Signature Holiday Events
Throughout the season, Mount Vernon hosts events for the entire family.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Nov. 28-29, Dec. 12-13, 19, 22-23, 2025
Experience a candlelit guided tour of Mount Vernon and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Visit our Revolutionary War encampment, meet our holiday guest Aladdin the Camel, and enjoy music and dancing.
Christmas Illuminations
DECEMBER 20-21, 2025
Watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River, shop a winter market featuring goods that are handmade by colonial artisans, and chat with people from Washington’s world to learn about 18th-century holiday traditions.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 22-23, 2025
Join us for an elegant afternoon tea at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of fine teas, pastries, and sandwiches as you hear live harp music and are surrounded by festive holiday decorations.
Winter Container Workshop
Dec. 7, 2025
Design a winter container using a variety of fresh evergreen boughs to bring a holiday feel to your front porch, deck, or patio.
This event is sold out.
Winter Wreath Class
Dec. 5-6, 2025
Craft a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath using an assortment of evergreens and botanical accents — including some collected from Mount Vernon’s historic landscape.
This event is sold out.
Daytime Holiday Activities
These activities are included with daytime admission.
Aladdin the Camel
Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026
Meet the Christmas camel, Aladdin.
In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon for Christmas.
Holiday Shopping
Explore one-of-a-kind gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon.
Browse our holiday catalog of history-inspired, timeless keepsakes and festive favorites that bring the spirit of the season—and George Washington’s legacy—home for the holidays.
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.”