
Christmas with the Washingtons
Learn about the holiday practices observed by the Washingtons and their enslaved workers at Mount Vernon.
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In the 18th century, George Washington celebrated Christmas with his family at Mount Vernon. While it may not have been as flashy as it is today with all the decorations and gifts, the themes of spending time with family and friends and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of working life have remained the same.
Learn about the holiday practices observed by the Washingtons and their enslaved workers at Mount Vernon.
Stop by Mount Vernon during the holiday season to meet the famous Aladdin — a tribute to a very special visitor in 1787.
Epiphany, or the Twelfth Night, is an Anglican celebration recognizing the day the three wise men visited Jesus in the manger. Instead of celebrating on a single day, the Washingtons celebrated a holiday season beginning on Christmas Eve and lasting 12 days until Epiphany on January 6.
Epiphany had added significance at Mount Vernon, as January 6 marked the wedding anniversary of Martha and George Washington!
Take a look at the Christmases of Washington's life and the historic events they accompanied.
For Martha Washington, the Christmas season was a festive religious occasion and an opportunity to impress her guests with a variety of holiday dishes.
One of the few surviving recipes directly associated with Martha Washington, the Great Cake likely would have been served as part of a grand Christmas dinner or Twelfth Night party.
Christmas pies such as this appear to have been a holiday custom in the Washington household.
Learn about what Christmas was like in the 18th century on this evening tour of George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon.
General George Washington reminiscences the crossing the Delaware River on the evening of December 25, 1776. A day that forever changed history.
How did the Washingtons decorate Mount Vernon during the holidays? Did they put up a Christmas tree? Jeremy Ray, Mount Vernon's director of interpretation, explains 18th-century Christmas decorations.