With many families remaining close to home this holiday season, Mount Vernon's holiday season will offer many socially distanced and outdoor offerings that are a perfect escape from your holiday staycation.
Winter Glow
November 27-29, December 11-13 and 26-28
Join us for an enchanted evening of winter lights at Mount Vernon. See the estate illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Activities include:
- Chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment
- See sparks fly at the Blacksmith shop
- Listen to costumed Christmas carolers
- Meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel
- Shop for artisan-made goods crafted using 18th-century techniques
- Purchase warm food and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck
- Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 18-19
Kick-off the holiday season with Mount Vernon's annual sparkling winter fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. Activities include:
- Watch festive fireworks show choreographed to holiday music.
- Visit with re-enactors throughout the estate.
- Greet our holiday guest, Aladdin the camel.
- Warm-up by the bonfire with hot chocolate or cider.
- Visit our museum exhibits.
- Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon.
Holiday Dinner for the Washingtons Tour
November 27 - December 27 at 1:30 pm
Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon on a tour that takes you to the gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the Mansion’s kitchen and cellar. Learn how the food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served during the holiday season to the Washingtons and others who lived at Mount Vernon. You'll learn about the festive celebrations in the Mansion, what hired and enslaved servants at Mount Vernon ate, and how they observed the holidays.
Mrs. Washington’s Mount Vernon
Thursdays - Saturdays from November 27 - through December
Step into the world of Martha Washington as she shares her beloved home with you. Activities include:
- Beginning Friday, November 27, join Mrs. Washington as she discusses the day to day planning needed to plan for a busy holiday season.
- Enjoy a personalized 45-minute tour with Mrs. Washington that includes the first floor of the Mansion, the Kitchen, Gardens, and outbuildings.
- Get a behind-the-scenes peek at Mrs. Washington's daily duties and discover her role operating a bustling home.
- Learn about the enslaved community Mrs. Washington oversaw.
- Get your questions answered directly from Mrs. Washington.
Camel Talks
Friday - Sunday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - November 27 - December 31
In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon for the entertainment and delight of his guests and family. During this free 30-minute program, James Anderson and other characters tell stories about Washington's interest in exotic animals and share facts about camels. Since 2008, Mount Vernon has followed Washington’s lead, welcoming Aladdin the camel to the estate for the holiday season.
Thanksgiving and Christmas To Go
Thanksgiving order deadline - November 22
Let the Mount Vernon Inn prepare your Thanksgiving dinner. Meals can be picked up on Nov. 25. Each meal includes:
- Prepared turkey with serving options from 2-10 people
- Roasted Green Beans and Cranberries with Almonds
- Cornbread Salad
- Candied Sweet Potato Mash
- Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Salad with Pearl Couscous, Sliced Red Onions, Walnuts and Sweet Orange Vinaigrette
- Dinner Loaf
- Dessert (Gluten-Free Carrot Cake or Pumpkin Pie)
