A Holiday Fireworks Show
Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations.
Wintry Lights
See the lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns.
You'll hear classic holiday music and patriotic inspirational quotes on the Bowling Green.
Fireworks
Watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River at approximately 8 - 8:15 p.m.
Winter Encampment & Market
Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, the working blacksmith shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel.
Learn and participate in 18th-century dancing in the upper garden's greenhouse (entry until 7:45 p.m.)
Enjoy an 18th-century look at the Mansion and hear its stories from 1774.
Winter Market
Visit with sutlers (vendors) that produce 18th-century wares and crafts, available for purchase at the 18th-century Winter Market.
Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon on the 12-acre field. (open until 8 p.m.)
Warm-up with food and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck.
Additional Activities
Chat with people from Washington’s world to explore 18th-century traditions and envision what it was like preparing for twelfth night at the Interpretative Center.
Visit the Donald. W. Reynolds Museum (5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
Think about holiday traditions of the past in the Ford Orientation Center as you prepare to enter into 18th-century Washington's world.
Visit the Interpretive Center at 7:30 p.m. for Story Time: Gingerbread for Liberty. A story of how a German baker helped win the American Revolution.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Lawn Seating
Guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the east lawn, but please be courteous to those around you. Oversize chairs, tables, tents, carts, and coolers are not permitted. Seating is not provided.
Please note that all guests must go through Bag Inspections upon entrance.
Bag Inspections
Please be aware of the potential long line for entry at the beginning of the event, and help the line move faster by packing lightly.
Accessibility
Christmas Illuminations is an outdoor walking experience at night. Be prepared for low temperatures, varying levels of light, and uneven walkways.
The event also includes moving lights, amplified music, and musket firing demonstrations, which can be heard throughout the evening in the historic area.
Please contact events@mountvernon.org for more information.
Pet Policy
Please note, while we enjoy our four-legged friends during the daytime, pets are not allowed on the grounds for evening events.
