An Evening of Illuminations and Fireworks
Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Visit our Winter Market, purchase holiday treats, and roast s'mores over the crackling fire.
Enjoy a special holiday greeting from General Washington on the east lawn.
Historic spaces throughout the estate will be aglow and illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere that will delight guests of all ages!
Fireworks
Enjoy spectacular holiday fireworks, choreographed to music, over the Potomac River. The fireworks program begins at approximately 8 p.m. On Dec. 21, fireworks will begin at 8:45 p.m.
Holiday Entertainment
Discover 18th-Century Holiday Traditions
- Learn about past holiday traditions in the Ford Orientation Center as you prepare to enter Washington's world.
- Listen to people from Washington’s world and learn what preparing for twelfth night was like (Interpretative Center).
- Enjoy stories from 1774 from our History Interpreters at the bowling green (presentations start at 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.).
Meet Aladdin the Camel
Meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel, continuing the tradition of George Washington bringing a camel to Mount Vernon in 1787.
Chat with Revolutionary War Soldiers
View an 18th-century winter encampment and learn about the life of Revolutionary soldiers.
Shop an Artisan Winter Market
Visit with artisan sutlers who produce hand-crafted 18th-century wares, available for purchase at the Winter Market.
- Columbus Cartography
- Half Crown Bakehouse
- Handcrafted Baskets
- Hot Dip Tin (Friday & Saturday only)
- K. Walters at the Sign of the Gray Horse
- Phil The Glassblower
- Sage & Folly Historical Apothecary
- Samson Historical
- Steinhagen Pottery
- Sullivan Press (Friday & Saturday only)
- Tasha's Own
- The Parsonage Handmade Soap (Friday & Saturday only)
- White Historic Art
You can also shop for holiday gifts from The Shops at Mount Vernon (open until 8:30 p.m.). They will also have gifts available for purchase on the bowling green until 8 p.m.
Play Colonial Games
Visit our 18th-century tavern tent on the bowling green for music and games.
Dance in the Greenhouse
Dance to 18th-century music in the greenhouse (last dance called at 7:45 p.m.).
Enjoy S'mores & Holiday Treats
Warm up with food, including s'mores kits and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck.
Explore a Straw Bale Maze
Wind through a straw bale kids' maze filled with Christmas lights.
Play "I Spy"
Play "I Spy General George Washington." Search for General Washington, hidden among the lights and enchanted spaces of the estate, and see how many you can find!
Join Us for Children's Storytime
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.
Visit the Museum
Discover the history of Mount Vernon and its landscape with our exhibit, Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon.
Concessions Menu
Food
- Jumbo Hot Dog - $5.00
- Chili Dog - $9.00
- 1/2 Smoked Sausage (with Peppers & Onions) - $11.00
- Chicken Tenders - $8.00
- Grilled Chicken Bites (GF) - $8.00
- Fried Cheese Curds - $8.00
- Chili with Baguette - $8.00
- Warm Brie with Baguette - $8.00
- Turkey & Provolone on Rye - $9.00
- Veggie Wrap (GF) - $8.00
- Bavarian Pretzel - $12.00
- With Cheese - $14.00
Snacks
- Assorted Chips - $2.00
- Seasonal Cookie - $3.00
- Rice Krispy Treat - $4.00
- Assorted Candy - $2.00
- Brownies - $4.00
- Roasted Almonds - $6.00
All Food & Drinks Must Stay on the 12-acre Field
beverages
- Bottled Soda - $2.00
- Bottled Water - $3.00
- Bottled Drinks - $4.00
- Hot Apple Cider - $3.00
- Hot Chocolate - $3.00
- Illy Coffee - $3.00
Alcoholic Beverages
- Hot Apple Cider with Brandy - $9.00
- Hot Chocolate with choice - $9.00
- Red or White Wine - $8.00
- Domestic Beer- $6.00
- Craft Beer - $8.00
Must be 21 years old to order alcohol
Free Admission in December, January & February
Christmas Illuminations ticket holders receive free daytime admission in December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025 (value of $28/adult and $15/youth).
Present your Christmas Illuminations ticket at the gate for daytime admittance.
Tickets are non-transferrable.
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, large strollers, stroller wagons, 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 experience at night. Be prepared for low temperatures, varying light levels, 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.
The interior of the Mansion is closed during Christmas Illuminations for preservation work.
Pet Policy
Please note, while we enjoy our four-legged friends during the daytime, pets are not allowed on the grounds for evening events.
