Winter Glow

Enter the lantern-lit historic area and marvel as you see Washington's famous landscape transformed by light and music. Historic spaces throughout the estate will be aglow and illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere that will delight guests of all ages!

Warm up by the crackling fires and visit the blacksmith shop and outbuildings. Purchase holiday gifts for your loved ones as you shop our selection of gifts on the 12-acre field. 

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. 
• Hear Scottish Farm Manager "James Anderson" talk about Aladdin the Christmas Camel (5:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) on the 12-acre field. 

Discover 18th-century Holiday Traditions

• Listen to people from Washington’s world and learn what preparing for twelfth night was like. Performances are in the Interpretative Center (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.).
• Learn about past holiday traditions in the Ford Orientation Center as you prepare to enter Washington's world.
• Enjoy stories from 1774 from our History Interpreters at the bowling green (presentations start at 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.).

Play 18th-Century Games 

Learn an 18th-century game and enjoy a cup of hot cider on the west end of the bowling green.

Dance in the Greenhouse

Dance to 18th-century music in the greenhouse (last dance is called at 7:45 p.m.).

Magic Show with Mr. Peter Gardiner

Watch 18th-century conjuror Mr. Peter Gardiner present his magic show at the bowling green tent (presentations start at 6 p.m. & 7 p.m.). 

Play "I Spy" George Washington

Play "I Spy General George Washington" and search for General Washington hidden among the lights and enchanted spaces of the estate. See how many you can find! 

Explore a Straw Bale Maze

Kids can wind through a straw bale kids' maze filled with Christmas lights on the bowling green.

Hear Caroling  (Nov. 29-30, Dec. 15-16)

Be transported by the sounds of Christmas carols performed by carolers in 18th-century costumes.

Visit the Museum

Discover the history of Mount Vernon and its landscape with our exhibit, Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon.

Enjoy S'mores & Holiday Treats

Purchase holiday food and drinks, including s'mores kits, from the Mount Vernon Inn food truck.

Shop for Gifts

Shop for holiday gifts from The Shops at Mount Vernon. They will also have gifts available for purchase on the 12-acre field.