Updated for 2024
Every year, starting in late November, George Washington's Mount Vernon infuses a healthy dose of holiday spirit and hospitality into its normal programming, resulting in a magical few weeks of memory-making opportunities for those who know when and where to find it. Below is your guide to all the festivities available to visitors over the coming weeks.
Reminder: Mount Vernon is embarking on a landmark preservation project to safeguard the Mansion’s original building fabric and ensure its structural integrity for generations to come. During this preservation undertaking, Mount Vernon remains OPEN to visitors, though you can expect some features to be off-view. Plus, the estate will be showcasing its usual holiday cheer this season in a new light!
Winter Glow
November 29-30 and December 15 - 19 & 23
Witness George Washington's Mount Vernon's landscape transformed by light. The estate will be illuminated with dazzling lights and sparkling decorations for all to enjoy during the Winter Glow. Visitors can stroll through the lantern-lit historic site and visit with a special holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel, a tradition that dates back to 1787 when George Washington brought a camel to Mount Vernon. Guests will also have the chance to learn about the holiday traditions of the past and gather around the campfire to hear stories from 1774 while roasting marshmallows. Don't miss your chance to play "I Spy General George Washington" and search for General Washington hidden among the lights! NEW THIS YEAR: Winter Glow ticket holders can visit the grounds for free in December, January, and February (value of $28/adult and $15/youth). Find more details here.
Holiday Fifing
November 27- January 5
During the American Revolution, General George Washington complained that the "Music of the army [was] in general very bad." On February 22, during the bitter Valley Forge winter of 1778, the musicians of Proctor's Artillery surprised Washington with music composed by fifers and drummers. He recognized the resilience of the musicians who would perform, without orders, in the subfreezing temperatures. Now, come and experience the serenade from local fifers this festive season. Witness a musical demonstration by the resident Fifer and a discussion featuring 18th-century holiday tunes! Learn more.
Christmas Illuminations
December 20 - 22
This beloved family-friendly event is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year at Mount Vernon. Festive lights, mansion tours, a holiday market complete with sutlers peddling their 18th-century crafts, a living history winter encampment, and amazing fireworks make this a truly remarkable experience for all who take it in. NEW THIS YEAR: Christmas Illuminations ticket holders can visit the grounds for free in December, January, and February (value of $28/adult and $15/youth). Learn More Here
Other Holiday Activities
Aladdin the Camel
On-site through the holidays
Affectionately known as the "Christmas Camel," Aladdin visits Mount Vernon every holiday season. Why is there a camel at Mount Vernon, you ask? Well, in 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to the estate to entertain his guests. He's one of the most popular guests at the estate during the holiday season and is super friendly. The perfect selfie companion for those looking to post something a little different to their social media feeds.
Winter Wreath Class
December 6 -7
Get your creative juices flowing as you make your own holiday wreath using an assortment of evergreens and botanical accents gathered from the historic grounds of Mount Vernon. Sign up now!
Holiday Traditions
December 28 - 29
Step into the holiday spirit, 18th-century style! Discover Mount Vernon's holiday traditions as you craft a pomander ball to fill your home with holiday scents, listen to the season's music and try your hand at popular card games of the period. You can also get your tickets to dine with the Washingtons where you’ll explore how food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served on the estate. This might be your only chance to learn how to make Washington’s famous recipes!
Share your photos with us on social using @VisitFairfax or #FXVA. We'd love to see what you're up to and maybe share your pictures with our audience! For more holiday planning ideas, check out where to find your Christmas Tree, find special locally-made gifts in our Made in Fairfax gift guide, grab tickets to an upcoming holiday concert or performance, and sleuth out where to find the man in red himself, Santa Claus.
