Updated for 2025
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.
Big News: After months of careful preservation work, the first and second floors of the Mansion are fully reopened!🥳 In addition to these newly restored rooms, visitors will also see a new look in the Washingtons' Bedchamber, which has been updated to better reflect how the room would have looked in 1799.
NEW: Virginia 250 Passport
As we approach America's 250th Anniversary in 2026, be sure to pick up a just-released copy of the Virginia 250 Passport, now available for free at seven signature sites across the Commonwealth, including Fairfax County's own George Washington's Mount Vernon, and at the 12 official Welcome Centers in Virginia. For each location that you visit, you will get a stamp, making this a unique travel souvenir.
Passport holders receive a 15% discount at participating sites around the Commonwealth once a first stamp has been received. Plus, those who visit at least 5 of the 70 participating sites across Virginia will be eligible for cash and prizes. The Virginia 250 Passport is part of a statewide initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and U.S. independence. Learn more about America's 250th in Fairfax County here.
Holiday Fifing
November 28- January 6
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 - 21
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. 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 Container Workshop
December 7
Get your creative juices flowing as you design your own winter container using a variety of fresh evergreen boughs to bring a holiday feel from Mount Vernon to your front porch, deck, or patio. Sign up now!
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 28 - December 23
Step into the holiday spirit, 18th-century style! Discover Mount Vernon's holiday traditions as you walk through a candlelight tour and hear about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Learn more here.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
December 5 - December 14
"Tea's" the season! You can also get tickets for a Holiday Afternoon Tea where you’ll enjoy the holiday ambiance at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, accompanied by peaceful live harp music.
Hot tip! Plan for spring 2026, when Mount Vernon will unveil a brand-new interactive exhibit on George Washington's life, where you will learn about his humble beginnings as a surveyor to his crucial role in the founding of our nation, with a new transformed layout, technology, and more!
Share your photos with us on social using @VisitFairfax or #FXVA. 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.
