Mount Vernon by Candlelight

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George Washington's Mount Vernon

Join Mount Vernon for a candlelit character-guided tour and learn more about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia.

Event dates: November 29 & 30. December 6, 7, 13, 14, & 22

Mount Vernon's residents and visitors host a festive evening during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season while viewing spectacular Christmas trees highlighting the lives of the Washingtons in the Ford Orientation Center. Light concessions will be available for purchase.

Your tour begins with a lantern lit walk of the historic area. Learn about holiday traditions of the 18th century while viewing the Slave Quarters and outbuildings of the estate. Inside the Mansion, Lady Washington and other Mount Vernon residents will welcome you into their home and share stories of past Christmases.

After the tour concludes, visit the Greenhouse and participate in 18th century dancing, just as the Washingtons might have done during the holidays. The evening concludes with lives music, cider and cookies in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center Lobby and an opportunity to visit the Education Center exhibits and The Shops.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight takes place rain or shine. Tour start times vary each day, see the ticketing page for time information. Guests will be allowed entry through the main gate 15 minutes prior to their tour time.