Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon during the holidays.
There’s no better place to celebrate the holiday season than George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Visitors can walk back in time with Candlelight tours of the estate, enjoy holiday fireworks on the river, and find unique holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon.
Located just outside of Washington, D.C. on the banks of the Potomac River, upcoming events and activities include:
- Meet Aladdin the Christmas Camel. In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain his guests. Come to Mount Vernon and meet Aladdin, our very own Christmas Camel. Read more here.
- Holiday Candlelight Tour Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 18. Experience the holidays like George and Martha Washington. Meet Mrs. Washington and 18th-century Mount Vernon residents during a 45-minute candlelit estate tour, see the themed Christmas trees, and shop for holiday gifts. Read more here.
- Receive a free Mount Vernon winter beanie. On Dec. 10, visitors purchasing a grounds pass will receive a winter beanie featuring the Mount Vernon mansion. One per person while supplies last. Read more here.
- Book Talk: Women in George Washington's World on Dec. 15. A panel of scholars discusses a new collection of essays about the women who had tremendous influence on the nation’s first president. Read more here.
- Find Unique Holiday Gifts. Cross everyone off your holiday gift list after visiting The Shops at Mount Vernon, and pick up unique holiday décor. There’s nowhere else shoppers can find the Mount Vernon illuminated porcelain ornaments and advent calendar, George Washington’s rye whiskey and sundial, and historic-inspired jewelry, china, toys, and artwork. Every purchase helps support preservation of George Washington's legacy, and members save ten percent on purchases. After shopping, stop by the Mount Vernon Inn for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. Read more here.
Read the full listing of Mount Vernon events here. Most Mount Vernon events are free or discounted for members. Information about Mount Vernon membership is available here.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery and gristmill. It also includes the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.
