Kick off the holiday season with a little twinkle at Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon!

For two days, from December 19-20, 2026, see historic spaces throughout the estate aglow in festive light, meet George and Martha Washington, and hear General Washington’s special holiday remarks as he kicks off a spectacular fireworks show — choreographed to music — over the Potomac River.

Meet Aladdin the Camel
Say hello to Mount Vernon’s holiday guest, continuing the tradition of George Washington bringing a camel to the estate in 1787.

Artisan Winter Market
Shop hand-crafted 18th-century wares from artisan sutlers on the 12-acre field.

Patriots Path Winter Encampment
Talk with Revolutionary War soldiers and learn how they lived on the move.

Straw Bale Maze
Little ones will love winding through a kids’ maze twinkling with Christmas lights.

18th-Century Holiday Traditions
Sing along to Christmas carols and dance to lively 18th-century music in the greenhouse.

S’mores, Treats & Gingerbread
Warm up with s’mores kits and holiday drinks from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, and take home fresh-baked gingerbread made with a replica of an 18th-century mold used by the Continental Army’s Superintendent of Bakers.

Want to step inside? Experience George Washington’s Mansion illuminated at night with a Mansion Tour add-on (a separate ticket is required for entry). Kids ages 5 and under are free, and members enjoy discounted event tickets.