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.
Details:
Website
Dates:
Dec 19-20, 2026
Location:
George Washington’s Mount Vernon ∙ Mount Vernon, VA
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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
