Bonus Daytime Admission: Christmas Illuminations ticket holders can visit the grounds for free in December, January, and February (value of $28/adult and $15/youth). See below for details.

Illumination movies

From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!

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Mount Vernon is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization. We don't accept government funding and rely upon private contributions to help preserve George Washington's home and legacy.

Illumination Wiki

Please note, while we enjoy our four-legged friends during the daytime, pets are not allowed on the grounds for evening events.

The event also includes moving lights, amplified music, and musket-firing demonstrations, which can be heard throughout the evening in the historic area.

You can also shop for holiday gifts from The Shops at Mount Vernon (open until 8:30 p.m.). They will also have gifts available for purchase on the bowling green until 8 p.m.

Illumination logo

Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting provides a modern and more energy efficient lighting solution to traditional halogen bulbs. According to Which?, they use 90% less energy than traditional incandescents and can last 25-30 years depending on their use. Another benefit of LED lighting is that  they offer multiple smaller light sources in each fixture instead of one big light bulb, which can be easier on the eye. Despite this, LED lighting still requires diffusing in order to 'scatter' light and reduce 'hot spots' to make it suitable for domestic environments.

Illumination Studios

Play "I Spy General George Washington." Search for General Washington, hidden among the lights and enchanted spaces of the estate, and see how many you can find!

Historic spaces throughout the estate will be aglow and illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere that will delight guests of all ages!

Illumination animation

Enjoy spectacular holiday fireworks, choreographed to music, over the Potomac River. The fireworks program begins at approximately 8 p.m.

Illumination French

Christmas Illuminations ticket holders receive free daytime admission in December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025 (value of $28/adult and $15/youth).

Illumination Megaverse

Mount Vernon is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization. We don't accept government funding and rely upon private contributions to help preserve George Washington's home and legacy.

Diakon® Light Plus features diffusion technology designed to provide performance, aesthetics and functionality for LED lighting. Application opportunities include smooth lighting covers (ceiling lamp covers), ribbed lighting covers (offices / workspaces), automotive interior and rear light, diffuse LED collimators and workspace desk lighting.

Christmas Illuminations is an outdoor experience at night. Be prepared for low temperatures, varying light levels, and uneven walkways.

Illumination founded

Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Visit our Winter Market, purchase holiday treats, and roast s'mores over the crackling fire.

Visit the Interpretive Center at 7:30 p.m. for Story Time: Gingerbread for Liberty. A story of how a German baker helped win the American Revolution.

Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive lights and spectacular fireworks over the Potomac River. Chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel.

Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive lights and spectacular fireworks over the Potomac River. Chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel.

Bonus Daytime Admission: Christmas Illuminations ticket holders can visit the grounds for free in December, January, and February (value of $28/adult and $15/youth). See below for details.

Please be aware of the potential long line for entry at the beginning of the event, and help the line move faster by packing lightly.

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.

Meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel, continuing the tradition of George Washington bringing a camel to Mount Vernon in 1787.

Guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the east lawn, but please be courteous to those around you. Oversize chairs, large strollers, stroller wagons, tables, tents, carts, and coolers are not permitted. Seating is not provided.