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!

Illumination logo

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.

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

Illumination French

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

Illumination Paris

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

Illumination Wiki

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

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

Illumination animation

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.

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

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.

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

Illumination founded

Illumination movies

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.

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.

Illumination Studios

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.