# Mount Vernon Christmas Illuminations & Candlelight Tours

> Event for families in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area (DC / VA / MD / WV). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 27 – Dec 22 · 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Ages: All ages (children 5 and under free; estate grounds stroller accessible, mansion interior requires baby carriers)
- Price: Candlelight Tours $41 adult / $33 youth (ages 6–11) / free under 6; Christmas Illuminations $58 adult / $36 youth (ages 6–11) / free under 6. Advance booking required.
- Organizer: George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Official page: https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/mount-vernon-by-candlelight/
- Last checked: Wed, Nov 4

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/mount-vernon-christmas-illuminations-and-candlelight-tours--listing-5568c42bfa788ae2eec53aa1

## About

Step into an authentic 18th-century holiday celebration at the historic estate of George Washington. During Mount Vernon by Candlelight, costumed character interpreters lead guided lantern-lit evening walks through the historic grounds and mansion, sharing colonial Christmas traditions, 18th-century dancing, and seasonal chamber music. Guests can warm up by outdoor bonfires while enjoying complimentary hot spiced cider and colonial ginger cookies.

On the signature Christmas Illuminations weekend (December 19–20), the estate lights up with glowing historic displays, a winter market with colonial craft artisans, a Revolutionary War encampment, visits with Aladdin the Christmas Camel, and a spectacular fireworks show choreographed to patriotic holiday music bursting over the Potomac River. The historic estate walkways accommodate rugged strollers, though baby carriers are required inside the historic mansion due to period staircases. Tickets are strictly capacity-controlled and regularly sell out by mid-November.

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