Experience Veterans Day Programs, Candlelight Tours, Fireworks Over the Potomac, Holiday Shopping, and More as America’s 250th Celebration Continues
Mount Vernon, VA November 2026 — Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where history comes alive with festive traditions, candlelit tours, dazzling fireworks over the Potomac, holiday shopping and special events throughout November and December. As the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, visitors can experience the holidays at the home of the nation’s first president while discovering the people, places and traditions that shaped America.
November features Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans, a day honoring those who have served in the U.S. military with free admission for active-duty, former and retired military personnel, special performances and patriotic activities. Throughout November, visitors also can enjoy educational workshops, author discussions, and programs exploring the Revolutionary era.
Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the estate transforms into a festive holiday destination with the return of Mount Vernon by Candlelight, one of the most beloved annual traditions. Guests can step back in time to Christmas 1776 during special evening tours of Washington’s home, enjoy 18th-century holiday traditions, try colonial-style dancing and meet Aladdin the Christmas camel.
The holiday festivities continue in December with Christmas Illuminations, featuring spectacular fireworks choreographed to holiday music over the Potomac River. Visitors can enjoy a festive winter market featuring artisan vendors, holiday caroling, encounters with George and Martha Washington, and a visit with Aladdin the Christmas camel, all against the backdrop of Washington’s historic estate.
Visitors also can create seasonal decorations during winter wreath-making classes, participate in special family programs and explore Washington’s life and legacy through guided tours and events at the George Washington Presidential Library.
And a visit to Mount Vernon isn’t complete without a stop at The Shops at Mount Vernon, one of the area’s most unique shopping destinations. The expansive gift shop offers an impressive selection of gifts for all ages and interests, from exclusive Mount Vernon merchandise and America 250 commemorative keepsakes to holiday ornaments, jewelry, apparel, books, home décor, gourmet foods and much more. Whether searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or a special holiday treasure, visitors can enjoy a memorable shopping experience while supporting the preservation of George Washington’s historic estate.
With activities for all ages, Mount Vernon offers a memorable way to celebrate the season, create new family traditions and connect with American history.
UPCOMING EVENTS (in chronological order)
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans — November 11, 2026. Honor America’s veterans with a day of special programming at George Washington’s estate. Active-duty, former and retired military personnel receive free admission. Activities include patriotic musical performances, opportunities for veterans to place floral tributes at Washington’s Tomb, appearances by General Washington and Henry Knox, and family activities exploring America’s military history. Learn more.
Thanksgiving To-Go. Make holiday entertaining easier with Thanksgiving offerings from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, bringing a taste of Mount Vernon to the holiday table. Orders are now being accepted, with a November 23 deadline to place your order. Learn more and order.
Members Shopping Day — November 12, 2026. Mount Vernon members are invited to enjoy a special shopping day at The Shops at Mount Vernon, offering an opportunity to find unique gifts and seasonal merchandise inspired by George Washington and America’s history. Learn more.
Ford Evening Book Talk: Revolutionary Snipers — November 17, 2026. Join the George Washington Presidential Library for an evening author discussion exploring the role of sharpshooters and precision marksmanship during the American Revolution. Learn more.
STEAM Teacher Workshop: Crossing the Delaware — November 18, 2026. Educators can explore the history and science behind Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River through a workshop connecting Revolutionary history with hands-on STEAM learning. Learn more.
Homeschool Workshop: Bobbin Lace Making — November 20, 2026. Homeschooling families can discover the traditional craft of bobbin lace making and learn about the skills and techniques used to create intricate textiles in the 18th century. Learn more.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight — November 27–28; December 11–12, 18 and 21–22, 2026. Experience the magic of the holidays during an evening visit to George Washington’s estate. Guided candlelit tours transport guests to Christmas 1776, with stories of holiday traditions, colonial-style dancing and an opportunity to meet Aladdin the Christmas camel. This popular annual event offers a festive way to experience Mount Vernon after dark. Tickets are available now. Learn more.
Ford Evening Book Talk: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution — December 3, 2026. Discover the remarkable women whose ideas, writing and actions helped shape the American Revolution during this special author discussion at the George Washington Presidential Library. Learn more.
Winter Wreath Class — December 4–5, 2026. Get into the holiday spirit with a hands-on seasonal workshop creating a decorative winter wreath. Enjoy a festive experience inspired by the natural beauty and traditions of Mount Vernon. Learn more.
Educators’ Evening 2026 — December 10, 2026. Teachers and educators are invited to a special evening program featuring opportunities to explore Mount Vernon’s educational resources and discover new ways to bring Washington’s world and the founding era into the classroom. Learn more.
Lunch at the Library: George Washington and Religious Texts — December 11, 2026. Join the George Washington Presidential Library for a discussion exploring Washington’s relationship with religious texts and their place in his life and the founding era. Learn more.
Sensory-Friendly Family Morning — December 12, 2026. Neurodivergent individuals and their families are invited to experience Mount Vernon during a quieter, more accommodating morning visit. Explore the historic estate and participate in family-friendly activities in a welcoming environment. Learn more.
The Death and Mourning of General George Washington Tour — December 12–14, 2026. Commemorate the anniversary of George Washington’s death with a special guided tour examining his final days, the nation’s response to his passing and the mourning traditions of the late 18th century. Learn more.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon — December 19–20, 2026. Celebrate the holidays with a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to festive music over the Potomac River. Explore an artisan winter market, enjoy holiday caroling, meet George and Martha Washington, and visit Aladdin the Christmas camel. With seasonal entertainment, holiday shopping and dazzling fireworks against the backdrop of Washington’s historic estate, Christmas Illuminations offers a memorable way for families and friends to celebrate the season. Tickets are available now. Learn more.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill, as well as the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Learn more at www.mountvernon.org.