Special Events
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 27 - December 13, 2009, 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday only
November 27, 28 & 29
December 4, 5 & 6
December 11, 12 & 13
"Mrs. Washington" hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, firesideChristmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. The Mount Vernon by
Candlelight tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters
from the Washingtons' world guiding visitors through the home and adding
ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount
Vernon.
"Mount Vernon by Candlelight" is the only time of year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours. Mount Vernon's modern buildings include merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9 p.m. Tickets are available at Mount Vernon's Ford
Orientation Center or at online here starting November 1.
Adults: $18
Children 11 and under: $12
The Mount Vernon Inn restaurant will be open for dinner during this event on the following nights:
Sunday, November 29
Saturday, December 5
Sunday, December 6
Sunday, December 13
Availability subject to change. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (703) 780-0011. (Dinner only, does not include Candlelight Tour tickets.)
Christmas at Mount Vernon
November 27, 2009 - January 6, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for Christmas at Mount Vernon, a
special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through
the Twelve Days of Christmas (November 27 - January 6). Themed
decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon by
former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making
demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing will be offered. Back by popular
demand will be "Aladdin," who plays the role of a Christmas Camel! George
Washington was fond of unusual animals and plants, and he paid 18 shillings in 1787 for a camel to temporarily live at Mount Vernon for his guests during Christmas.
The popular tradition continues of opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming "Lady Washington." All programs are included in general admission: $15 for adults, $7 for youth (6-11), and free for children five and younger. Mount Vernon is open 365 days of the year, and hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during "Christmas at Mount Vernon."
Former White House Pastry Chef to Create Gingerbread Masterpiece!
November 12 - November 24, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Mount Vernon welcomes former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier as he creates a gingerbread replica of George Washington's home. Visitors can watch as Mesnier constructs the masterpiece, which
will include intricate details such as works of art of walls and several marzipan figures from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Vaughan Lobby, near the Shops at Mount Vernon. The five-foot-wide and two-foot-tall gingerbread Mansion replica will be on display as part of the Christmas at Mount Vernon daytime event, (included in Estate admission) which begins on November 27. The National Treasure Tour at Mount Vernon
November 1 - December 31, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand are our "National Treasure Tour" where visitorscan take an hour-long walking tour that includes behind-the-scenes
information about areas where "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets"
filming took place and how these locations were used during George
Washington's time. The tour includes the mysterious basement, usually
closed to the public! The National Treasure Tour is limited to 25 visitors
per time slot and costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission.
These popular tours sell out quickly so please plan ahead! Purchasing tickets online is recommended .
Scouting Days at Mount Vernon
November 1, 2009 - February 15, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Historic Mount Vernon welcomes all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp
Fire Club members (in uniform or wearing an official pin) with free
admission during its Scouting Days program, from November 1, 2009 -
February 15, 2010. Troops are invited to hike the Forest Trail (map
provided). Troops may arrange to lay a wreath at Washington's tomb by
sending a request to: grouptours@mountvernon.org or 703-799-8688.
Two leaders from each group will receive a discounted admission rate of
$7.
Temporary Museum Exhibition
George Washington & His Generals
February 21, 2009 - January 10, 2010
Co-sponsored by Mount Vernon and The Society of the Cincinnati , this exhibition features over 120 paintings, prints, personal artifacts, and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies. These objects drawn from the collections of Mount Vernon, the Society, and almost 40 of the nation's foremost fine arts museums, historical societies, and private collections?offer an unprecedented look at Washington's leadership and character as commander-in-chief by bringing to life the relationships that formed between him and his generals as they fought for our nation's freedom.
