The 2007 White House Christmas ornament, featuring Mount Vernon.

With an unprecedented emphasis on the Christmas season, Historic 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 28 – January 6). 

New this year are themed decorations, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and even a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas of 1787. 

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: $13 for adults, $6 for youth (6-11), and free for children 5 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.”

“Mount Vernon was bustling with activity and visitors during Christmas in George Washington’s day,” said Emily Coleman Dibella, Director of Public Affairs. “We wanted to bring that same kind of energy and anticipation to our modern visitors, so we’re going all out for a dramatically different and entertaining Christmas experience.”

Decorations

• Twelve festive Christmas trees will grace Mount Vernon’s Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center. Ranging in heights of up to 12 feet tall, the trees will be professionally decorated with themes relating to Mount Vernon, George Washington, and the 18th century.

• Former White House Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier will create from scratch a five-foot-wide and two-foot-tall gingerbread replica of the Mansion. Starting November 12, visitors may watch Mr. Mesnier construct the masterpiece, which will include such intricate details as works of art on walls and marzipan George and Martha Washington figures.

• Traditional boughs of hand-cut greenery will adorn doorways in the Mansion, which will be staged with an elaborate course in the formal dining room. The Mansion’s rooms will be changed from their normal appearance to reflect the home preparing for overnight guests. Martha Washington’s “Great Cake” will take center stage, and visitors may take home her original recipe calling for 40 eggs and a version that has been adapted for modern ovens – and appetites!

• Over 100 poinsettias will follow hallways and other paths walked by visitors.

• The Shops at Mount Vernon include a large Christmas section, with dozens of ornaments, Byers’ Choice Carolers – including a George and Martha Washington! – snow globes, and wooden advent calendars. Stock up on holiday shopping with unique gifts.
  

Programs

• Sample fresh chocolate made by hand over an open fire. The American Heritage Chocolate Program uses an authentic colonial recipe and costumed chocolatiers to reproduce the distinct flavors of the 18th century. Chocolate bars, sticks, and spiced drink mix are sold at The Shops at Mount Vernon.

• Tour the third floor of the Mansion where Lady Washington lived after her beloved husband died. She never returned to their shared room and instead lived the rest of her years in a garret chamber, which was just refurbished three years ago. The third floor is only open during “Christmas at Mount Vernon.”

• Meet “Lady Washington” herself! The popular hostess presents a charming program and takes questions in the Little Theater. Schedule may vary.

• Rudolph wasn’t around during Washington’s time, but the General did have an exotic animal over the holidays – 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. A Christmas Camel takes up residence for the first time in 221 years during the 2008 season.

• Try your hand – and feet – at the Virginia reel, or just watch and enjoy the ambiance as costumed actors demonstrate dances that were popular in the 18th century.

• Demonstrations are offered in the greenhouse. Schedule may vary.

• We guarantee a white Christmas – at least in the Revolutionary War theater! Feel your seat rumble and snow fall on your shoulders as Washington and his troops cross the Delaware in a multimedia immersive experience! Part of the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, included in general admission.