George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion has a whole month of holiday events planned!
The full daily schedule of winter holiday activities includes chocolate-making demos, rare tours of the mansion’s third floor, and 18th century dance demonstrations. Christmas at Mount Vernon also features 12 large festively decorated Christmas trees, a 5' x 2' gingerbread house modeled after the mansion, more than 100 poinsettias, and the opportunity to do some holiday shopping at Mount Vernon’s shops which sell a vast selection of unique Christmas items. [caption id="attachment_5169" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
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Depending on what type of Christmas event or celebration you wish to attend, Mount Vernon’s candlelight tours (hosted by an actress portraying Martha Washington) can be a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. The 18th century Christmas walk leads visitors through a candlelit tour of the property, featuring festive décor, fireside caroling, and the chance to see the blacksmith shop, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the estate’s camel named Aladdin. Not surprisingly, these tours have become immensely popular over the years! Admission is $24 for adults and $16 for children under the age of 12 and includes free hot cider and cookies. This year's candlelight tours are scheduled for December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Mount Vernon’s website and are also sold on the premises.
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Of the daily holiday events happening at Mount Vernon, the third-floor mansion tour is a good reason to visit, since the holiday season is the only time visitors can see where Martha Washington lived when her husband died. In addition, the chocolate-making demos on an open fire gives visitors the chance to not only see how chocolate was made in the 1700s but also taste authentic freshly made colonial chocolate recipes. Chocolate products and spiced drink mixes are also sold in the estate’s shops.
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For tickets, programming information, and more, visit Mount Vernon’s website.
Have you been to Mount Vernon during the holidays? What's your favorite tour? Tell us in the comments below!