The Mansion by Candlelight, Christmas 1776
Mount Vernon by Candlelight is a guided evening tour of George Washington's Mansion and the grounds by candlelight, set at Christmas 1776. It runs on seven nights: November 27 and 28, December 11 and 12, December 18, and December 21 and 22. The tour itself is 45 minutes, but Mount Vernon says to plan about two hours from when you arrive.
Tickets are timed and all sales are final, with no discounts and no waitlist. Adults 12 and up are $41, kids 6 to 11 are $33, and 5 and under are free. Tour times start as early as 5pm and vary by night. Kids tend to like what happens around the tour more than the tour: Aladdin the camel, colonial dancing in the greenhouse, Revolutionary War soldiers in the Education Center, and free spiced cider and ginger cookies.
If fireworks sound better to your crew, Christmas Illuminations is December 19 and 20, 5:30 to 8:30pm, with fireworks over the Potomac around 8, a straw bale maze lit with Christmas lights, s'mores kits and a chance to meet George and Martha. That one is $58 for adults and $36 for ages 6 to 11. For both events, oversized strollers and wagons aren't allowed, and the big field is unpaved.
Event Details
Kid Favorites
Planning the whole holiday season?
Our free DC Holiday Planner puts all 17 Christmas light shows side by side, plus a December fridge calendar, Santa, trains and Nutcrackers. Sign up and you'll get the PDF right away, plus our weekly family events email.
Getting There 🗺️
Parent Tips 💡
- Book early. Tickets are timed and all sales are final, so lock in the night you're sure about.
- Leave the big stroller. Oversized strollers and wagons are not allowed.
- Plan two hours. The tour is 45 minutes, but the extras take time.
- Wear real shoes. The large field is unpaved, and it runs rain, snow or shine.
- Want fireworks? Christmas Illuminations on Dec 19-20 is the one with the fireworks show.
Questions Parents Ask
When is Mount Vernon by Candlelight 2026?
November 27 and 28, December 11 and 12, December 18, and December 21 and 22, 2026, with tour times starting around 5pm.
How much is Mount Vernon by Candlelight?
Adults 12 and up are $41, youth 6 to 11 are $33, and kids 5 and under are free. Members get a discount.
Can I bring a stroller?
Small strollers are OK, but oversized strollers and wagons are not allowed, and the 12-acre field is unpaved.
When is Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon?
December 19 and 20, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30pm, with fireworks around 8pm. Adults $58, youth 6 to 11 $36, 5 and under free.
Get next week's events in your inbox
Every week, the best DMV family events, picked by a local parent.
Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
More Holiday Fun in Northern Virginia
Free Coloring Book!
Grab Finn's Zoo Adventure coloring book, plus get our weekly family events newsletter. It's free!
Get It Free