George Washington’s Mount Vernon will glow a little brighter this holiday season. On Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19, 2026, the estate hosts Christmas Illuminations, an evening celebration that combines a spectacular fireworks show over the Potomac River with the lighting of the estate’s Christmas tree.
During the event, visitors can stroll the lantern-lit historic area, where interpreters in period dress share stories and festive music fills the air. Select buildings in the historic area will be open, along with the Museum and Education Center, giving families a rare chance to experience the estate after dark. Food and drink concessions will be available, with Washington’s Mount Vernon Inn and the Food Court Pavilion open for dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The estate’s grounds are decorated for the season throughout December, so daytime Christmas visits are also possible — but Illuminations is a separately ticketed event, and advance purchase through mountvernon.org/tickets is recommended before tickets sell out. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the evening runs to 9:00 p.m.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
