Historic Mount Vernon Sparkles with Holiday Cheer
10-20-2009
During Candlelight Tours
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Martha Washington hosts an 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Visitors will be treated as holiday guests of the Washington family who, upon presenting their “letter of introduction,” are greeted by Mrs. Washington in the Mansion’s large dining room. The Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (November 27, 28, & 29; December 4, 5 & 6; and 11, 12 & 13) from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. are the only times during the holidays that the Estate is open for public evening tours. Starting November 1, tickets may be purchased in advance at the Ford Orientation Center (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily), or through Visit.MountVernon.org. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
Visitors will also meet a cast of friends and family of the famous founding couple. In the kitchen, the final stop on the tour, guests will hear about 18th-century holiday cooking, see Martha Washington’s Great Cake, and be given a complimentary copy of the recipe to try at home. Following the Mansion tour of the first and second floors, guests are invited to stroll candlelit walks, join in fireside caroling, and enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.
The Food Court at Mount Vernon is open during Candlelight Tours for fresh and convenient meals and special holiday treats. The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, with its early-American fare and colonial servers, offers the perfect complement to the Mount Vernon by Candlelight program. Reservations are suggested for this popular dining experience. Please call 703-780-0011.
The Shops at Mount Vernon are open late during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Twelve themed departments, including The Christmas Corner, abound with a broad selection of unique gift items including holiday ornaments, estate jewelry, and an exceptional selection of gifts for children. No admission is required to shop.
###
Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); Visit.MountVernon.org
Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.
Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.
[Back to Press Releases Main]
