Mount Vernon to Offer Holiday Fireworks for First Time

For the first time ever, Mount Vernon will open its doors for an evening of holiday-themed fireworks and special programs this weekend, on Saturday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for ages 6 to 11. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free of charge. A mansion tour is not included (those tours are sold out for Saturday night).

There is no rain in the forecast for Saturday night, but be sure to bundle up--temperatures will be between 40 to 31 degrees.

“Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon” will offer you a chance to step back in time and experience a festive holiday evening at George Washington’s estate. Visitors can stroll through the historic area while being serenaded by local choirs.

Here’s a sampling of some of the activities scheduled for the event:

• Watch as colonial artisans demonstrate the 18th-century process of creating chocolate.
• Visit a winter encampment and meet re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment.
• Enjoy cider, cookies, and a bonfire while listening to the harmonious sounds of musicians performing 18th-century tunes.
• Impress holiday guests by learning 18th-century dance moves with costumed guides in the Greenhouse.
• Warm up in the blacksmith shop – a working reconstruction of Washington’s blacksmith shop.
• Sip hot chocolate while watching a fireworks show choreographed to holiday music over the Potomac River.

“General and Lady Washington” along with a cast of costumed characters from the 18th century will be on hand to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests.