Fun Activities to Do in Mount Vernon During Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring all of your friends and family to visit historic Mount Vernon. You can explore the hometown of George Washington while watching numerous actors in colonial historical attire. Mount Vernon is located along the banks of the Potomac River and is less than an hour’s drive from the nation’s capital. Tours to Mount Vernon are an excellent way to create many memories with friends and family during the holiday season.

Here are several fun activities to do in or near Mount Vernon during the Thanksgiving holidays.

1. Experience Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Mount Vernon by Candlelight is always a favorite activity during the holiday season. A lantern-lit walk allows you to tour the entire historic area while also visiting various outbuildings and the slave quarters. Lady Washington will also welcome you inside the mansion to share many interesting stories of past Christmases. You can also visit the Greenhouse and experience 18th-century dancing.

2. Thanksgiving Recipes

You can bring a piece of Mount Vernon to your holiday celebration with original recipes from the Mount Vernon Inn. These recipes include countless different types of bread, desserts, meats, stews, and vegetables. All of these delicious recipes are a great way to experience the rich culinary traditions of Mount Vernon.

3. Meet Aladdin the Camel

Aladdin the camel is always a popular attraction during the Thanksgiving holidays. George Washington paid 18 shillings, which is nearly $870 in today’s money, to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain all of his guests. Mount Vernon continues this tradition by letting visitors enjoy a visit from Aladdin throughout the holiday season.

4. Explore European-Style Holiday Markets

If you want to extend your trip, head to Washington, DC, to enjoy its famous holiday markets. The Downtown Holiday Market, celebrating its 20th year, stretches across two blocks of F Street by the National Portrait Gallery and features dozens of vendors, food stands, and live entertainment. For a smaller setting, the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle offers a boutique shopping experience with over 30 artisans and small businesses from November 22 to December 15. Both are about a 45-minute drive from Mount Vernon.

5. Bask in Festive Lights and Greenery

Just north of Mount Vernon, Washington, DC, hosts two major light displays. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo transforms for ZooLights, an annual event featuring LED displays and animal-themed lanterns from November 22 to January 4. Timed passes are required. Another favorite is the U.S. Botanic Garden’s “Season’s Greenings” exhibit, which showcases Washington, DC, landmarks made from plants and model trains weaving through oversized greenery.

6. Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture

A short drive from Mount Vernon brings you to some of DC’s top cultural experiences. The National Gallery of Art is hosting Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment, featuring masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas. The Washington Ballet presents its DC-themed version of The Nutcracker, reimagined in historic Georgetown with a George Washington-inspired hero. You can also enjoy Elf in Concert at The Kennedy Center, where the National Symphony Orchestra performs the score live from November 29 to December 1.

7. Join in Parades, Races, and Historical Festivities

While the famous Thanksgiving parade takes place in New York, the Washington, DC, area hosts its own celebrations. The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in Silver Spring (about an hour from Mount Vernon) happens on Saturday, November 16, featuring marching bands, giant balloons, and Santa Claus. You can also participate in local “Turkey Trot” races in Arlington, Alexandria, or Bethesda.

Back in Mount Vernon, the Christmas Illuminations at George Washington’s Estate run from December 20-22, featuring holiday lights, fireworks over the Potomac River, and live historical demonstrations.

Why Choose Bus Travel?

Navigating Washington, DC, during the busy holiday season can be challenging, with heavy traffic and limited, expensive parking. For groups interested in tours to Mount Vernon or Washington, DC, choosing a charter bus service like DCTrails is the best way to experience these events.

• Stress-Free Travel: Forget the hassle of driving and finding parking. A professional driver handles all the logistics so your group can relax and enjoy the ride.
• Convenience: A charter bus allows your group to travel together, ensuring everyone arrives on time and sticks to the itinerary. You can easily hop between different venues without worrying about coordinating multiple cars.
• Comfort: Modern buses offer comfortable seating and climate control, making the journey part of the festive experience.
• Cost-Effective: When traveling with a large group of family, friends, or colleagues, sharing the cost of a charter bus is often more economical than individual transportation and parking fees.

Contact DC Trails to Learn More About Our Tours to Mount Vernon

DCTrails offers tours to Mount Vernon and is one of the leading companies that can help you experience historic Mount Vernon. You can explore the home of George Washington while visiting the working plantation outbuildings with colonial re-enactors. You can also take a beautiful walk through Martha Washington’s scenic gardens. These tours are available Monday through Sunday and will last around four and a half hours.

Our goal is to always help you create unforgettable memories, as we have over 3,200 recurring clients who choose our buses each year. Contact our team at DCTrails to schedule your tour to Mount Vernon and more!