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Deck the Halls at Mount Vernon

Now through Jan. 6, visitors can enjoy Christmas at Mount Vernon, featuring the mansion as it was when George Washington celebrated the holidays in the 18th century.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is all decked out for the holidays. Now through Jan. 6, visitors can enjoy Christmas at Mount Vernon, featuring the mansion as it was when George Washington celebrated the holidays in the 18th century.

Visitors will enjoy the themed decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon created by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations and 18th-century dancing.

Christmas Camel

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Visitors will see "Aladdin," who plays the role of a Christmas Camel! George Washington was fond of unusual animals and plants, and he paid 18 shillings in 1787 for a camel to temporarily live at Mount Vernon for his guests during Christmas. And, new this year is the National Thanksgiving Turkey, who was "pardoned" by President Obama and is on display near Aladdin.

Decorations

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Twelve festive Christmas trees grace Mount Vernon's Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center. Ranging in heights of up to 12 feet tall, the trees are professionally decorated with themes relating to Mount Vernon, George Washington and the 18th century.

The gingerbread mansion will include such intricate details as works of art on walls, marzipan George and Martha Washington figures, and the grounds surrounding the mansion.

Traditional boughs of hand-cut greenery adorn doorways in the mansion, which will be staged with an elaborate course in the formal dining room. The mansion's rooms will be changed from their normal appearance to reflect the home preparing for overnight guests. Martha Washington's "Great Cake" will take center stage, and visitors may take home her original recipe calling for 40 eggs and a version that has been adapted for modern ovens–and appetites!

More than 100 poinsettias will follow hallways and other paths walked by visitors.

Homemade chocolate

Sample fresh chocolate made by hand over an open fire. The American Heritage Chocolate Program uses an authentic colonial recipe and costumed chocolatiers to reproduce the distinct flavors of the 18th century.

Third floor tours

Tour the third floor of the mansion where Lady Washington lived after her beloved husband died. She never returned to their shared room and instead lived the rest of her years in a Garret Chamber, which was just refurbished four years ago. The third floor is only open during "Christmas at Mount Vernon."

Meet "Lady Washington" herself! The popular hostess presents a charming program and takes questions across from the blacksmith shop. Schedule may vary.

Christmas at Mount Vernon is included in regular admission: $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 6. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, visit www.mountvernon.org.

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