Skip to main content

Mount Vernon continues ‘Christmas Camel’ tradition

By WTOP Staff

WASHINGTON – If you are looking for something to do this Christmas day, the former home of a president is open and hosting a special visitor.

In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings for a camel to live on the grounds of Mount Vernon to delight his guests during Christmas.

And 224 years later, the tradition of the “Christmas Camel” continues at Mount Vernon, with Aladdin, the camel, playing the part.

Also for Christmas day only, visitors can see the third floor of the mansion where Martha Washington lived after her husband dies. 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.

Mount Vernon is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas day and every day of the year.

Aladdin will stick around through Jan. 6.

Follow Michelle and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2011 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

By WTOP Staff
WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
Read Next Story

Related News

Cards, gifts cross religious lines

Mind your mouth: How oral health affects overall health

5 questions to ask before buying a winter home