With Christmas trees in every room, garlands on the railings and wreaths on the doors, a visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville feels like you’ve walked into a Hallmark movie.
In 1895, the Vanderbilts celebrated the holidays with family and friends on their estate for the first time. In 1930, the home opened to the public, both increasing the size and diversity of Christmas celebrations.
Today, the interiors sparkle with more than 50 hand-decorated Christmas trees, ribbons and garlands measured by the mile, and thousands of lights. A majestic 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall is the home’s holiday centerpiece.
Guests of the Biltmore not only have access to the house, but so much more. A ticket includes a wine tasting that features year-round and seasonal Biltmore wines, self-guided tours of the gardens and grounds and optional activities that range from fun with the family to a romantic dinner for two. During the holiday season, guests can attend Candlelight Christmas Evenings – nighttime tours of the home with live music and the magical feel of Christmas in the air.
Guests may enjoy the entire estate as part of admission. For tickets, reservations, and more information, visit biltmore.com/christmas.
Christmas at Biltmore features the following holiday activities and events:
- Through Jan. 5, daily: Christmas at Biltmore daytime experience
- Through Jan. 4, nightly: Candlelight Christmas experience
- Through Jan. 4, daily, 5:30 p.m.-midnight: Illumination of Antler Hill Village
- Dec. 14-22, select dates, 1-3 p.m.: The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Annual Gingerbread House Tea, additional price and reservations required
- Through Dec. 31, daily, 1:30 p.m.: A Gardener’s Place seminar “Illuminated Holiday Tablescapes”
- Through Jan. 5, daily: Conservatory’s annual seasonal display
- Through Jan. 5, daily: Complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. Specialty tours are available with additional price and reservations required.
- Through Jan. 3, Select dates, 3-10 p.m.: Bonfires in Antler Hill Village with s’mores kits available for purchase at The Creamery
- Through April 7: Downton Abbey: The Exhibition at Biltmore’s Amherst and the Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village
