What better place is there to welcome the holiday season than the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains? The Biltmore, George and Edith Vanderbilt’s century-old home, has welcomed guests for glamorous Christmas celebrations since 1895. Nestled in the natural beauty of the mountains, the majestic house and its gardens have been faithfully preserved, and continue to inspire guests with its elegance and charm. Every year, holidays at the Biltmore last two full months and include stunning decorations, live music, and candlelight evenings. Throughout the estate, you’ll find fresh wreaths, evergreen garland, poinsettias, and Christmas trees, with more than 30,000 twinkling lights and candles.
Each year, on November 1, Santa and his horse-drawn carriage tow a 35-foot Frasier Fir into the grand banquet hall. Thus, with the Annual Tree Raising, the holiday season begins. Many seasonal admission passes are available from November until January. Reservations are typically required for the estate’s several restaurants, and events such as Afternoon Tea and Candlelight Christmas Evenings.
What to Expect
As part of your admission to the Estate, you can enjoy a self-guided tour through the Biltmore House. A 55-foot tall Norway Spruce will greet you in the front lawn, surrounded by stunningly illuminated evergreens, providing the perfect entrance into this magical home. As you wander through the 250-room Biltmore House, you will feel the glow of lighted fireplaces. Plus, enjoy seasonal favorites performed by live musicians throughout. In addition to exploring Biltmore House, you can also discover the estate’s many gardens, trails, Conservatory, and a wine tasting at the property’s Winery. In the evenings, Antler Hill and Winery will provide the perfect stroll through glimmering buildings, trees, and paths. On the weekends, Santa Claus will be available for visits at the Antler Hill Village bandstand.
Make sure to plan ahead, book your dates in advance, and book your overnight stay in a private Cottage, the convenient Village Hotel, or the four-star Inn. Spend your holidays at the Biltmore for a traditional festive season.
Different holiday packages include:
Christmas at Biltmore from November 1, 2019 – January 5, 2020;
Thanksgiving Package from November 27–29, 2019;
Enchanted Christmas from December 23 – 26, 2019; and
New Year’s Eve Gala Package from December 30, 2019 – January 1, 2020.
