A Holiday Tradition in Asheville
If you ever find yourself in Asheville during the holiday season, one experience you can’t afford to miss is the Biltmore Estate. America’s Largest Home shines its brightest between November and January with a breathtaking yuletide tradition that dates back to 1895—when George Vanderbilt first invited his family to a grand holiday housewarming party on Christmas Eve. Today, you can experience all the enchantment of that night for yourself, and perhaps start a few new traditions of your own.
O Christmas Tree
By far, the main attraction of the Biltmore House is the Banquet Hall Christmas Tree. Arriving by horse-drawn carriage, the 35-foot Fraser fir is hoisted into place by 50 staff members, signifying the beginning of the holiday season. While the ceremony is no longer open to the public, you watch the raising virtually in early November or see the tree dressed to the nines during a tour of the estate.
Deck The Halls
With dazzling decor bedecking 8,000 acres of the estate, it’s hard to know where to start. We suggest beginning at The Biltmore House for a self-guided tour through its 250 rooms. Along the way, you’ll marvel at over 60 Christmas trees and tens of thousands of dazzling lights and hand-painted ornaments. Be sure to stop by the Main Kitchen to see a full gingerbread replica of the grounds!
Season’s Eatings
Step outside the grandeur of the Biltmore’s larger-than-life French Chateaux and into the English countryside of Antler Hill Village. During the holidays, the village abounds with twinkling light displays and plenty of shops and restaurants for festive eating. Among the most popular is a complimentary wine tasting at The Winery and a 3-course Candlelight Christmas Dinner at The Stable. For dessert, stop into The Creamery for nostalgic sundaes, pastries, and more.
Buon Natale
The Italian Renaissance may not seem the most obvious choice for a holiday exhibit, but Biltmore’s newest exhibit feels all the more magical with a cup of apple cider or mulled wine in hand. Italian Renaissance Alive is a multi-sensory experience across the masterworks of Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. Set to a powerful operatic score, the exhibit is a fitting tribute to George Vanderbilt’s lifelong passion for fine art and the foundation of inspiration for the architectural marvel that is Biltmore Estate.
O Holy Night
Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the best way to experience a Biltmore Christmas is by night. The Candlelight Christmas Evenings Tour invites you to discover the Biltmore House, illuminated only by the glow of tens of thousands of candles. Meanwhile, live musicians throughout the 250 rooms, perform seasonal favorites as you explore.
A Blue Ridge Christmas
No visit to the Biltmore Estate would be complete without exploring the surrounding grounds. Away from the lights of the house and village, experience the grounds at your own pace with nearly 22 miles of hiking trails through open meadows, lush forests, and along the French Broad River. As night falls, a winter sunset illuminates the sky with vibrant purples, oranges, and hot pinks, as bright as any Christmas tree.
The Biltmore Estate offers two holiday-themed experiences that run from November 3rd, 2023 to January 7th, 2024. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit biltmore.com, and make sure to book your holiday hotel stay at The Restoration Hotel early!
