Take the drive 2 hours out to this stunning estate in Asheville if you want to see a Christmas display that’s as elegant as it is festive. Biltmore Estate is a gorgeous estate that’s been apart of George Vanderbilt’s legacy since 1895. Built in Asheville after George Vanderbilt, a man born into wealth, visited and was captivated by the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, the estate took 6 years to build, and continues to be a part of the family’s long, withstanding legacy to this day. It was even nominated as a National Historical Landmark in 1963.
The inn, one of George Vanderbilt’s visions that was never materialized in his lifetime, was established in 2001, making the estate accessible to the public for luxurious, overnight stays, and helping to make it what it is today.
Biltmore Estate makes it a point to offer seasonal events and cultural events, from their tulip showcasing during the Spring in their beautiful conservatory to their immersive Da Vinci museum, but nothing is quite as captivating as Biltmore during winter. Christmas at Biltmore is back for another magical year where the entire estate is transformed into an elegant Christmas wonderland with two ways to enjoy it–daytime and evening–and we highly recommend experiencing both.
Daytime Celebration
From November 4th to January 9th, Biltmore Estate offers their daytime celebration, with tickets starting at $99. Described as “a feast for the senses,” you’ll be able to enjoy a full range of rooms, indoor and outdoor, decked out in their jolliest attire. From the conservatory, dotted with bright red Ponsettias against the green plants to the interior of the estate, draped with garland and ribbon. And of course, you can’t leave without seeing the intricate Christmas ornaments on the Banquet Hall Tree, the largest tree in the estate. When you need a bit of a break from walking the grounds, head over to the restaurant for a delicious, seasonal lunch and complimentary wine tasting down in the winery.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
If you thought daytime was beautiful, the candlelight evening sessions are a completely different experience. Twinkling lights, roaring, crackling fireplaces, and candlelight light the way as you guide your way through the grounds at night fall. Be there when day turns to dusk and you get to see the magic hour when the Christmas lights turn on and transformed the state into a beautiful, dazzling display. Don’t forget to head to Antler Village for an even more impressive and magical cascade of lights and ornaments. Tickets start at $119 with an audio guide, and cap off the night with a dinner and a luxurious stay at the inn.
Christmas at Biltmore is running from November 4th to January 9th, and you can purchase ticket at the official website.
Where: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803