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November 3, 2012–January 1, 2013
Biltmore Estate is open Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
November 9–December 31, 2012
Experience one of the Southeast’s most beloved and storied holiday travel destinations! Holidays arrive at America’s largest home at Biltmore Estate in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose this magical season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. On Christmas Eve 1895, he opened Biltmore House’s doors for a regal yuletide celebration. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens and dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights, live music and inspirational holiday demonstrations await our guests.
Throughout this year, Biltmore has featured stories and décor that focused on George Vanderbilt’s world travels, as he and wife, Edith, enjoyed taking journeys together to learn, explore and collect art, furniture and other items for their home. Christmas displays will center on the countries they visited at the turn of the century. Throughout Biltmore House, the gardens and grounds, guests will see influences of the Vanderbilts’ travel experiences.
Biltmore’s modern-day Christmas celebration is modeled from their first Christmas. Each year, the seven-story high Banquet Hall is decorated with that first celebration in mind. Tricycles, dolls, toy furniture, books, horns, trains, hoops and tops hang from the massive, 34-foot Fraser Fir tree.
Christmas at Biltmore during the daytime includes tours of Biltmore House, the gardens and Antler Hill Village. The village links to the Winery, where visitors may take a guided tour and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Special seasonal seminars are also available.
Looking for more to do in Asheville during the holidays? See our Top 10 Asheville Holiday Outings.
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Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Biltmore House takes on a warm glow during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, even an air of mystery, creating a unique holiday experience for guests. In theWinter Garden, choirs perform traditional music of the season. The front lawn of Biltmore House will glow with a lighted 55-foot Norway spruce. Guests may also visit Antler Hill Village when they attend Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Candlelight Christmas Evenings require a separate ticket for entry from daytime admission. Candlelight Christmas Evenings tickets are available by reservation only, and include an evening self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, same day or next day visit to the gardens and Biltmore Estate Winery. Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Buy advance tickets on the Biltmore Estate Web site and save.
Holiday dining and lodging on the estate
Holiday hospitality extends throughout the entire estate. Guests may enjoy a festive meal at Bistro, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern or The Dining Room at Inn on Biltmore Estate. For guests looking to extend their stay at Biltmore, the four-star Inn offers several packages for holidays, including special New Year’s Eve packages. Biltmore boasts retail shops, all perfect for holiday gift shopping. Other activities include taking a cozy horse and carriage ride (blankets provided) and exploring acres of landscaped gardens.
Ticket Information
Ticket prices vary. The estate is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. General tours are self-guided. In addition to Biltmore House, admission includes the grounds, Biltmore Estate Winery, the Farm Village, specialty gift shops and restaurants. Reservations required for Candlelight Evenings. Daytime tickets are available when you arrive. Get your tickets in advance and SAVE online on the Biltmore Estate Web site or by calling 800-411-3812.
Tips for Visiting
- See our Biltmore Estate Guide for more things to do, including guided tours.
- You may be amazed by the size of the estate and all the things to see and do. Arrive early and allow a full day - or two!
- Get your tickets in advance and SAVE online on the Biltmore Estate Web site or by calling 800-411-3812. Or check with your hotel, B&B, cabin rental etc. to see if they sell tickets or include them in a package. Often, a ticket purchased from a hotel/B&B/rental is good for an extra day at Biltmore!
- Your self-guided visit of Biltmore House may require a reservation on designated busy days (most Saturdays, Thanksgiving weekend and days around Christmas). Guests who arrive without a reservation cannot be guaranteed entry into Biltmore House on a busy day. Visit Sunday through Friday for fewer guests.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers to allow for changeable mountain weather.
- Bring a car. Parking is free and some of the estate venues are several miles apart. Shuttles from the parking lot to Biltmore House are provided, but you'll need your own transportation to the other estate attractions.
- Candlelight Christmas Evenings require a separate ticket for entry from daytime admission. Tickets are available by reservation only and include an evening self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day or same day visit to the gardens and Biltmore Estate Winery.
- See our packages page for special offers & Biltmore packages from hotels, cabin rentals and bed and breakfast inns!
- For more information and to purchase advance discounted tickets, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.
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For more holiday fun in Asheville, see our Top 10 Asheville Holiday Outings.
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