George Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. Today, Biltmore’s Christmas events are based on what was learned from archives about that first holiday celebration. That attention to tradition and detail is what has made Christmas at Biltmore one of the Southeast’s most beloved holiday travel destinations.
Known for its monumental scale of traditional holiday décor and dazzling lights, this year Biltmore’s annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration will offer even more than ever before. If you have been or never been to the Biltmore, a trip during the holidays is a requirement to see this amazing structure and grounds in all its festive best.
A yuletide feast for the senses, Christmas at Biltmore began the first of November. he interiors shine with the sparkle of more than fifty of the hand-decorated Christmas trees, ribbons and garlands measured by the mile, and thousands of lights. A majestic thirty five -foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall is the home’s holiday centerpiece. For the first time, hand-decorated Christmas trees will be displayed on the balcony that wraps around the home’s two-story Library.
Special Holiday 2019 Events:
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, candlelight, firelight, and live music will create a magical environment that elevates seasonal celebrations inside Biltmore House. A fifty five-foot Norway Spruce on the home’s front lawn lit with 55,000 lights will greet guests as they arrive to enter Biltmore House.
The warm welcome continues at Antler Hill Village & Winery with a constellation of holiday lights leading to the Winery and estate restaurants. A towering tree of lights will illuminate the Village Green, with a sea of lighted grapevine spheres nestled in the landscaping. Lights cascading from the trees that surround the bonfire area near Antler Hill Barn will offer a unique touch to the experience.
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will feature interactive elements that connect fans to their favorite characters, fashions, locations, and historic events of the era. Showcased in two estate locations, the exhibition pairs seamlessly with the real-life story of the Vanderbilt family at Biltmore. Amherst at Deerpark will be set with multimedia presentations and some of the series’ most recognizable sets—including Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters. At the Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, a gallery of more than fifty costumes from the series will be on view. The exhibition will run through April 7, 2020. Access to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is included with daytime admission, Candlelight Christmas Evenings admission, or an overnight stay that includes daytime admission.
Overnight stays
Guests looking to extend their holiday visits have several options. For those seeking a retreat with personalized service, The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers four-star accommodations in a private hilltop setting. Holiday packages starting with Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve are available.
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate is for the guest looking for a casual overnight stay. Village Hotel is located in the heart of Antler Hill Village with a convenient home base steps away from shopping, dining, Biltmore Winery, and live music in the Village. Special holiday packages are available.
Christmas at Biltmore 2019 Event Calendar
Christmas at Biltmore daytime experience
November1, 2019 through January 5, 2020
Candlelight Christmas Evenings nighttime experience
November 1, 2019, through January 4, 2020
Illumination of Antler Hill Village
November 1, 2019 through January 4, 2020, 5:30 p.m. to midnight
Downton Abbey
The Exhibition at Biltmore’s Amherst and the Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village – November 8, 2019 through April 7, 2020
A Gardener’s Place How-to Seminar
“Illuminated Holiday Tablescapes” – daily November 1
through December 31 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
Conservatory’s annual seasonal display
November 1, 2019 through January 5, 2020
Complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery
Winery specialty tours available with additional price and
reservations required – November 1, 2019 through January 5, 2020
Bonfires in Antler Hill Village with s’mores kits available
for purchase at The Creamery
November 1, 2019 through January 3, 2020 – select dates from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Roving Holiday Carolers in Antler Hill Village
select dates
Visits with Santa at the bandstand in Antler Hill Village
select dates
The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Annual Gingerbread House Tea additional price and reservations required – December 14th through December 22nd, 2019 – select dates from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Festive holiday meals prepared by award-winning chefs served in all of the estate’s restaurants – ongoing
The Biltmore is located in Asheville, North Carolina at One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803 | 800.411.3812
For tickets, reservations and more information, visit biltmore.com.
