It seems that the understood rule is that once Halloween is over, you can start making preparations for the Holidays. Excitingly, ABC affiliate 13News out of Asheville, North Carolina reports on what visitors to the Biltmore Estate can expect this holiday season. 

What we know about Christmas at Biltmore Estates

Christmas at Biltmore starts tomorrow, November 6th and will go through January 10th. The Biltmore Estate offers two experiences during the holiday season. During the day visitors can enjoy the Christmas at Biltmore daytime house tour. At night the Biltmore transforms with the Candlelight Christmas Evenings nighttime house tour. 

Given all of the abrupt changes surrounding the ongoing international coronavirus pandemic, it is comforting to know that things at the Biltmore appear to be going as planned. Additionally, this holiday season at the Biltmore is special as it marks that 125th Anniversary of the opening of Biltmore House. 

In celebration of the 125th Anniversary, the theme of Christmas at Biltmore this year is “An 1895 Christmas.” Luckily for the staff and crew, they were able to find inspiration from the estate’s archives. Ultimately, the focus for this year’s festivities is a traditional and classic Christmas. Of interesting note, George Vanderbilt, founder of Biltmore, first opened the doors to the Biltmore House to family and friends Christmas Eve 1895.

Much of the awe and appeal from the Biltmore at Christmas time comes from the more than 100 hand-decorated Christmas trees. Astoundingly, decorating all of those Christmas trees utilizes nearly 25,000 ornaments. In addition to thousands of ornaments, visitors can expect to see approximately 100,000-holiday lights, about 6,000 feet of garland, and 1,200 poinsettias. 

Additional sites to see around the estate

Additionally, guests of the Biltmore are welcome to tour the Conservatory in the Walled Garden. Guests can expect to see seasonal blooms, holiday plants and flowers, and miles of trails for exploring. In the spirit of the Holiday’s, the Conservatory also features Christmas tree-shaped planters with potted plants. Flowers on display include poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas cactus, bromeliads, orchids, peace lilies, and more. 

Also on-site is Biltmore’s European-inspired village, Antler Hill Village. Excitingly, family fun for all is afoot in Antler Hill Village since Santa will be available for photos. Heartwarmingly, Santa will also lend a listening ear to hear wishlists from Biltmore’s littlest guests. There is also an intricate model train display with replicas of America’s most unique train stations as part of Biltmore Gardens Railway. 

Visitors to the Biltmore Estate can easily make a whole day or weekend out of their visit. Lodging is available at the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Both properties will feature Christmas decorations. Notably, the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate is conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, the Outdoor Adventure Center, and Biltmore Winery. 

For more information for planning your Holiday trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina visit their website. Stay tuned to Lexington Yankee for more festive, holiday trips, and ideas.