Christmas at Biltmore Estate

At a Glance

Daytime Celebration
November 7, 2008–January 4, 2009
Biltmore Estate is open Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days.

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. Get swept away in this year’s extravagant celebration that includes holiday music, miles of evergreen garland, hundreds of poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees and a magnificent 35-foot tall Fraser Fir decked with lights, ornaments and gifts. Festive music from the Banquet Hall organ fills the halls with yuletide cheer.

Reservations are not required or available for the daytime celebration. TIP: Saturdays are the busiest day. If you can only visit on a weekend, arrive early Sunday morning. The estate welcomes about 275,000 visitors for the Christmas season.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
November 7, 2008 –January 1, 2009
An enchanted spell falls over Biltmore House as day darkens into dusk. Illuminated by candlelight, firelight and twinkling Christmas tree lights, Biltmore House glows with holiday spirit. Priceless treasures including richly woven tapestries, antiques and rare artwork glisten in the gentle light. Tunes from the Banquet Hall’s 1916 Skinner pipe organ and carols from choirs and ensembles fill the halls with festive sounds.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings tickets ($45-$60 for adults) are available by reservation only (starting April 1), and include an evening self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens and Biltmore Estate Winery. For Christmas reservations, call 800-413-9787 or 255-1319 and then press 3.

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.

For more information and to purchase advance discounted tickets, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.

Classical Elements and Holiday Hospitality Reign at Biltmore's Annual Christmas Celebration

In keeping with the traditions that began when George W. Vanderbilt first hospitably welcomed friends and family to Biltmore on Christmas Eve 1895, the estate's celebration continues today with nearly 100 decorated Christmas trees, more than 1,000 wreaths and bows, 1,450 poinsettias, miles of evergreen garland and thousands of ornaments.  Biltmore House's holiday centerpiece, a 35-foot Fraser fir, will spend the holidays in the 72-foot high Banquet Hall, adorned with lights and surrounded by gifts.  Holiday music from ensembles completes the experience, filling the halls with Yuletide cheer.

"While we incorporate traditional elements every year, we also vary our presentation year to year with new items and displays for guests to enjoy," said Cathy Barnhardt, floral displays manager for Biltmore.  "This year expect lots of white, gold and silver.  We aim for the awe factor every holiday season and we believe we've hit our mark again this year."

Candlelight Christmas Evenings
During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, offered by reservation only, luminaries lead the way to the front door where guests enter a softly lit wonderland.  Biltmore House appears much as it would have been at the turn of the 19th century-by fireplace and candlelight, a memorable experience filled with warm glow and holiday sparkle.

Complimentary Seminars
Special complimentary seminars for daytime guests will be held across the estate daily from Nov. 3-18, with no reservations required.  At Biltmore House, hosts will share stories about Vanderbilt holiday traditions, the floral displays staff will offer festive tips for decorating your home and tree, and pastry chefs will share their secret recipe that creates the giant gingerbread house.  Guests can find out how to craft a decorative wreath and centerpiece at A Gardener's Place.  At the Winery, guests can sample red wine and chocolates and learn how to pair sparkling wine with favorite foods.  And, St. Nick will be making special appearances for photos at the historic River Bend Barn.  Please see Web site for times and specific locations.

Biltmore Activities and Packages
Holiday hospitality can be experienced across the estate.  Biltmore Estate Winery offers self-guided tours, cooking demonstrations and complimentary wine tastings throughout the holidays. To complete a visit to the estate, guests can enjoy a festive meal at Bistro, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Café or The Dining Room.  And for guests looking to extend their stay at
Biltmore, the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate offers several packages for holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Ticket Information
Tickets for admission vary based on date and time.  Tickets for youth ages 10 to 16 are half of the adult price.  Children nine and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.  For more information, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site, including information on timed-entry days.  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, River Bend Farm, specialty gift shops and restaurants.