In Asheville, North Carolina, there is a historic site called the Biltmore House. The mansion was built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt and has a staggering 250 rooms. This stunning estate has a fragment of American history in addition to being a work of architectural art.

The 8,000 acres of the Biltmore Estate are open to historical exploration and interaction. Famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted combined tranquility and horticultural beauty in creating the gardens. With more than 20 miles of hiking and bicycling paths, the estate is a refuge for both history nerds and lovers of the great outdoors.

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CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE ESTATE

Based on more than a century of seasonal customs, a unique and fascinating experience awaits visitors to the Biltmore Estate through the Ch season. The dates of the 2023 Christmas at Biltmore event are November 3, 2023, through January 7, 2024. There are two ways to see the Biltmore this time of year: by candlelight and during the day.

The Biltmore Estate Christmas address is 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803.

The Biltmore Estate Christmas Guide: 10+ Festive Ideas

HOW TO GET TO BILTMORE ESTATE FOR CHRISTMAS

From Interstate 40 West: Proceed to Asheville on I-40 West, get off at 50B (US Highway 25), and make a right at the light. Stay in the left lane and go to the Biltmore by following the signage.

Travel to Asheville via Interstate 40 East, get off at exit 50 (US Highway 25), and then make a left at the light. Stay in the left lane and go to the Biltmore by following the signage. Biltmore is approximately 4 miles away from the Blue Ridge Parkway; use the US Highway 25 North exit.​

Parking is available at the estate and is covered by the entry price. The home and grounds are easily accessible from Lots A and B. Accessible parking and shuttle services, such as a bus to the Biltmore House from parking lots C, D, and E, are available to visitors with mobility impairments. Extra space is available for buses and RVs.

Throughout their stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, visitors are welcome to utilize the estate’s transit system. But, as Biltmore does not offer estate-wide transport, non-guests are advised to either bring their car or make use of the optional Biltmore Express shuttle service.​

BILTMORE ESTATE CHRISTMAS TICKETS

If you want to go to the candlelight event, we suggest making reservations months in advance because it sells out. One recommendation is to get your daytime ticket as soon as possible if it has sold out. The “candlelight” experience will not be available to you, but you will still be able to explore the estate both during the day and at night, and as you leave, you will be able to witness the stunning trees lit up.

Day passes start at $110 and include free admission to the grounds the next day—a new feature of this year’s festivities. Tickets for Candlelight Evenings start at $115, which is a little more expensive than daytime entrance but includes free access to the grounds the following day.

If you have a season pass, you may reserve daytime tickets for no cost. When you book the candlelight tour as a passing member, you do receive a discount, but this is not something that is covered by your annual membership.

THINGS TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAYS AT BILTMORE ESTATE

Your proposal provides an immersive experience rather than only a window into the past of the Vanderbilt family. Go to the winery at Biltmore Estate. Here, you may partake in a free wine tasting that includes the estate’s labels. Make your reservation as soon as you can.

Wander around the garden. Throughout the year, the gardens are a horticultural wonderland, whether it’s because of the bright autumn colors or the spring flowers. Every garden has a unique personality that entices guests to meander and take a break amidst the beauty of nature.

Make use of the numerous dining options. The estate’s restaurants and cafés provide a wide variety of culinary pleasures, with menus that range from casual eating to elegant dining experiences. Every location offers meals that are usually based on the vegetables grown on the estate so that the food is fresh and in season.

Come with me shopping. Numerous businesses sell a wide range of goods, from homemade trinkets to Biltmore-inspired merchandise. It’s a chance to find unique mementos and handcrafted items that perfectly encapsulate the estate.

TIPS FOR VISITING BILTMORE ESTATE DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

The Biltmore Estate Christmas Guide: 10+ Festive Ideas

Here are some pointers to make your visit enjoyable and stress-free:

  • Purchase Advance Tickets:

To guarantee your place and maybe avoid lines at the door, buy your tickets online. Though it may seem apparent, it is also simple to forget: if you buy your tickets in advance, make sure you have them with you, either printed out or accessible on your smartphone.

  • Dress appropriately:

Because of the Biltmore Estate’s vastness, sturdy walking shoes are advised. You will have to walk to and from your car if you park in lots A or B. Asheville may experience bitterly cold winters and torrential rains, so be ready for terrible weather.

  • Plan to Stop:

If you’re traveling a long way, make arrangements to stop before you get there if you need to use the bathroom. It can take up to 15-20 minutes to get to the Biltmore Estate and then another 10 minutes to walk to the mansion.

  • Be patient and have fun:

Remember that the Biltmore Christmas is a well-liked holiday event, so be patient. Long delays and traffic are possible, but the experience is still great!

  • Gingerbread House:

You could stumble upon a stunning gingerbread replica of the Biltmore House while on your tour.

  • Watch the Sunset:

You might be able to visit the southern terrace and see the gardens from the house, depending on when you get there. Observe the Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets.

  • Allow Time:

The estate has a lot to see, including the gardens and vineyards, so plan extra time to spend there. Free wine tastings are available at the winery, but reservations are required. If you want to take pictures of the lovely decorations, make sure you are aware of the house’s photography regulations beforehand. Videotaping is not permitted within the home.

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA OF BILTMORE ESTATE

These are some additional activities to choose from if you’re seeking some.

North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights Address:

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806

With over a million lights, Winter Lights turns the arboretum into a glittering paradise. New attractions join old favorites like the enormous 50-foot tree and the exquisite Quilt Garden. This season, take in the atmosphere of live music, see the G-scale train of the Rocky Cove Railroad pass by, gather for storytime in Woodland Cove, and roast s’mores over flickering fires.

Visit the wishing trees to make a wish and browse the gift stores to find treasures. The size of the vehicle determines entrance.

Personal Vehicles (up to 20 feet long) can cost as much as $80 for Flex members and as little as $35 for members.
Large Vehicle (lengths between 21 and 29 feet): up to $150 for flex; $70 for members.
Reservations are required for XL cars (30′ or longer; $395+).

Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition Address:

290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804

The National Gingerbread House Competition, a 30-year Christmas tradition held at the Omni Grove Park Inn, draws submissions from all across the nation to compete for awards totaling over $40,000 in adult, adolescent, juvenile, and children’s categories. Masterpieces made entirely of gingerbread can have any shape or subject, but they must include at least 75% gingerbread.

For $35 for valet parking and $25 for self-parking, visitors who are not staying at the Inn can see the displays on Sunday evenings or Monday through Thursday, except a few days in December and January. During the Christmas season, parking revenues are donated to a nearby charity.

The Olde World Christmas Shoppe, 5 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803 is the address for the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley.

The Holly Jolly Christmas

The 75-minute journey on the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley begins at the Olde World Christmas Shoppe in Biltmore Village, Asheville. As you stroll around downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, Montford, and Grove Park beneath the twinkling lights, take in live music and caroling with songbooks. You need not worry about the weather because the tram is kept warm and comfortable by its glass windows and heated exterior. More: Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina in December.

The Pinball Museum in Asheville

1 Battle Square, Suite 1B, Asheville, NC 28801

The Asheville Pinball Museum boasts an amazing collection of 35 classic arcade games and pinball machines that allow visitors to enter a world of pleasure. It’s a popular destination for families and gamers alike.

Take a Ghost Tour.

1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

You can explore Asheville’s spooky side with the Asheville Ghost Tour. You will be given a tour of the most haunted locations downtown by a knowledgeable local who will captivate you with his or her gripping tales. Explore the shadowy past of the city, from the mysteries buried in the Basilica of St. Lawrence to the apparitions at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Encircled by historic buildings, you’ll search for ghosts with equipment designed for ghost hunting.

Shop in the Grove Arcade.

1 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Shoppers, pay attention! You may have a fantastic shopping experience at The Grove Arcade. This exquisitely restored historic complex is teeming with unique stores, galleries, and dining establishments. Explore the lively atmosphere to find a wide range of handcrafted items, regional artwork, fashionable clothing, and artisanal items.

Consume at Chai Pani.

22 Battery Park Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

With dishes overflowing with the aromas of Indian street cuisine, Chai Pani in Asheville won “America’s Most Outstanding Restaurant” at the James Beard Foundation Awards, paying homage to chef Meherwan Irani’s Indian heritage. Okra Fries, Vada Pav, Paneer Tikka Roll, and Sloppy Jai have charmed patrons since its 2009 launch in downtown Asheville. Vegan and dairy-free options are also available for those with dietary restrictions!

The Biltmore Estate Christmas Guide: 10+ Festive Ideas

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Conclusion

You cannot help but sense the grandeur and coziness of bygone eras as you stroll about the gardens and halls of the Biltmore Estate. Tastefully decorated, each area tells a story of Christmas delight. The magnificent Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and pine scent serve as a continual reminder of the splendor of the holiday season. A family tradition that enthralls guests year after year is born with a Christmas visit to Biltmore, which is more than simply a tourist destination.

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