The DL: Biltmore Estate at Christmas – From November to the beginning of January every year, the Biltmore Estate located on 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, turns into Christmas perfection. The Biltmore House is the largest privately-owned home and was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. At Christmas time, the mansion is transformed with hundreds of ornaments, dozens of Christmas trees, and thousands of twinkling lights. Below are 10 things to do at the Biltmore Estate, that will make you want to put this stop on your Christmas bucket list.
Tickets: Ticket prices range from $50 to $100, depending on the day/time of the visit and which tour you decide on. A lot of times you can save money by purchasing your ticket a week or more in advance or look into buying them at a wholesaler like Costco. It is worth it to spend the extra money for the “Candlelight Christmas Evening” tickets because this is the only time all year you will be able to tour the house at nighttime.
10 Things to do at the Biltmore Estate this Christmas:
1. Day-Time Tour
A self-guided tour of the house and gardens, admission to Antler Hill Village and winery, and also admission to the Biltmore Legacy, which is usually a special exhibit.
2. Evening Candlelight Christmas Tour
A little more expensive but you get access to everything in the day time tour, but your tour is at night, there are live Christmas music performances in the house, and your self-guided visits are done by the glow of candlelight and Christmas lights.
3. Extend Your Stay
There’s so much to do at the estate, you will want to stay longer! Check out the on-property hotels; the Inn, the Village Hotel, or one of the private cottages. Prices can be at peak during Christmas time, so if these are not in budget check out the many hotels around the estate.
4. Christmas Cheer
Check out the wines made on property with a wine tasting included in your ticket, and if you want to know more… pay for a behind-the-scenes winery tour and even visit the vineyard on
5. Outdoor Adventure
There are options to bike, hike, trail ride, kayak, sport clay, a Deerpark riding adventure, and more, just depends on how much time you have.
6. Shop for the Season
Looking for a Christmas gift or souvenir will be easy at one of the many shops on the property. My favorites include the “A Christmas Past” and the “Toymakers shop.”
7. Visit the Historic Gardens
This award-winning botanical garden is a
8. Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
I mean what is more romantic or fun than a
9. Eat Good Food
Check out the many restaurants offered on the property and plan to make reservations in advance, especially if you have a large party.
10. Antler Hill Village
Home to the winery, but also restaurants, shops, pictures with Santa, Christmas caroling, and sometimes there will even be bonfires with smores. Check out the store “traditions”,
For more information on visiting the Biltmore Estate.
*Just to note, you must pay admission just to get on the grounds and walk around if not touring the house.
Looking for another seasonal trip? Check out some of the options here.
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