Needing inspiration on where to travel for a magical Christmas vacation? There is nothing quite like Christmas at Biltmore Estate. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina, America’s largest privately-owned home transforms into a magical Christmas experience every holiday season. Thousands of lights, crackling fireplaces and tons of beautifully decorated trees fill the home with Christmas magic. Christmas a Biltmore is truly a bucket-list holiday experience.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know before visiting and planning your holiday vacation to Biltmore Estate: what to expect, when to visit, differences between the Daytime and Candlelight Christmas tours, where to stay, what to wear, best photo spots, and tips to make the most of your holiday vacation at Biltmore Estate.
What Makes Christmas at Biltmore So Special?
Christmas at Biltmore is truly a step back in time. The estate draws inspiration from the time in which George Vanderbilt built this massive estate and entertained thousands of guests during the holidays in the late 1800s.
Here is what makes Christmas at Biltmore truly magical:
- -More than 100 fabulously decorated Christmas trees, including the huge live Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall
- -Crackling fireplaces and candlelight fill the space during the night
- -Live holiday music performed by harpists, carolers and choirs
- -Elaborately themed decorations that go with every room
- –Antler Hill Village on estate property makes you feel like you are in Europe for the holidays
Every detail is intentional and crafted to fit the space and era. You aren’t just touring a mansion that is decorated for the holidays, you are stepping back in time into a Christmas storybook.
Daytime Christmas Tour vs. Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour: Which Should You Choose?
1. Daytime Christmas Tour at Biltmore
Best for: Seeing all the details, families and children, great photos
During the day, light fills the space so you are able to see more of the decorations and details
If you want to:
- appreciate the details
- admire the architecture
- get the best interior photos with more light
then a daytime visit if perfect for you.
2. Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour
Best for: the nostalgic Christmas feel, ambience, couples, girls trip
In my opinion, this is the most magical way to see Biltmore Estate at Christmas. You will walk through the home with soft lighting, candlelight and fireplace glow. Outside the massive tree will be glittering in the front lawn.
Which should you choose?
Choose the daytime if you have young children, want to see all of the details and daytime photos.
Choose the Candlelight tour for the most magical experience
or just do both, this is what I would do!
What to Expect During Christmas at Biltmore
Every room is decorated to the nines, but in such a way that truly represents the splendor, grandeur and theme of each room in the home.
- The Banquet Hall: In my opinion, this is the grandest room in the home. This is where you will find the gigantic fireplace and the 35ft live Fraser fir tree.
- The Library: my favorite room in the entire house. It will be decorated with deep reds, classic garlands and old world charm.
- The Winter Garden: this room has a beautiful glass ceiling, greenery and where the choir performs live music that drifts throughout the entire home.
- The Kitchen: see the grandeur of the kitchen and become amazed. This is where the replica of Biltmore Estate that is made completely out of gingerbread will be.
- Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom: Her room is stunning and just what you would expect. Classic, Victorian, pink and feminine and the Christmas decor goes right along with it.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many rooms to walk through and see that are unbelievably beautiful.
Antler Hill Village & Winery
After touring Biltmore Mansion, be sure to head over to Antler Hill Village and explore this charming area. They have boutique style shops, festive lights, seasonal treats like hot chocolate, pastries and wine flights.
Biltmore Winery
A complimentary wine tasting is included with many ticket options. During the holidays, the winery adds:
- Holiday wine labels
- Seasonal reds, roses, and limited editions
- Stunning light displays outside the building
It’s perfect for fun warm-up after touring Biltmore Estate.
When is the Best Time to Visit Biltmore at Christmas?
Christmas at Biltmore typically runs from early November to early January.
Best time for lower crowds:
- Early November
- Weekdays throughout all 3 months
- The first week of January
If you know your dates, book early, especially if you plan on visiting in December.
Tickets, Pricing and Tips
Ticket prices vary depending on date, season, and tour type, but here are some general guidelines.
Types of Tickets:
Tips to Save Money on Tickets
- Book early
- Check weekday prices
- Visit in November, weekdays, or January
- Avoid peak weekends
Best Photo Spots In and Around Biltmore
- The Winter Garden
- Banquet Hall
- Library
- Back of house overlooking the mountains
- Front of mansion
- The outdoor Christmas tree
- Gardens and conservatory
What to Wear to Christmas at Biltmore
The estate is elegant, traditional and classy. I recommend outfits such as chic winter dresses, tights and boots, wool coats, sweaters with skirts, silk pants, or dark denim. Just remember to wear shoes that you can walk in. You will do a lot of walking.
Where to Stay during Christmas at Biltmore Estate
Staying on property elevates your whole experience. I highly recommend staying on property, if you can, to make your time extra magical. They have shuttles that will take you all around the property.
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate (luxury)
- Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate (moderate)
- The Cottages on Biltmore Estate (luxury vacation rentals)
Nearby Asheville Hotels
These hotels aren’t on property but are amazing places to stay in Asheville.
- The Omni Grove Park Inn (luxury resort)
- Grand Bohemian Hotel (Biltmore Village)
- The Radical (River Arts District)
Where to Eat at Biltmore Estate
Biltmore offers a range of dining experiences on property. To dine at any of the fabulous restaurants guests must have a daytime pass, annual pass, or stay on at one of hotels on the estate.
Biltmore Restaurants
- Cedric’s Tavern: Pub Fare
- Stable Cafe: Located at Biltmore Mansion, this restaurant offers comfort food options.
- Village Social: Located at Village Inn, this restaurant offers a wide variety of dining options,
- Bake Shop: Fresh baked pastries
- Wine Bar at the Winery: Cheeses, charcuterie and wine
- Smokehouse Food Truck: offers BBQ at Antler Hill Village
- Bistro: Farm to table flare
- The Kitchen Cafe: offering sandwiches, coffee and tea
- The Creamery: Ice Cream in Antler Hill Village
- The Conservatory Cafe: Located at Biltmore House & Gardens, serves small plates & snacks
- The Dining Room: 4 star dining in an elegant setting
Christmas at Biltmore is one of the most magical Christmas experiences I have ever done. And trust me, as a travel blogger and content creator, I have seen and experienced so many Christmas and holiday vacation and activities. This one is truly hard to beat.
Christmas at Biltmore is holiday magic with the decor, the piece of American history and a feeling that you have truly stepped back in time to an elegant holiday party of the wealthy in the 1800s. It is an unforgettable experience.
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