Christmas is an unforgettable experience at Biltmore Estate. A cherished tradition, Christmas at Biltmore features America’s Largest Home decorated elegantly for the holidays. A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to the estate.
George W. Vanderbilt created Biltmore in the 1890s as a grand retreat in the North Carolina mountains. The estate officially opened to his friends and family on Christmas Eve 1895. The home features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, designed the gardens and trails. The estate is still privately owned and operated by George Vanderbilt’s descendants.
1. Daytime Celebration Of The Season
An enormous lighted Christmas tree welcomes you to Biltmore. Inside, thousands of ornaments shimmer and candles glow, with fireplaces and twinkle lights adding to the enchantment. The magical experience is continued at Antler Hill Village, with its glittering lights, garland, and thousands of ornaments.
Antler Hill offers unique shops, restaurants, an award-winning winery, and Biltmore Gardens Railways – Wonders of the World. The village is also home to the Biltmore Legacy and its current exhibition, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad.
- Dates: November 4, 2022–January 7, 2023
- Prices: Tickets start at $99. Buy them here.
2. Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Imagine yourself as a guest at the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895. The evening celebration brings a different feel to Christmas at Biltmore. The enchantment begins with its thousands of candles and firelight. Musicians stroll the grounds and the centerpiece is the enormous glowing tree on the front lawn.
- Dates: November 4, 2022–January 7, 2023
- Prices: Tickets start at $119. Buy them here.
3. Immersive Leonardo Da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliance and many extraordinary achievements are brought to life in this multi-sensory exhibit. Enjoy large-scale projections, holograms, integrated music, artwork, and inventions as you experience his life and works.
- Dates: Ends February 20, 2023
- Prices: Included in daytime and evening mid-price ticket options.
4. Wine Tasting
Guests are invited to complimentary tastings in Biltmore’s Tasting Room. They can enjoy light fare and wine pairings at the Wine Bar and purchase their favorites at the Wine Shop. In-person reservations are required for all wine tastings and must be made on the day of the visit.
5. Gustatory Delights
Biltmore is well-known for its fine dining. Guests select from several restaurants providing both fine and casual dining options. Talented Biltmore chefs create specialties based on the excellent products grown on the estate, and by local farming and growing partners. To dine on the estate, guests must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
6. Gardens And Grounds
At Biltmore, there are 8,000 acres available to explore. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the French Broad River, through dense forests, or along peaceful open meadows. In addition, stop by Biltmore’s soaring glass conservatory to see its festive poinsettia displays and exotic tropical plants. Take a virtual tour of the gardens and grounds here.
- Dates: January 9–March 31, 2023
- Tickets: Tickets start at $75. Buy them here. Ticket prices do not include Biltmore House entry.
7. Stay Overnight
When you are totally worn out by the Christmas hubbub, why not spend a night right on the Biltmore grounds? Options include the Village Hotel, The Inn, and other cottages. Compare available lodging and make reservations here.
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