On Christmas Eve 1895, George Washington Vanderbilt first opened Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, to family and friends. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau took six years and one thousand men to build and is a National Historic Landmark open to the public today. Based on traditions from more than 100 years ago, Biltmore House is elaborately decorated every year for Christmas, offering today’s guests a glimpse of what it may have been like to be one of Vanderbilt’s guests during that special holiday season. 2009 marks the 35th year for Christmas at Biltmore as a seasonal attraction, and the 26th year for Candlelight Evenings at Biltmore.
There are two ways to experience the holidays at Biltmore:
Christmas at Biltmore during the daytime includes tours of Biltmore House, the Gardens, the Winery with complimentary wine tasting, River Bend Farm and Barnyard. Inside Biltmore House, the Banquet Hall organ will serenade guests with music of the season.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where luminaries and a brilliant display of twinkling lights on the Front Lawn set the tone for tours of Biltmore House, requires separate entry. Guests tour through rooms lit by twinkling lights and firelight, reflected in thousands of ornaments. Live entertainment inside Biltmore House is included.New for 2009 : The restoration and preservation of the magnificent Louis XV Suite in Biltmore House has inspired this year’s holiday décor theme. The Louis XV Suite’s Christmas finery will include garlands and swags on mantels, fireplaces, doors, and windows to create focal points, including small tabletop trees in crystal and gold to reflect the surrounding décor.
Ticket Information Tickets for admission vary based on date and time. See www.Biltmore.com for details, 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 Winery, River Bend Farm, specialty gift shops and restaurants.
The American Motel Network has two Genuine American Quality Locations for comfortable lodging just minutes from the Biltmore. Best Western Hendersonville Inn and Days Inn West Asheville offer superior amentities and friendly service that will make your Holiday trip to Asheville one you will remember for years to come.
For More information on Best Western Hendersonville Inn CLICK Here
For More information on Days Inn Asheville West CLICK Here
