10 Reasons to Visit the Biltmore Estate for Christmas
America's largest home truly knows how to deck the halls.
The holiday season brings an abundance of magical sights, but among the glowing small towns, Asheville, North Carolina stands out from the rest. Sure, New York City shines a little brighter in December, thanks to the Rockefeller Christmas tree, but just down the east coast is the Biltmore Estate, aka America's largest home.
Since Christmas Eve 1895, the Biltmore Estate has hosted visitors from all around the world in its 35-bedroom, 43-bath, and 65-fireplace estate. Dozens of gorgeous fir trees hand-decorated with more than 13,000 ornaments span a whopping 8,000-acres, leaving everyone in awe. This year, from November 1 through January 4, Christmas lovers can visit the historic Vanderbilt mansion in the Blue Ridge Mountains and experience firsthand a beloved American holiday tradition.
Whether you’re looking forward to taking a stroll around the Biltmore House, the Gardens, and Antler Hill Village or you’re excited to stay at the mansion for Christmas and New Year’s, there’s plenty to learn about the property. But in case you're not yet sold, simply take a look around:
The estate covers 8,000 acres.
Though 8,000 acres is no small plot of land, the Biltmore Estate was originally located on 125,000 acres of land. While we're talking number, the 55-foot Norway spruce in the center of the yard is surrounded by 35 more evergreens.
A new 'Downton Abbey' exhibition is featured.
From November 8, 2019 to April 7, 2020, visit the immersive exhibition that celebrates the TV hit show Downton Abbey with never-before-seen elements. Get a closer look at your favorite characters, fashion, and historic events.
There's one Fraser Fir that stands out from the rest.
Finding a tree worthy of decorating the largest and most festive home in the country is no easy feat, but it's a challenge the crew accepts every year. This year, the Banquet Hall will illuminate with a 34-foot tall Fraser Fir at the center. It took 30 Biltmore staff members to secure the 2,000-pound tree into place.
In total, there are 62 beautiful Christmas trees.
Biltmore knows how to check off all the boxes for a memorable Christmas with decorations upon decorations and trees upon trees. Aside from the dozens of Christmas trees inside, there are actually "58 additional decorated Christmas trees at other estate locations...plus 30 live trees and shrubs in and around other estate buildings," per their site.
The breathtaking Tapestry Gallery boasts four trees.
Will you just look at those wall coverings, and the molding around the fireplace?
You can stop by the winery and tasting room.
Thousands of gold and champagne ornaments appropriately decorate the winery tasting room, which not-so-accidentally resemble bubbles. You can rest assured that there will be enough to toast on Christmas Day and New Year's.
Visitors can count up to 1,000 handmade bows.
Of course, Christmas is all about the green, but red bows complete the holiday decor. It's estimated that there are 2,000 of them around the estate.
Take a romantic stroll through Antler Hill Village.
It's true, December is one of the most romantic times of the year (hello, sweater weather), so if you're lucky enough to visit the Estate with your S.O., make sure to go when it's all lit up.
Have a drink in the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Unless you're an Asheville resident, this could certainly make you question the phrase, "There's no place like home for the holidays."
Plus, the decor doesn't stop no matter where you turn.
Now, it's time to add Biltmore Estate to your bucket list, because we sure have.
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