How about spending one of Christmas days on 125,000 acres of country estate? George Washington Vanderbilt II began construction of the house in 1889. The 250 room French chateau-style mansion is the largest home in the country with breathtaking grounds and landscape. In 1930 George Vanderbilt’s daughter Cornelia and her husband opened Biltmore House to the public. Now it serves as an iconic place every American tries to visit. During Christmas Biltmore House transforms into a lighted magic with burning fireplaces and lighted candles which brings you back in time.
Nov. 8-Jan.5th you can come and experience thousands of lighted displays, twinkle lights, ornaments, candles and working fireplaces! Make sure to do a reservation for Candlelight Christmas Evening specifically as it is not included in daytime admission! However, did you know that this year ALL Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access?! Here is what you can expect from the daytime basic ticket tour:
>Free parking
>Free audio guide
>8,000 acres of gardens and grounds
>Antler Hill Village and Winery
>Complimentary wine tasting
Please note if you are planning on wine tasting experience that is at Antler Hill Village you need to check the schedule to know when the last session is, to make sure it doesn’t conflict with your Biltmore excursion time. Also, if you are planning on dining at one of the restaurants at Antler Village (which I highly suggest as they have the most delicious food) make sure to put yourself on a reservation list in order to avoid 1hour+ wait time.
The grounds are stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it a perfect outing for the entire family! There are gift shops once you come out of the Biltmore House and a cafe where you can grab lunch and a coffee. Next, you can explore the garden and grounds and take a car ride to Antler Village as its quite far to walk. During warmer days you can have a picnic with the castle view of the entire property saving money on dining out!
MORE THINGS TO DO WHILE IN ASHEVILLE
While in Asheville NC you must visit downtown area with the most popular and delicious restaurants in town. Stop by The Omni Grove Park Inn to look at Gingerbread Line and sip on hot chocolate while watching sunset on one of the Omni terraces. Take a look at my Instagram reel below on Biltmore Estate!
