Are you looking for a holiday season getaway to boost you into the holiday spirit and to experience one of Asheville’s most beloved attractions? You’ll find a magical holiday season at the Biltmore when the home is decked with thousands of lights, garlands, and decorated trees. This great attraction runs from November 4, 2022- January 7th, 2023. During your Asheville Getaway, relax at the best Asheville hotel, The Sourwood Inn Bed and Breakfast, where you can enjoy farm direct dining, a serene mountain location, and easy access to the Biltmore and everything Asheville has to offer. We have created this guide to help with all the details of Visiting the Biltmore at Christmas.
What is the Biltmore?
The Biltmore is an impressive 250-room French Renaissance château nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Biltmore was initially constructed as a country home by George Vanderbilt, grandson of entrepreneur and industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. George Vanderbilt celebrated the completion of Biltmore’s construction by hosting an opulent Christmas Eve celebration in 1895. Christmas continues to be a special time at the chateau, where this magnificent estate is shared with the public. Holiday tours include 55 beautifully decorated trees, including the popular 35-ft. live Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall with family stockings, an array of poinsettias, miles of garland, and live music.
8 Tips for a great Holiday Visit to the Biltmore
The Biltmore is a popular attraction, and planning is very important. Use the eight tips below to help orchestrate a holiday Asheville Getaway that is a memory of a lifetime:
- Book your tickets in advance online. You can see your holiday ticket options here. Prices vary by date and tour. For example, you can choose either Christmas at the Biltmore Daytime Celebration (touring the house before 4:30) or the Candlelight Christmas Evening Tours during the holidays. Holiday tours sell out, especially on the weekend, so purchasing your ticket in advance is very important.
- Don’t shy away from the cost. Let’s be honest spending between $99- $119 for a house tour sounds like a huge chunk of change, but rest assured, it is definitely worth the cost. Most guests spend the entire day on the property and during the holidays into the evening. It’s definitely a bucket check-off for many people.
- Purchase the extra $15 ticket for the self-guided audio tour. The Biltmore Home is filled with fascinating historical information and family stories that flow perfectly with the house tour.
- Allow a few extra hours before and after your tour time to walk around the estate, gardens, and Conservatory and visit Antler Village, where the vineyard is located. Remember that the tour times listed on your ticket are for entry to the House. You can arrive anytime during that day.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and depending on the weather forecast, wear layers if you want to hike and explore the gardens.
- Take advantage of the complimentary wine tasting afterward.
- Eat a good meal before you go. You’ll have plenty of options after your tour, including our favorites- The Stables, Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe, and the Corner Kitchen. In addition, you’ll enjoy a bountiful breakfast included with your stay at the Sourwood Inn, and dinner is served at the inn Thursday- Sunday. Check out this previous blog for more dining options.
- Plan the whole day to explore the property- The Biltmore is a full-day experience worthy of many more visits. Here is a rough estimate of the time you can spend in each area of the property:
- The Biltmore House Tour- 1-2 hours
- The Gardens- 1 hour (more in the spring, summer & fall)
- The Conservatory- 1/2 hour
- Leonardo da Vinci- 500 years of genius by Grande Experience Multi-sensory exhibition- available with higher-priced tickets- 1/2 hour
- Shopping/Dining in the Antler Hill Village- 1 hour
- Wine Tasting- 1 hour
Where is the Best place to stay in Asheville?
The Sourwood Inn is the best hotel option for your holiday visit to Asheville. The inn includes 12 luxurious mountain-view rooms and a hideaway cottage with wood-burning fireplaces and spa-like baths. After your busy day exploring the Biltmore come back to the inn for a romantic candlelight dinner with curated wine. The inn will be festively decorated for the holidays. Check out our specials list here and book your stay today.
