A Biltmore Estate Christmas welcomes the season with dazzling lights, brilliant ornaments, visits from Santa Claus, and beloved traditions. It is the most wonderful time of the year, and few places celebrate the holidays bigger than this lovely, grand estate! Ring in the winter with cheer and a day trip to one of these fun Biltmore events. Afterward, unwrap our free Chimney Rock Vacation Guide to find more reasons to celebrate. Inside, you’ll find handpicked recommendations on restaurants, entertainment, local attractions, and more, so you can spend less time planning and more time having fun.
The Most Cheerful Ways to Celebrate Christmas at Biltmore Estate
The Annual Tree Raising | November 4, 2022
The 35-foot Fraser Fir Christmas tree is the centerpiece of Christmas at Biltmore Estate. Every year, hundreds of guests gather at the front of the house to watch 40+ Biltmore workers bring the extravagant tree inside. After the tree is set in place, the decorating team adds over 500 lights, ornaments, and packages beneath the tree. You can even catch Santa Claus delivering the tree at the front door if you arrive early! Saint Nicolas usually appears at 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Daytime Celebration | November 4, 2022 – January 8, 2023
The Christmas Daytime Celebration is a must for people of all ages. Explore more than 50 sparkling Christmas trees, beautifully appointed fireplaces, wreaths and garlands, and stunning lights and ornaments! After your visit, you’ll always remember the scent of fresh evergreens floating through the air. Take a leisurely walk through the grand house, and remember to stop by the Biltmore Winery for a commemorative Christmas wine tasting. You can even order a meal from a special holiday-inspired restaurant menu! Biltmore’s Christmas Daytime Celebration is available every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from November to early January. Join us!
Candlelight Christmas Evenings | November 4, 2022 – January 7, 2023
From fireplace mantels draped with evergreens to towering trees dripping with lights, Candlelight Christmas Evenings always set the mood for a bright and wonderful Christmas night. This cherished Biltmore tradition offers live music, magnificent decorations, and more. A self-guided Candlelight Tour also includes daytime admission to a variety of nearby attractions, like the Antler Hill Village & Winery and the estate’s gardens, shops, and restaurants. Candlelight tours are available by reservation only and begin each night at 5:30 p.m.
More Wonderful Holiday Activities
There are so many ways to enjoy a Biltmore Estate Christmas. In addition to the events above, a variety of fun activities are also available! If you are gift shopping, take your time to browse the estate’s dozens of shops. You can even sample estate wines along the way! Another popular tradition to note are the free holiday craft programs in the Conservatory. There isn’t a better way to bring home a commemorative Christmas ornament. No matter how you spend your time, one thing is always for sure: there is something for everyone at Biltmore Estate!
Celebrate the Holidays in the North Carolina Mountains
After enjoying a wonderful Biltmore Estate Christmas, head home to the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant for a cozy night in. When you book any of our beautiful cabins, like the Chimney Rock River Cabin, you can always look forward to the best amenities, packages, and top-notch service. You can even have a few samples of Santa’s cookies in our lobby upon your arrival! Daily hot-plated breakfast, spa services, a private park, and game room are a few perks that you can enjoy. In addition, The Esmeralda Restaurant is known throughout the area as the No. 1 place for dining in Chimney Rock, so you’ll never need to worry about where to go for dinner. When you are ready to plan your holiday getaway, take a look at our Biltmore Package and book your stay. We hope to host you soon at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant!