Christmas at Biltmore begins this week in Asheville

Christmas at the Biltmore House officially begins Friday, November 6th through January 3rd, 2010 in Asheville, NC.

The Biltmore Christmas celebration is a tradition that spans 114 years. Although George Vanderbilt moved into Biltmore House in October 1895, the house did not officially open to guests until Christmas Eve of that year. Great efforts were made to ensure all would be ready by this special day. Mr. Vanderbilt was still a bachelor during the first Biltmore Christmas and his mother, Maria Louisa, presided as hostess. Correspondence between Vanderbilt and his staff indicates that planning was intensive and no detail was left unattended.

Did you know that when the holiday ends Biltmore recycles the live trees used during the season? Asheville Treecyclers will make wooden Christmas ornaments out of the trunk. Look for these decorations to be available next Christmas!

There are a variety of activities planned. Here is a list of all the important things you should know while planning your visit.

River Bend Farm Holiday Season Activities:

-Santa Claus visits the River Bend Farm for photo opportunities and to hear wish lists!
Saturday and Sundays from November 7- December 20
12:30-4:30

-Farm Life Demonstrators/Crafter’s Corner
Watch skilled crafters demonstrate traditional crafts in the River Bend Farm
1:00pm- 5:00pm daily

-Blacksmith, Woodworker, Butter Churning, Quilting, Jewelry, Weaving
Turn of the Century Games: Children and adults can experience games that were common during the days of the Vanderbilts.

Holiday Dining Options:

Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009

-Bistro: Advance reservations by phone required at the restaurant (225-6230)
12:00pm- 7:00pm
$45 per person

-Deerpark Restaurant: Advance reservations by phone required at the restaurant (225-6260)
11:00am – 6:00pm
$36.95 (adults); $19.95 (youth); $11.95 (ages 5-9)

-Stable Café Dining: Reservations are available, walk-ins accepted. (225-6370)
11:00am- 4:00pm
$12.00-$27.00 (entrees)

-The Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate: Not available to daytime guests for Thanksgiving Day.

Biltmore Hours of Operation:

November 6- January 2, 2009
Biltmore Admission’s Gate for daytime: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Biltmore Winery: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Candlelight Evening visits begin as early as 5:30pm. Evening visit requires separate ticket that is date and time specific.
CHRISTMAS DAY HOURS: 10:30AM – 3:00PM

Biltmore Ticket Prices:

Nov 6, 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010
Gate Price: $60 daily (1-day ticket)
Online Price: check here.
Guests can upgrade daytime tickets to include evening visit for only $10. Guests need to check with a Biltmore Guest Service Station for availability.

Biltmore House Reservations:
As we move into the holiday season, the estate will become more popular and guest volume will be higher. Having a time to go into the house prevents guests from standing outside in line to get into the house. Guests can obtain a time to enter Biltmore House at the Stable Archway to the right of the house. Then, guests can visit the Conservatory, shops, restaurants, or even the Winery prior to visiting Biltmore House. All guests visiting Biltmore House must have a reservation.

Hotel packages are also available.