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News release

Christmas at Biltmore 2026 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 3, 2026)

–European holiday traditions inspire décor, with a record number of candles illuminating Biltmore House—

The holiday season has officially begun at Biltmore, transforming George Vanderbilt’s historic estate into a holiday celebration inspired by European traditions, family history and the beauty of the season. Running through Jan. 10, 2027, Christmas at Biltmore is expected to welcome more than 300,000 visitors to experience the holidays at America’s Largest Home.

Biltmore’s annual Christmas celebration draws inspiration from the first Christmas in Biltmore House in 1895. This year’s décor explores European holiday customs and places George Vanderbilt visited during his travels. “These traditions offer a beautiful way to honor George Vanderbilt’s love of the season and the European influences found throughout Biltmore House,” said Lizzie Whitcher, Biltmore floral manager who leads Christmas design across the estate. 

Highlights in Biltmore House include:

  • Winter Garden (Scotland): Tartan, thistles, and stags, with personal touches by a Scottish-born member of Biltmore’s design team.
  • Morning Salon (Italy): The colors of the Amalfi Coast inspire a sunny display of turquoise, coral and yellow, accented by lemons and terracotta.
  • Banquet Hall (Sweden): The St. Lucia tradition, symbolizing light during winter’s darkness, inspires displays featuring antique silver and red.
  • Library (Italy): The Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Christmas Eve tradition, inspires nautical details, including shells, fishnet-inspired ribbon and hand-beaded fish.
  • Third Floor Living Hall (Greece): Traditional decorated boats, or karavaki, inspire blue-and-white holiday décor. 

This year’s display sets a new record for candles inside Biltmore House, with approximately 415 illuminating the historic rooms. Fifty decorated Christmas trees are inside Biltmore House, while an additional 78 decorated Christmas trees can be found throughout the estate. 

Visit planning

Two experiences offer opportunities to tour Biltmore House during the holiday season:

  • Christmas at Biltmore: The daytime experience runs Nov. 3, 2026 through Jan. 10, 2027 featuring dozens of decorated trees, garlands, ribbon and lights.
  • Candlelight Christmas Evenings: The evening experience runs Nov. 3, 2026 through Jan. 9, 2027. Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House. 

Christmas across the estate

  • Conservatory: A seasonal botanical display featuring poinsettia trees, winter-blooming orchids and handcrafted miniature replicas of estate landmarks.
  • Antler Hill Village: More than 80,000 lights illuminate the European-inspired village after dark, including a field of illuminated meadow grass, a waterfall of suspended lights and a 25-foot tree with synchronized music and lights. Santa visits on select dates, including Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Winery & estate dining: Seasonal wine offerings, complimentary wine tastings, and festive menus add to the holiday experience.

Guests can also make a holiday getaway of their visit with overnight accommodations at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate or the estate’s private cottages. Advance reservations are encouraged for dining and overnight stays.

More holiday news from Biltmore 

New Hallmark movie featuring Biltmore

The Hallmark Channel’s new original holiday movie, “A Grand Biltmore Christmas” premieres Dec. 5. It is the network’s second production filmed in Biltmore House and follows 2023’s “A Biltmore Christmas.”

New Titanic exhibition opening

Closing out the Christmas season at Biltmore is a new exhibition, “Titanic: The Human Story,” running Dec. 26, 2026 through Jan. 9, 2028. 

Media resources

About Biltmore

Established in 1895 in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was created by George Vanderbilt as a restorative mountain getaway on a thoughtfully planned, self-sustaining estate. The property is still privately owned by his descendants and welcomes guests year-round for cultural experiences within its 8,000-acre grounds. Centered around Biltmore House, the 250-room château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark is comprised of renowned gardens, conserved forests and farmland, more than 20 miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village, and an award-winning Winery. The estate also features a collection of restaurants, retail shops, and overnight accommodations, including a four-star luxury Inn, a charming hotel, and carefully restored private cottages. To learn more, visit Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.