Christmas at Biltmore: A Festive History
When George Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895, it was a special day. The grand celebration began a treasured estate tradition that continues more than a century later.
The First Christmas at Biltmore House
The first Christmas at Biltmore House was a joyous occasion. Estate records show that Vanderbilt paid close attention to every detail to ensure a memorable holiday experience for his guests. Requests were placed for a large Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall; mistletoe and holly were gathered; and hand-made garlands were hung throughout the house.
Vanderbilt also held a Christmas party for estate employees. Workers and their families were invited to Biltmore House on Christmas morning for a grand party that included cake, ice cream and gifts galore. The Cecil family – Vanderbilt’s descendants and present-day owners of the estate – continues that tradition today, and hosts a holiday celebration for employees and their families.
Christmas at Biltmore Today
The magic of the holidays continues today with Christmas at Biltmore, a special celebration offered in November and December. Known as one of the Southeast’s most elegant and awe-inspiring holiday travel destinations, the modern-day celebration is modeled after the estate’s first Christmas, with miles of garden, hundreds of poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees and an elaborately decorated 35-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall.
Other festivities around the estate during the holiday season include visits with Santa in Antler Hill Village, and the release of Biltmore’s special Christmas wines.
The Magic of Candlelight Christmas Evenings
In the evening, the enchantment continues with Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Luminaries dot the Front Lawn of Biltmore House and thousands of tiny white lights adorn the Front Lawn’s 55-foot tall Norway Spruce. Inside the House, soloists and choirs perform traditional Christmas music, with the rooms taking on a magical glow as candles illuminate holiday decor.
Special holiday menus at estate restaurants and holiday packages at the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate complete the experience and promise a memorable visit.
