Your Luminere visit

More considerations (our FAQs)

• When does Luminere begin and end each evening?

  You can begin your Luminere visit as early as 4:30, and we recommend joining us then! This gives you plenty of time to enjoy Antler Hill Village & Winery, explore our gardens and grounds during golden hour, and savor specially crafted food and drink including artisan picnics, craft beverages, and special menus at estate restaurants.

  The Biltmore House illumination begins at nightfall, has an approximate runtime of 14 minutes, and will repeat every 30 minutes for a total of three shows per night.

  The garden illuminations also begin at nightfall, and will end at 11 p.m. each night through August 30.

• Where should I park?

  Park & Ride Lots C & E (ADA Accessible)
  Park here to ride the round-trip Park & Ride shuttle that runs between the Park & Ride building and Biltmore House.  

  Park & Walk Lot B 

  Park here and enjoy a short walk to Biltmore House.  

  NOTE: Park & Walk Lot A will be closed in the evenings. 

• Will there be shuttles available?

  Yes! We’ll have three shuttles (ALL of which are accessible to wheelchair and stroller users) for Luminere evenings:  

  Park & Ride Shuttle providing round-trip service between the Park & Ride building and Biltmore House 

  Garden Shuttle providing round-trip service between Biltmore House and the Gardener’s Cottage in the Walled Garden 

  Lodging Shuttle providing round-trip service between The Inn, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate®, and Biltmore House 

  NOTE: Lodging Shuttle is exclusively for the estate’s overnight guests. 

  For more accessibility information, view Estate Accessibility, or contact the Reception and Ticketing Sales Center or Guest Services. For more shuttle service information, view Estate Transportation. 

• Will the gardens be available for guest parking in the evenings?

  No. To ensure guest safety, the Rampe Douce and roads into and through the gardens will be closed after 5 p.m. to ALL vehicles except our Garden Shuttle. 

  

• Where do I pick up my Luminere wristband?

  Daytime guests
  If you arrive before 4:30 p.m. for daytime Biltmore House admission, or to use the grounds portion of your ticket before Luminere, have your admission ticket(s) scanned at any Guest Services location to receive your wristband(s). 

  Evening guests
  If you arrive at 4:30 p.m. or later, your admission ticket(s) will be scanned at the Admissions Gate. Show your ticket(s) again at Park & Ride or the Biltmore House zone entrance to receive your wristband(s). 

  Overnight guests
  Pick up your wristband(s) at your hotel’s front desk.

  All Luminere guests must have, wear, and display wristbands prior to entering the Biltmore House zone.

• What happens if Luminere is canceled due to inclement weather?

  Luminere is a “rain or shine” evening event, and Luminere tickets are non-refundable. 

  • If light rain occurs, the show will go on. 

  • If rain is such that it impedes the video productions, or if there is lightning, Biltmore will either cancel or delay the show. Guests will be directed to designated shelter areas, which are noted on our Luminere event map. 

  • If the show is cancelled for the evening due to inclement weather, you may use your ticket(s) [or gift your ticket(s) to another guest to use] on a different Luminere evening. When ready to reschedule your visit, simply call 800-411-3812 with the ticket’s confirmation number. 

   

• Is Luminere suitable for guests with lighting sensitivity?

  Luminere includes lighting effects, projections on the outside of buildings and landscapes, strobing, flashing, simulated lighting, and periods of darkness. If you or any member of your party have/has sensitivities to these effects, we recommend you/they consult your/their physician prior to attending.  

• Is Luminere accessible?

  Due to the historic nature of Biltmore, steps are required to visit the Italian Garden, the Shrub Garden, and the Pergola, which means these three Luminere illumination locations are not accessible for guests with mobility challenges.  

  Please see our event map , which indicates accessible (step-free) viewing locations for the Biltmore House and Italian Garden illuminations, step-free pathways, and Garden Shuttle stops from which the Walled Garden and Conservatory are accessible. 

  We offer the following Luminere admission discounts for guests with mobility challenges: $15 off for Adults | $7.50 off for Youth/Child  

  NOTE: All restrooms and shuttles are accessible, our Park & Ride Shuttle provides round-trip service between the Park & Ride building and Biltmore House, and our Garden Shuttle provides round-trip service between Biltmore House and the Walled Garden. 

• Where can I enjoy my artisan picnic or grab & go items?

  Prime picnic locations include: 

  • The sloped lawn in front of Diana
  • The hill behind Rampe Douce
  • Biltmore House Front Lawn between the Fountain and Rampe Douce
  • Throughout the gardens, including Italian Garden, Shrub Garden, and Walled Garden

  For additional picnic spot recommendations, visit Guest Services.

  • Tailgating, including the use of tents, grills, multiple camping chairs/tables, and large coolers, is not permitted in Biltmore parking lots or on the grounds. 
  • Outside food and beverage is not permitted in estate dining locations, Antler Hill Village or Biltmore House areas, including the Front Lawn area of Biltmore House, Stable Courtyard, and South Terrace. 
  • No outside alcohol is ever permitted on Biltmore property. 
• Will there be seating available in front of Biltmore House or in the gardens?

  Biltmore House 

  There will be no seating provided in front of Biltmore House, but you are welcome to bring a blanket or chair(s). Please do not “save your space” by placing blankets or chairs inside the Biltmore House viewing area in advance of the Biltmore House illumination. Keep in mind you won’t be able to take blankets and chairs inside Biltmore House unless they can fit inside a bag no larger than 19″ x 14″ x 9″. 

  Gardens 

  There will be a limited amount of chairs and bench seating within the Walled Garden. 

• Are pets allowed?

  Pets are not allowed at Luminere, however we welcome service animals.

• Any policies to be aware of for my visit?

  Bag policies
  Guests may bring a personal bag no larger than 19″ x 14″ x 9″ into Biltmore House. 

  If your bag does not meet these requirements, please leave it in your vehicle or ask about storage options. Exceptions will be made for medical items after inspection. 

  Backpacks are not allowed on any guided tours, including Rooftop, Backstairs, Exclusive, and Expert-Guided tours. Guests are required to leave backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle. 

  We reserve the right to refuse admission for any bag, parcel, or other item. Weapons/firearms* are prohibited. 

  *Biltmore is a privately owned estate with both Security Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers on the property. In the interest of public safety, and for the safety of Biltmore employees and officers, Biltmore does not permit weapons/firearms inside Biltmore House or in estate establishments that serve alcohol.