The Biltmore is one of America’s great estates.  Once home to the super-rich Vanderbilts, it covers 8,000 acres and is located in Asheville, North Carolina.  The mansion, which is the largest private residence in America, is especially beautiful during the holidays. 

Carrying on a long-held tradition since George W. Vanderbilt first welcomed friends and family to Biltmore on Christmas Eve 1895, the estate celebrates Christmas on a grand scale.  When visiting Biltmore from now until January 1st, you’ll see nearly 100 decorated trees with thousands of ornaments, 1,000 wreaths, almost 1,500 poinsettias and miles of evergreen garland.  Live holiday musical performances are also scheduled until the end of December. 

If you’d like to see the mansion lit by candlelight, check out their Christmas Candlelight Evening tours. You can purchase tour tickets on their website - be sure to reserve before your visit.  A tour ticket includes one evening visit as well as an additional visit of the mansion’s gardens, winery and restaurants during the day.  

Here are some suggestions for lodging options.

Links: The Biltmore