Christmas at Biltmore Estates

The Biltmore Estate has two tiers of tickets during the Christmas season. The first allows a Candlelight tour of the mansion and a grounds entry the next day. This entry will allow a tour of the deer park, farm and winery. The second tier of tickets allows all the previous listed events, plus daylight entry into the mansion. If you can afford the difference in price, go for the daylight tour also. The crowds are not quite as crushing and you can take the time to really see the details of the woodwork and carvings.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that you can remove and carry if you get too warm in the house. You will be climbing several sets of stairs - some very narrow and some very wide - to tour the four stories in the mansion (five if you include the basement). There is a small elevator for those in wheelchairs, but strollers are not allowed for the little ones.

There is a headset available for rent that will describe the rooms as you pass through them. If you don't want to go that route, the booklet that is available at the entry will give a brief explantion of the areas.

The gardens, winery, deer park and farm will take up the remainder of the day as you drive along the winding road and admire the beautiful scenery. Bicycle rentals and carriage rides are also available.

Be sure to stop in the garden shop and see the free demonstration on wreath decorating. You can learn to make a wreath for every season and hints to make the holidays a decorating delight.

The decorations start at the Gate House. It is the first thing you see after turning off the highway. The tree-lined drive is lit with a thousand little lights and the Gate house is draped with ribbons and lights. Drive through the arch and enter into a park-like setting that has no streetlights to guide you along. Slowly advance to the entry gate and show your passes to the guard on duty. Keep an eye out for raccoon and other small night critters as you carefully drive to the parking lot. The shuttle comes and picks you up for the trip to the main house.

The first glimpse that you have of the main house is just before you enter through the gates. the lighted facade peeks through the trees and the elegance of the building hits you full force. The shuttle drops you off at the main entrance and the driver will tell you where to meet for the ride back to the parking lot.

Hopefully, you have made your reservation for after dinner (unless you are the type that eats late). Prior to your tour, you can visit the former stable area and shop in the small shoppes. There is a restaurant and bakery if you need something to tide you over until dinner - and a confectionary if you need some dessert. There are two gift shippes and also a book store. The nights are cool and the bakery serves the best hot chocolate - thick and creamy - that will keep you warm as you wait for your tour time to arrive.

Try to get into the entry alcove before your tour. There is entertainment in the form of carollers whose harmony moves the soul. Enjoy the fresh evergreens that festoon the entry area. The pine scent is not too strong, but the heat from the candles carries it around and keeps the festive mood going.

Cameras are not allowed inside the main house. It is a pity, but the visual memories that are etched into your brain will stay regardless. The trees are decorated with thousands of lights and elegant ornaments. Ribbons and vines are draped around each tree and over the gas-fired fireplaces. Each room has at least one tree in it, including the main and guest bedrooms. Only the servant's quarters are not as brightly lit, but even they have a tree in the gathering room.

The tour is quite breathtaking - in more ways than one - and the opulance of the era comes through as you walk through the halls and rooms. Do not try to race through the house. Linger where your heart tells you to and you will begin to understand the people who built, and lived in, this mansion.