A 35-foot Fraser fir tree arrived at the Biltmore House for the holidays. Christmas at Biltmore, the estate’s annual holiday celebration, formally begins Saturday and runs through Jan. 6.
Santa Claus rode aboard a horse-drawn carriage to usher the tree to the front door of Biltmore House. It took more than 40 staff members to hoist the tree onto their shoulders and carry it into the Banquet Hall, where a system of ropes secured the tree in place.
The tree comes from Andrews Nursery in Avery County, N.C.
George Vanderbilt started the tradition of opening his 250-room home on Christmas Eve in 1895 to friends and family for the first time. As tradition dictates, the tree is decorated with 500 ornaments and wrapped packages tucked into its branches. It serves as the seasonal centerpiece in the home’s immense Banquet Hall.
During Christmas at Biltmore more than one hundred Christmas trees – each hand-decorated and styled – grace the house and estate combined. The Conservatory is filled with poinsettias and tropical plants and offers a daily complimentary seminar that provides tips for guests’ own holiday décor.
Biltmore Winery is decorated with?7,000?globe-shaped ornaments?suspended from?the ceiling in gold and clear tones—giving guests the feeling of being inside?a?bottle of sparkling wine. Free tastings of Biltmore wines are offered.
Weekends in Antler Hill Village feature carolers sharing Christmas favorites and Santa making appearances at the bandstand to hear wish lists from guests of all ages. Antler Hill Village is a must see—buildings are outlined in lights, a fountain lit with special visual effects, and illuminated trees and ornaments in abundance.
Biltmore House is featured in candlelight and firelight at night. A separate ticket and reservations are required for Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House.
Each year Biltmore kicks off Christmas with the arrival of a 35-foot Fraser fir tree for the Banquet Hall.
Biltmore’s team has been working since mid-October decorating for Christmas.