Christmas at the Biltmore: 2025 In-Depth Celebration Guide

Every November, America’s largest privately owned home transforms into a glittering wonderland. Christmas at Biltmore Estate invites guests to wander sumptuous halls draped in evergreen, gaze at towering Fraser firs, and relive Vanderbilt holiday traditions set amid the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. From twinkling candlelight evenings to family-friendly village festivities, this 8,000-acre estate promises a storybook season worth planning well ahead.

Asheville’s Grand Stage

The Biltmore Estate decks every hall, garden, and turret in dazzling, century-old elegance.

Set in the heart of the estate at Asheville, NC 28803, the 250-room French Renaissance mansion anchors Christmas magic throughout Antler Hill Village, the Winery, Walled Garden, and Front Lawn. Expect more than 100 meticulously hand-decorated Christmas trees—including a breathtaking 55-foot Norway spruce on the front lawn—and miles of garland festooned with thousands of Victorian and collectible ornaments sparkling inside the Banquet Hall and beyond.

Inside, the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House showcases a 35-foot Fraser fir adorned with Victorian-era decorations, while glowing hearths and numerous lighted fireplaces cast a warm ambiance that harkens back to the Vanderbilt family’s festive celebrations dating to Christmas Eve 1895.

Mark Your Calendar for Merriment

From sunlit garlands to candlelit corridors, your perfect holiday moment has a date.

For 2025, Christmas at Biltmore runs from November 1, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

Guests can explore the estate during the day to enjoy the house and grounds bathed in natural light. For a magical evening experience, Candlelight Christmas runs the same dates with timed tickets from 5:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. These evenings feature self-guided tours by flickering candlelight, live seasonal music performed throughout the house, and a cozy fireplace atmosphere. Tickets usually go on sale in late June, so setting a reminder for early purchase is advised.

Daytime admission includes a complimentary audio guide available in multiple languages, with new stories about the Vanderbilts, their guests, and the estate’s rich history. An American Sign Language (ASL) tour is also available.

Who Will Love This Holiday Haven?

From toddlers to tinsel-loving romantics, this estate brings everyone’s Christmas wish to life.

From toddlers to tinsel-loving romantics, the estate brings Christmas wishes to life for all ages. History buffs will appreciate exploring Vanderbilt traditions and architecture; families will delight in the festive atmosphere and activities; wine lovers can enjoy complimentary seasonal tastings at the Winery; photographers will find endless golden-hour and holiday light photo opportunities; and couples can stroll past illuminated luminaries and glowing trees for a quintessential “Hallmark movie” setting.

Santa makes special appearances most weekends and select weekdays at Antler Hill Village, adding to the festive family fun.

Highlights That Steal the Show

• A 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall decorated with over 1,000 ornaments and illuminated by thousands of lights.
• Live choirs performing classic carols in the Winter Garden.
• The towering 55-foot Norway spruce on the Front Lawn, adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments, surrounded by 36 smaller illuminated evergreens and shrubs.
• Antler Hill Village features beautiful holiday light displays, a roaring bonfire, artisan shops, seasonal dining, and Santa visits.
• The Conservatory and Walled Garden showcase seasonal blooms, including poinsettias in multiple colors, amaryllis, orchids, and tropical plants.
• Guided Candlelight Tours allow guests exclusive access to the library’s crackling hearth and the intimate glow of the estate after dark.
• Seasonal food and beverage offerings throughout the estate, including holiday-inspired tastes at the Winery.

Park, Ride, and Revel

From valet sparkle to cozy shuttle rides, your arrival is as polished as the décor.

Estate parking is included with admission. Lots A & B, closest to the house, fill rapidly, with a 5- to 8-minute walk from there to the mansion. Overflow guests can use complimentary shuttle service from remote parking near Stable Café and Cedric’s Tavern at Antler Hill Village. For convenience, valet parking is available for approximately $30 and drops visitors at the front door—ideal for families with strollers or heavy winter gear.

Bundle the Glow with Tripster and Go

Want to turn your Christmas at Biltmore visit into a full holiday escape? Tripster lets you bundle Biltmore Estate tickets, Candlelight tickets, and nearby lodging and attractions in one simple checkout—so you can skip the stress and head straight to the sparkle.

With exclusive discounts, flexible vacation packages, and all your confirmations in one tidy dashboard, planning is a breeze. Book your Biltmore holiday experience now with Tripster and unwrap a season full of elegance, ease, and unforgettable glow.