With so many must-see and do activities during Christmas at Biltmore, you may be wondering how to make the most of your festive visit to the grand estate.
This flexible Biltmore visit itinerary is designed to be easily tailored based on your reservation times and preferences, allowing you to choose between a dazzling Daytime visit or an elegant evening aglow with candlelit wonder with a Candlelight visit.
Tip: Be sure to customize your visit itinerary based on Biltmore’s activities and events that will make your Christmas visit even more memorable!
@madelynonthemove experiencing the magic of Christmas at Biltmore
Option 1: Daytime Celebration Visit Itinerary
🎄 Morning Biltmore House Visit (1.5 to 2 hours):
Step into the grandeur of Biltmore House, beautifully adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor. Explore the opulent rooms and immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas during a daytime visit with a complimentary audio guide.
Tip: Advanced reservations are required for all Biltmore House visits. If your reservation is in the afternoon or early evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first!
🥗 Lunch at an Estate Restaurant (1.5 hours):
Indulge in a delightful meal at one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, and Village Social.
Tip: Reservations are highly recommended during this popular season.
🌺 Afternoon Gardens and Conservatory Visit (1 to 2 hours):
Take a leisurely stroll through Biltmore’s historic gardens and Conservatory. Admire the meticulously maintained greenhouses filled with tropical plants and holiday displays.
Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds.
🎟️ Chihuly at Biltmoreexhibition (1.5 to 2 hours):
Don’t miss your chance to see Chihuly’s awe-inspiring works before the exhibition ends on January 5, 2025. Experience the artist’s iconic creations, presented in an intimate gallery setting at Amherst at Deerpark®.Chihuly at Biltmoreincludes pedestal works,Drawings, and large-scale installations ofChandeliers,Towers,Mille Fiori, andNeon.
Tip:Access is included with select ticket types and guests may visit at their reserved entry time selected during the purchase process.If your reserved entry time is in the morning, you may choose to have your reserved Biltmore House visit in the afternoon.
🥂 Evening Antler Hill Village & Winery Visit (2 hours):
Linger under the twinkling lights in Antler Hill Village where holiday splendor and our award-winning winery await. Shop for unique holiday gifts, such as handcrafted ornaments or gourmet treats, and find the perfect souvenirs and stocking stuffers, at The Barn Door or at A Christmas Past in the Stable Shops. A selection of holiday gifts, decor, and treats can also be found on our online shop (relaunching Fall 2024). Learn about the Vanderbilt family and their life at home and abroad at The Biltmore Legacy.
Tip: If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to visit Pisgah Playground, the Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn for educational fun for all ages.
Guests enjoy the Candlelight Christmas Evenings audio tour as they marvel at awe-inspiring décor in the Banquet Hall.
Option 2: Candlelight Christmas Evenings
🎟️ Chihuly at Biltmoreexhibition (1.5 to 2 hours):
Don’t miss your chance to see Chihuly’s awe-inspiring works before the exhibition ends on January 5, 2025. Experience the artist’s iconic creations, presented in an intimate gallery setting at Amherst at Deerpark®.Chihuly at Biltmoreincludes pedestal works,Drawings, and large-scale installations ofChandeliers,Towers,Mille Fiori, andMille Fiori, andNeon.
Tip:Access is included with select ticket types and guests may visit at their reserved entry time selected during the purchase process.
🌺 Afternoon Gardens and Conservatory Visit (1 to 2 hours):
Take a leisurely stroll through Biltmore’s historic gardens and Conservatory. Admire the meticulously maintained greenhouses filled with tropical plants and holiday displays.
Tip: Candlelight Christmas Evenings admission includes same-day or next-day access to explore the gardens, grounds, and Winery. See our FAQs for more info.
🕯️ Candlelight Christmas Evenings Biltmore House Visit (1.5 to 2 hours):
Experience the epitome of yuletide magic with Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House. Wander through historic rooms aglow with the soft light of lit fireplaces, marvel at the beautiful decor, and enjoy live holiday music echoing through the halls.
Tip: Advanced reservations are required for all Biltmore House visits. If your reservation is in the late evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first!
🥂 Evening Antler Hill Village & Winery Visit (2 hours):
Linger under the twinkling lights in Antler Hill Village where holiday splendor and our award-winning winery await. Shop for unique holiday gifts, such as handcrafted ornaments or gourmet treats, and find the perfect souvenirs and stocking stuffers, at The Barn Door or at A Christmas Past in the Stable Shops. A selection of holiday gifts, decor, and treats can also be found on our online shop (relaunching Fall 2024). Learn about the Vanderbilt family and their life at home and abroad at The Biltmore Legacy.
Tip: If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to visit Pisgah Playground, the Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn for educational fun for all ages.
Guests enjoy visits with Santa at the Bandstand in Antler Hill Village on select dates during Christmas at Biltmore!
Option 3: FREE Next-Day Grounds Access
Christmas at Biltmore is magical, and the fun doesn’t have to end after your first day. Take advantage of FREE next-day grounds access to revisit Antler Hill Village and explore our 22 miles of private nature trails and historic gardens. Enrich your visit with guided activities, such as horse-drawn carriage rides, falconry, bird-watching, or a rejuvenating guided yoga and meditation class—perfect for recharging after a wonder-filled getaway.
Tip: New thiswinter season, all Biltmore House admission tickets include FREE next-day grounds access, which means you have even more time to explore all that the estate has to offer!
Additional Visit-Planning Tips:
Below are a few additional tips for your Christmas at Biltmore visit itinerary. For even more helpful information, we recommend exploring our Visitor Information site section.
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait to purchase your Christmas at Biltmore tickets or special overnight packages to secure your preferred dates and times for this beloved season.
- Make the Most of Your Experience: All Biltmore admission types include access to explore Antler Hill Village & Winery and our historic gardens and grounds. Explore ticket types that include access to Biltmore House, an exclusive 90-minute guided tour, our immersive art exhibition, free next-day grounds access, and more! Additional add-on experiences, such as guided outdoor activities, are available as well.
- Make it a Getaway: With so much to experience during the holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to a festive and memorable getaway with an overnight stay on Biltmore Estate.
- Getting Around the Estate: Many guests underestimate the vast size of Biltmore Estate. We recommend allowing your party at least 30 minutes for travel and parking between estate locations. For helpful guidance on estate accessibility, please explore our Help Center.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers appropriate for the season and the types of activities you plan to do during your visit, especially if you opt to participate in any outdoor adventure activities.
- Watch the Weather: The weather in our region can change quickly, which may result in unexpected temporary closures of our trails or outdoor activities during severe weather. We appreciate your understanding!
- Capture Holiday Memories: Biltmore’s beautifully decorated spaces, elegant evergreens, and visits with Santa in Antler Hill Village provide the perfect backdrop for memorable holiday photos and magical moments with your family. Reminder: Be sure to follow estate photo and video policies designed to ensure all guests have an enjoyable experience.
- Start Your Christmas Shopping: Find unique gifts and stocking stuffers, holiday decorations, and gourmet treats to bring the Biltmore Christmas spirit home during your visit at any of our estate shops.
- Find More Tips: For even more guidance on what activities you might want to consider during your Biltmore visit for family fun, outdoor adventure, or food and wine, be sure to check our Itineraries page.
