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Visit Itinerary: The Magic of Christmas at Biltmore

Written By Heather Angel

Posted 10/25/24

Updated 2/6/25

Exhibitions & Activities

With so many must-see and do activities during this 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.

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
@madelynonthemove experiencing the magic of Christmas at Biltmore

Option 1: Daytime Celebration Visit Itinerary

🌺 Early Afternoon Gardens and Conservatory Visit (1 to 2 hours):
Did you know you can enter the gates before your reserved house entry time? Your admission gives you access to explore our gardens and grounds. Plan to arrive early for 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. Biltmore Estate currently opens daily at noon. Be sure to check online for current hours of operation.

🎄 Afternoon 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 late afternoon or early evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first!

🥗 Grab a Snack at an Estate Restaurant (1.5 hours):
Indulge in a delightful meal or grab-and-go snack from one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, and Village Social.

Tip: Reservations for dining are highly recommended during this popular season. Be sure to check online for current hours of operation.

🎟️ Late afternoon: Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures exhibition (1.5 to 2 hours)
Join us for Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures, opening March 21 in the estate’s exhibition center, Amherst at Deerpark®. Hailed as the world’s most complete Tutankhamun exhibition, this fascinating experience is an unforgettable exploration of Egyptian culture during the time of Tutankhamun, including the search for and thrilling discovery of his tomb, and the treasures found within. You’ll also dig deeper into a surprising family connection with Biltmore itself!

Tip: Access is included with select admission types, including our “best value” House, Exhibit, and & 2-Day Grounds ticket bundle and special overnight packages. You may visit at your reserved entry time selected during the purchase process. If your reserved Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures entry time is in the morning, we recommend choosing 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. 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.
Guests enjoy the Candlelight Christmas Evenings audio tour as they marvel at awe-inspiring décor in the Banquet Hall.

 Option 2: Candlelight Christmas Evenings

🎟️ Afternoon: Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures exhibition (1.5 to 2 hours)
Join us for Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures, opening March 21 in the estate’s exhibition center, Amherst at Deerpark®. Hailed as the world’s most complete Tutankhamun exhibition, this fascinating experience is an unforgettable exploration of Egyptian culture during the time of Tutankhamun, including the search for and thrilling discovery of his tomb, and the treasures found within. You’ll also dig deeper into a surprising family connection with Biltmore itself!

Tip: Access is included with select admission types, including our “best value” House, Exhibit, and & 2-Day Grounds ticket bundle and special overnight packages. You may visit at your reserved entry time selected during the purchase process. If your reserved Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures entry time is in the morning, we recommend choosing to have your reserved Biltmore House visit in the afternoon.

🌺 Late 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 free 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. 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!

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.

Ready to experience the magic of Christmas at Biltmore? Reserve your visit.

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Christmas at Biltmore

Experience Our Most Magical Season

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