Arrival of 35-foot Fraser fir signals the start of Christmas at Biltmore
ASHEVILLE, N.C., Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A towering 35-foot Fraser fir tree arrived at America's Largest Home this week, the finishing touch after weeks of decorating Biltmore House for the holidays. Christmas at Biltmore, the estate's annual holiday celebration, formally begins today and runs through Jan. 7, 2018.
The 35-foot Banquet Hall tree is Christmas at Biltmore's star attraction year after year. Santa 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. Guests watched the decorating team as lights and ornaments were added throughout the day.
The tree comes from Andrews Nursery in Avery County, N.C. and is a nod to a tradition started by George Vanderbilt on Christmas Eve 1895 when he opened his 250-room home 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, the entire estate may be enjoyed as part of admission. More than 70 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. Weekends in Antler Hill Village feature carolers sharing Christmas favorites and Santa making appearances at the bandstand.
NEW this year, Biltmore Winery is decorated with 7,000 globe-shaped ornaments hanging from the ceiling—giving guests the feeling of being inside a bottle of sparkling wine. Free tastings of Biltmore wines are offered among the festive décor. Antler Hill Village is also must see—buildings are outlined in lights, a fountain lit with special visual effects, and illuminated trees and ornaments in abundance.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight at night, changing the daytime visit's mood and experience. An additional charge and advance reservations are required for Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House, which begin today and run through Jan. 6, 2018. Local musicians and vocal groups perform Christmas music. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce sparkling in the center of the front lawn and surrounded by 20 illuminated evergreens. Luminaries line the walkway to the house.
Hotels for the Holidays
Guests looking to extend holiday visits have options. The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers four-star accommodations in a private hilltop setting. Biltmore's newest lodging offering is Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, convenient to shopping, dining, the Winery, live music and outdoor activities. Holiday packages are available.
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SOURCE The Biltmore Company
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