Asheville, North Carolina is an inspiring destination year-round, but it’s especially festive during the holidays. The Biltmore Estate looks like a Christmas fairy tale. The majestic home is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and acres of pristine farmland. Inside the mansion, wreaths are hung on the grand staircases, and the grounds are aglow with twinkling lights. The best time to visit is during the Candlelight Christmas Evenings when the staff has decked the halls, gardens and various estate locales with candlelight, firelight and holiday lights – and the after-dark hours are the perfect time to take in the sparkle of a 50-foot fir.

The holiday traditions at Biltmore are reminiscent of the time when American aristocrat George Vanderbilt and his family hosted elaborate Christmas parties here. Vanderbilt built this mansion in the late 1800’s, and opened it to his guests on Christmas Day in 1895. Today, almost every room is filled with uniquely decorated Christmas trees.

Staying at the Inn at Biltmore Estate is a splurge worth considering. This resort offers idyllic views from every window, and convenient access to all estate activities. The heated, complimentary buses drive guests to shops, wine tasting, Land Rover Riding, and a variety of dining options including Afternoon Tea in the Library Lounge. The hotel’s guest rooms are luxurious yet comfortable, and the service impeccable.

Some of the many highlights of touring the Biltmore is a visit to the Biltmore Winery. The Winery is one of the rare American vineyards in the East producing sparkling wines. And what’s better than sparkling wine for the holidays? I loved the Biltmore Bubbly Tour, where guests tour the champagne bottling room, learn about the sparkling wine-making process by expert vintners, and then have the opportunity to sample all six of Biltmore’s sparkling wines. Check out the shopping in the Biltmore Mercantile; a market with a charming bookstore, confectionary, toy store and gardening shop. A superb destination year-round, Asheville during the Christmas holidays, is a magical place—truly beautiful and sublime.

Where to Stay:? Consider Inn at Biltmore Estate—A resort with all the amenities, along with Southern elegance and hospitality. One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 866-336-1245 Biltmore.com/stay/innCandlelight Christmas Evenings (November 3, 2017 – January 6, 2018) To see photos of the decorations in the Biltmore Estate visit RomanticAsheville.com 

family travel History Hotels Luxury Resorts Road Trips Travel Afternoon Tea Asheville Biltmore Estate Biltmore Winery Candelight Evenings Christmas Inn at Biltmore Estate North Carolina Tourism Sparkling Wine