Christmas at Biltmore through Jan. 3

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Before diving into your holiday decorating this year, consider immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas at Biltmore to glean ideas for a Vanderbilt-inspired holiday display of your own. Biltmore House and the surrounding 8,000 acres of the estate will celebrate its annual Christmas at Biltmore, Nov. 6, 2009, through Jan. 3, 2010.

In addition to touring Biltmore House and the estate, you can take part in free holiday seminars conducted by Biltmore staff. Biltmore staff members will show you how to create Vanderbilt-inspired decorations, many of them designed in the spirit of the newly restored Louis XV Suite, which opened in Biltmore House earlier this year. Reservations for the seminars are not required; however, space may be limited so guests should arrive early. Seminar attendance is free with your day’s admission to the estate. Here is the seminar schedule:

• Deck the Halls, daily, Nov. 6-22: Biltmore’s Floral Displays staff will give decorating tips for the home. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Biltmore House Library Den.

• Centerpieces for Holiday Entertaining, daily, Nov. 6-Jan. 2: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at A Gardener’s Place in the Conservatory.

• Decorating a Christmas Wreath, daily, Nov. 6-Jan. 2: Learn how to turn an ordinary silk Christmas wreath into an elegant and interesting design. 1 and 3 p.m. at A Gardener’s Place in the Conservatory.

• Red Wine and Chocolate, daily, Nov. 6-Jan. 2: Discover why chocolate and red wine is a match made in heaven by pairing Biltmore Estate wine with several varieties of chocolate. 2, 3, 4 and 6 p.m. at the Winery.

Biltmore’s talented team of floral designers begin planning for the annual Christmas display, one of the Southeast’s largest, years in advance. It’s part of the tradition started 114 years ago this Christmas Eve by George Washington Vanderbilt, creator and visionary of Biltmore. His legacy for legendary hospitality lives on today, particularly during the holidays when Biltmore House is elaborately decorated for Christmas.

With more than 100 decorated Christmas trees; hundreds of wreaths, bows and poinsettias; more than150,000 lights in Biltmore House and across the estate; at least 10,000 feet of fresh garland; and more than 25,000 ornaments, you’re sure to walk away with an idea or two for your home this holiday season.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where luminaries and a brilliant display of twinkling lights on the Front Lawn set the tone for tours of Biltmore House, requires separate entry from daytime admission. New this year will be ballroom dancers in vintage costume gliding across the floor in the Winter Garden. A story teller will regale visitors with readings from traditional holiday tales such as “The Little Match Girl,” “The Gift of the Magi” and Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Choirs will perform European carols, with musicians providing seasonal music. Candlelight Christmas Evenings run Nov. 6 through Jan. 2.

Across Biltmore

Holiday hospitality extends across the entire estate. Biltmore Winery offers self-guided tours and complimentary wine tastings. Santa Claus will visit River Bend Barn on Saturdays, Nov. 7-Dec. 20. Guests may enjoy a festive meal at Bistro, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Café or The Dining Room at Inn on Biltmore Estate. Guests looking to extend their stay at Biltmore, the four-star Inn offers several packages for holidays, including special New Year’s Eve packages. Or, you may choose to stay at any one of Biltmore’s area hotel partners.

Biltmore boasts retail shops, all perfect for holiday gift shopping. Other activities include taking a cozy horse and carriage ride (blankets provided) and exploring acres of landscaped gardens.

For ticket and booking information, call 877-BILTMORE or visit www.biltmore.com.

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