It is the most wonderful time of the year! Okay, that is such a lie. I used to be very bah-humbug and then I had a kid, changed everything but I still feel a little less spirited than most unless it comes to one thing – – Christmas lights! I love those things! We hopped up to Asheville, NC to tour Christmas at the Biltmore to check it out during the holiday season. Want to follow along with all of our adventures? Then subscribe!
Christmas at the Biltmore Review
Overall impression
Biltmore House
If you have never been to the Biltmore House before it is certainly formidable looking and impressive as you pull up. You cannot see it when you enter the estate, you have to wind along meandering pathways to get to the parking lot. This design was intentional by the original design team.
For the holidays you would expect to see some massive greenery or holiday decor on the outside of the house, well at least my father and I expected it. However, the decorations are left primarily to the inside of the house. Only the friendly lions got the obvious holiday treatment.
Once inside you will not be disappointed if traditional Christmas decor is your jam! Almost every room on the traditional self-guided tour contains a finely decorated Christmas tree.
The staff was amazing! They were so kind and generous and very accommodating for a family with a three-year-old. Some of the other guests, not so much. Watch out for people listening to the audio tours, they seem to forget that other people are moving about the house.
Antler Hill Village & Winery
After walking the house the three-year-old needed to play! The Farm and the playground at Antler Hill Village are ideal for the squirmy go-go-go little ones. The petting area has numerous chickens and small animals to check out and the playground is simple but well maintained.
Getting there
Traffic is horrible during peak times and the road markings to get onto the property are less than ideal, so pack some extra patience. Once you turn off of I-40 you’ll be looking for a poorly marked entrance that has a parking lot and a brick archway gate. Once inside the
Tickets
Be advised tickets to tour the house or do the candlelight tour do sell out during the holiday season. If you can, buy ahead of time! Prices are lower if you buy your tickets well in advance, a minimum of seven days will save you the most. Snag your tickets on the Biltmore site or if you are staying at some of the local hotels they have ticket options, too.
Suggestions on where to stay
You will be doing a lot of walking while touring the Biltmore so planning on staying overnight. And where to stay in Asheville before or after your visit to the estate is easy to answer! I strongly suggest The Residences at Biltmore. They offer two-day tickets for the price of one so be sure to ask about it when you are booking. There are so many charming and traditional options for your overnight stay.
Need some tips on packing? Check out my packing tips post!
Suggestions on where to eat
Biltmore Village
While we were there this trip we at Village Wayside Bar & Grille for dinner. My father strongly discourages upgrading to the onion rings so stick with the amazing french fries. They have a well-rounded menu featuring unique takes on American classics. The children’s menu is well-rounded.
For breakfast go with something hearty, you will be doing a lot of walking. This trip we checked out The Corner Kitchen. The staff was very warm and welcoming and the food was fresh and well prepared. The biggest bang for the buck is certainly the Kid’s Corner menu, my daughter got enough food to have fed herself and her grandmother.
On-site
There are many dining options on-site but eating is not allowed in the house. To the right of the entrance of the house are quick serve coffee shop and snacks as well as a sit-down style restaurant. Antler Hill Village & Winery also as many dining options. We checked out Cedric’s Tavern, a bit pricey for the quality of the food but we had a very crabby toddler in tow so we needed food ASAP. You could easily make a meal for four out of sharing a few of the appetizers.
Suggestions on what to wear
Comfortable shoes! That is my best advice, especially if you plan on tackling the gardens as well as the house. During the holiday season, the house is a bit chilly so I recommend a lightweight sweater or cardigan. I rocked a LuLaRoe Sarah and holiday leggings and was very comfortable, snag your own!
Would we do it again?
After my child is old enough to stay up for the evening lights, definitely. Until then, nope! We seen, we saw, and we conquered that beast of a tour.
The next time though we might go during the autumn season and make it a few days of vacation with another trip to Sky Top Orchard and other activities in the Western Carolina region.
Drop me a line or join The Busy Llama community if you would like to learn more about this trip and any of our other adventures.
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