Christmas at Biltmore opens with massive decorated trees, plans for Downton Abbey exhibit

It's Christmas at the Biltmore House in Asheville! On Friday, staff at the historic mansion set up the centerpiece of its holiday celebrations — a 34-foot-tall Fraser fir in the house's seven-story-tall Banquet Hall — and hung 500 ornaments and lights from it.

Christmas at Biltmore opened Friday and runs through Jan. 5.

The Banquet Hall tree is the largest of the 62 hand-decorated Christmas trees in Biltmore House this year, according to a press release. To decorate all the trees, it takes more than 13,000 ornaments. Miles of fresh evergreen garlands and swags also are displayed across the house.

As part of Christmas at Biltmore, the historic home also will feature a variety of special displays and activities.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

Starting this week, Biltmore will celebrate the popular television show with interactive displays that connect fans to their favorite characters, fashions, locations, and historic events of the era, according to a press release. Visitors will find the exhibition in two locations on the estate. Amherst at Deerpark will host multimedia presentations and some of the series’ most recognizable sets—including Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters, according to the release. At The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, a gallery of more than 50 costumes from the series will be on view.

It runs through April 7 and is included with daytime admission, Candlelight Christmas Evenings admission, or an overnight stay that includes daytime admission.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, candlelight, firelight, and live music will create a magical environment. A 55-foot Norway Spruce on the home’s front lawn lit with 55,000 lights will greet guests as they arrive to enter Biltmore House.

Kid-Friendly Fun

I've taken my kids to Biltmore starting from when they were quite young and have always had a great time. I especially appreciate the kid-focused audio tours. For kids, depending on their age and their own interests, Christmas at Biltmore can be pretty mesmerizing what with the giant trees and decorations. And there are a few activities during the next couple of months that kids, in particular, will enjoy.

• Illumination of Antler Hill Village – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 4, 2020, 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Lights glitter from this very kid-friendly part of Biltmore with restaurants, farm animals and exhibits.
• Bonfires in Antler Hill Village with s’mores kits available for purchase at The Creamery – Nov. 1, 2019, through Jan. 3, 2020, select dates, 3 to 10 p.m.
• Visits with Santa at the bandstand in Antler Hill Village – select dates
• The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Annual Gingerbread House Tea. (Additional price and reservations required.) Dec. 14 through 22, 2019, select dates, 1 to 3 p.m.

For daytime tours, tickets are free for kids 9 and under; $39.50 for kids ages 10 to 16; and $79 for adults (if you buy your tickets at least seven days in advance). Evening tickets are $44.50 for kids ages 10 to 16 and $89 for adults. Tours can sell out. So if you want to go, now is the time to get your tickets.

More information is on Biltmore's website. Biltmore is about 4.5 hours from Raleigh.