Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well at the Biltmore Estate
Asheville, N.C. has been buzzing with excitement as the iconic Biltmore Estate prepares to welcome visitors back just in time for the Christmas season. After being closed for over a month due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the estate is gearing up for a magical reopening on Saturday, November 2. The staff have been working tirelessly to prepare the estate for its annual Christmas festivities, ensuring that the holiday spirit shines bright in the face of recent challenges.
A Time for Healing and Hope
Among those leading the charge is Lizzie Whitcher, the Floral Manager at the Biltmore Estate. Lizzie is responsible for the breathtaking Christmas decorations that transform the estate into a winter wonderland each year. With her team, she has been hard at work, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. “It felt a little crazy to be decorating for Christmas when there are folks who have literally lost everything,” Whitcher reflected. “But we kind of had to remind ourselves that we’re not doing this for Biltmore—we’re doing this for this whole area and something folks need especially this year.”
A Towering Symbol of Joy
One of the highlights of the holiday season at Biltmore is the magnificent 28-foot Fraser fir that graces the main dining room. This year, the tree hails from Andrews Nursery in Newland, North Carolina. Bringing this gigantic tree inside is no small feat—it takes a dedicated team of 45 people and a lot of coordination. Trip Hudgins, the Engineering Operations Manager, shared, “It’s just great to get back to next to normal and bring Christmas back to the community.” The smell of fresh Christmas pine is sure to fill the air as visitors step into the estate.
A Rich Tradition
The tradition of celebrating Christmas at Biltmore dates back 129 years to when George Vanderbilt opened his home to family and friends on Christmas Eve. This long-standing history adds a special layer of meaning to this year’s festivities. Chase Pickering, a 5th-generation member of the Vanderbilt family, echoed the sentiment of hope, saying, “For me, it’s a moment of hope for our whole community. It goes to show the amazing commitment of our incredible employees here at Biltmore.”
Resilience Amid Challenges
This year hasn’t been without its struggles. The estate had to close for extended periods during events like World War II and COVID, and now it faces the recovery from Hurricane Helene. While some areas saw more damage, the main house and Antler Hill Village remained relatively unscathed. The estate is ready to provide guests with safe drinking water, thanks to their self-sustaining water system. This ensures that visitors can enjoy their stay without worry.
The Countdown Begins
With just days left until the grand reopening, the staff at Biltmore are in a race against time to put the finishing touches on the decorations and finalize preparations. The atmosphere is one of determination and excitement as everyone pitches in to make this Christmas a memorable one for both locals and visitors alike. As the team works diligently, there’s a palpable sense of community spirit—everyone knows how much it means to bring joy back to Asheville this holiday season.
Join the Festivities
When the doors officially reopen on November 2, guests will be welcomed into a beautifully decorated estate that stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. The Biltmore Estate invites everyone to come and be a part of this special celebration. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while honoring the strength and recovery of the Asheville community.
