Biltmore Estate will reopen its doors on Nov. 2 in a display of community resolve as Asheville and Western North Carolina continue their healing journey after Hurricane Helene. As with the entire region, conditions vary by location across the 8,000-acre property. Biltmore House and the Conservatory, Winery, Gardens, and overnight properties received minimal or no damage from the storm, and significant efforts have been made to welcome back visitors in time for the holiday season.
Christmas at Biltmore—beginning on Nov. 2—will feature fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village. Biltmore will also offer Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where you can enjoy America’s Largest Home and the thousands of ornaments and holiday lights twinkling throughout the Estate. There will be 58 decorated Christmas trees inside Biltmore House with around 45,000 lights and 282 candles inside the house while another 850,000 lights illuminate the rest of the estate.
Christmas at Biltmore, celebrating its 40th year, coincides with and concludes the Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition within the intimate gallery setting of Amherst at Deerpark, featuring the awe-inspiring glassworks of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Curated especially for Biltmore, the exhibit presents pedestal works, drawings, and large-scale installations showcasing Chihuly's artistic process and influences. There's also a large-scale installation in front of Biltmore House. There are various ticket options, including tickets for both the Christmas at Biltmore experience and the Chihuly exhibit at Deerpark.
On Oct. 7, Biltmore Estate and its family owners announced a financial commitment of $2 million through the newly established Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC to aid in Helene relief efforts. Biltmore’s community investment team will distribute the funds to designated regional non-profits they have selected.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for our community and the determination of our first responders, utility workers and community volunteers,” Bill Cecil Jr., president and CEO of Biltmore, said in a statement. “As recovery unfolds, welcoming guests back to Biltmore not only means we can open, but also brings critical support to our region’s economy to aid area employees, local businesses and friends.”
The Asheville area is reopening in stages and pockets. As of October 19, Visit NC’s travel update page, using data from state departments of safety and transportation, has designated Buncombe County, Asheville and Black Mountain as safe to visit, with a recommendation to “plan ahead.” Weaverville is cleared for safe travel.
There are areas that need more time and support. We are mindful that high impact areas—including parts of the River Arts District, Biltmore Village and Swannanoa—have a much longer road ahead, so checking status online, calling ahead and making sure roads are open is strongly advised before traveling to these areas. We are here for our neighbors throughout western North Carolina. Our community is making progress slowly but surely, and safely. Planning is key. If you want to support local businesses, please visit respectfully, with heart and patience.
Our community is making progress slowly and surely, so planning is key. If you have travel plans to Asheville in early November, please check with your lodging provider and any businesses you wish to visit to confirm their availability. Additionally, consult DriveNC.gov for information on open roads and safe routes to your destination.
