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Biltmore Estate Begins Christmas Celebrations

November 4, 2005 -- Through January 1, 2006, Asheville, North Carolina's Biltmore Estate will be celebrating Christmas in a way that only America's largest private home could do. This year's celebration focuses on family tradition with special displays that hark back to the days of George W. Vanderbilt, who took a 40-foot live Christmas tree and decorated it with brightly wrapped packages every year.

"George Vanderbilt probably didn't realize he was starting a tradition that would go on for more than a century on that first Christmas in his new home," said Director of Museum Services Ellen Rickman. "But here we are in 2005 taking inspiration from Christmases past to decorate the house and entertain visitors with this year's theme of family traditions. When visitors enter the Banquet Hall, it looks as though Mr. Vanderbilt might walk in any minute to hand out gifts from the tree and fresh fruit from the baskets just as he did on Christmas Day 1895."

The top tourist site has used historic newspaper articles from The Asheville News and Hotel Reporter published on December 28, 1895 to provide today's floral staff with details about that first Christmas to use in planning decorations. The article said that on Christmas Eve Vanderbilt and his guests "gathered in the Banquet Hall, where was a Christmas tree 40 feet high, beautifully decorated . . . the soft lights and the tastefully draped garlands of evergreen and mistletoe, interspersed with the shining leaves and red berries of the holly, created a scene beautiful to look upon." Another article commented that, "A beautiful Christmas tree that stood in the banquet hall causing the liveliest anticipation of the little folks, was then stripped of its heavy trimming of gifts."

Dreamy Candlelight Evenings: Romantic will especially love a visit to Biltmore House in the evenings when the house is lit much as it would have been at the turn of the 19th century—by fire and candlelight. Even though Biltmore House was fully electrified, candles were used to provide additional light and fireplaces were used both for decoration and supplemental heat. During Candlelight Christmas Evenings , offered by reservation, luminaries lead the way to the Front Door where guests enter a softly lit wonderland. Flickering light accents the house's extravagant holiday décor and plays off delicate ornaments adorning dozens of Christmas trees. Live music from choirs and musicians fills the halls with holiday spirit.

Additional Activities: Across the estate, couples will find a variety of activities including holiday events at the Historic Horse Barn. The 1900 barn, original to the estate, interprets the agricultural side of the property. In November and December guests can enjoy old-time and bluegrass music and crafters at work Saturday-Sunday. On Saturdays and Sundays, farm life demonstrations and crafts are offered along with a visit from St. Nick.

Next door, Biltmore Estate Winery offers self-guided tours, seminars, cooking demonstrations and complimentary wine tastings throughout the season. Visitors can even pick up a bottle of Christmas wine—a special blend created just for the holidays by Biltmore's winemaker.

Holiday Packages: For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the holiday experience, the Mobil Four Star, AAA Four Diamond Inn on Biltmore Estate offers several holiday packages including Thanksgiving, Enchanted Christmas, Candlelight Christmas and New Year's Eve escapes. Reservations can be made online at www.biltmore.com or by calling 877-324-5866.

Cost: Tickets for daytime visits Monday through Thursday are $42.00 for adults; Friday-Sunday tickets are $44.00 (the $44.00 price also applies December 23 - January 1).

Candlelight Christmas Evenings , scheduled November 4 through December 31, 2005, are held nightly by reservation. For information or reservations, call 800-289-1895. Admission for Candlelight Christmas Evenings , Sunday through Thursday nights, is $45.00 for adults. On Friday and Saturday evenings, admission is $50.00 for adults. Tickets for youth ages six to 16 are always half of the adult price. Children age five and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Christmas at Biltmore Estate is scheduled for November 4, 2005 through January 1, 2006. New holiday audio tours are available at additional cost. The estate is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days. General tours are self-guided. In addition to Biltmore House, admission includes the grounds, Biltmore Estate Winery, the Historic Horse Barn, specialty gift shops and restaurants.

For more information:

• Biltmore Estate
  One Approach Road
  Asheville, NC 28803
• call 828-225-1333 or 877-324-5866
• visit www.biltmore.com