Biltmore Estate kicks off Christmas season with annual tree raising
By KellyDoty & Itinease McMiller
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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — The most wonderful time of year has begun at the Biltmore Estate as crews raise the centerpiece of the house’s seasonal décor.
Biltmore officials say the Banquet Hall tree is the final and largest holiday decoration installed before “Christmas at Biltmore” officially opens on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Biltmore’s Floral Design Team will decorate the tree throughout the day Wednesday, using scaffolding and handmade tools to place ornaments and lights on its tallest branches.
Crews carefully carried a 35-foot Fraser fir tree through the front doors of America’s largest home on Wednesday, Oct. 29, before hoisting it into the upright position in the Banquet Hall, avoiding art, antiques, and a grand chandelier.
This year’s holiday cheer is extra special after Hurricane Helene hit last year.
“Thinking back to where we were a year ago and our monument sign having been rebuilt and new trees planted, it does feel like this Christmas,” said Biltmore Estate floor manager Lizzie Whitcher. “We’ve come so far, and Christmas is a chance to celebrate that.”
To give guests a unique experience and extra twinkle in their eye, Whitcher said they’re also looking back to 1895 – George Washington Vanderbilt’s first Christmas at the iconic house.
Planning for Christmas at Biltmore began last year; Whitcher said each room tells a different story, including the Banquet Hall, where the 2,500-pound Christmas tree is now displayed. Trip Hudgins, engineering operations manager for Biltmore, said it took about 40 people to get it inside and place it just right.
“It comes around the Winter Garden and into the Banquet Hall,” Hudgins said. “That’s the hardest part as it squeezes through those doors at an angle.”
The trees, which are purchased from family-owned business Andrews Tree Farm and Nursery, vary in size each year.
Now that the tree is up, there are just two days left to put on the finishing touches before the public gets to experience the traditions and customs of a true Biltmore Christmas.
“When it comes to what we’re wanting to achieve, [it’s] the magic of Christmas,” Whitcher said. “We want guests to come and feel transported back to 1895.”
When Christmas at Biltmore begins Saturday, officials hope that people will take away some inspiration to add to their homes for the holiday season.
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