"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."

Newspaper articles including one from The Asheville News and Hotel Reporter published on December 28, 1895, provide today's floral staff with wonderful 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."

An article in the Asheville Citizen added more detail. "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." In keeping with newspaper and oral history accounts of early Banquet Hall decorations, the estate's floral displays staff is using gold, blue and rose-hued ornaments and beautifully wrapped packages to decorate the enormous Christmas tree. They have also crafted a double evergreen garland to accent the mantle at one end of the 70-foot-long room, while two eight-foot trees decked with ornaments and fruit flank the triple fireplaces. Fruit topiary trees in brass pots on the massive table round out the decorating scheme.

Other rooms where staff is taking cues from Vanderbilt traditions include the Tapestry Gallery where four 14-foot trees are decorated with ornaments inspired by the family's love of outdoor activities. Animal figures and natural elements remind visitors of the estate's vast landscape where the Asheville Citizen newspaper reported guests on Christmas day in 1895 enjoyed a coaching party, "over the magnificent roads of the estate."

And what celebration of family traditions would be complete without a tree dedicated to children? The Second Floor Living Hall features a children's tree adorned with beaded garlands and toy ornaments. A glass of milk and a plate of cookies rest on a nearby table and it looks as though Santa has just delivered his gifts�a doll carriage, fishing rod and creel and other surprises are scattered under the tree. Gumdrop topiaries and a bowl of nuts beside a German nutcracker are additional tempting traditions from days gone by.

In the evenings, Biltmore 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 d�cor and plays off delicate ornaments adorning dozens of Christmas trees. Live music from choirs and musicians fills the halls with holiday spirit.

Of course, there's more to Christmas at Biltmore Estate than just America's largest private home. Across the estate guests 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�perfect for gift giving.

And 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.

Christmas at Biltmore Estate is celebrated 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.

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.

For more information or reservations, contact Biltmore Estate, One Approach Road, Asheville, NC 28803, phone 828-225-1333 or 877-324-5866, or visit Biltmore Estate's Web site at www.biltmore.com.

(Images provided by Biltmore Estate.)

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