Biltmore Estate Reopening in Time for Christmas Traditions After Hurricane Helene

Image: Biltmore Estate in Asheville. (Photo by Susan Young)
Image: Biltmore Estate in Asheville. (Photo by Susan Young)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 6:20 PM ET, Sun October 20, 2024

The grand, historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, , has announced its plans to reopen on Saturday, November 2, just in time to kick off its annual holiday event, “Christmas at Biltmore”. This reopening follows a temporary closure due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which swept through Western North Carolina, leaving its mark on the estate and the surrounding region.

For more than a century, Biltmore has been a symbol of resilience and strength in the Asheville community. In the wake of Helene, repair and recovery efforts across the estate have been in full swing, with teams working diligently to restore damaged areas. The estate is now preparing to welcome visitors back to once again experience the magic of the holiday season.

Some key details of the upcoming reopening include:

  • The estate will be fully adorned with festive Christmas decorations upon its reopening.
  • Attractions and restaurants across the property will also be operational.
  • Biltmore’s accommodations will once again welcome overnight guests, though some of the estate's roads and wooded areas are still undergoing cleanup.
  • The Trails and the Outdoor Adventure Center will remain closed for the time being, with an opening date yet to be announced.

While Biltmore moves forward with its reopening plans, the greater Asheville area is continuing its recovery from the devastating storm. Many businesses and roads in the community have reopened, though some areas are still in the process of rebuilding. Visitors to the estate are advised to check their routes and prepare for possible detours due to ongoing recovery efforts.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for our community and the determination of our first responders, utility workers, and community volunteers,” said Bill Cecil Jr., president and CEO of Biltmore. “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. Together, we can help restore the vibrancy of Asheville and its surrounding areas.”

The imminent reopening will mark the official start of “Christmas at Biltmore”, a longstanding tradition that has seen generations of attendees come to enjoy its historic heritage and Yuletide spirit. Guests can select from two different experiences during this festive time of year: daytime visits to tour the estate’s dazzling seasonal décor, or elegant evening visits, when its intimate rooms are filled with enchanting live holiday music, soft candlelight and roaring fireplaces.  

If you’d like more information on how the Biltmore estate is supporting the broader Asheville community in its time of crisis, just visit biltmore.com/helene-response.


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Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

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