Biltmore Estate's 130th Christmas Tree raising celebrates resilience after Hurricane Helene

The most wonderful time of the year has begun at the Biltmore Estate. The 130th Annual Christmas Tree raising signifies the magic of the season.

Some are calling the holiday cheer remarkable after Hurricane Helene devastated much of the western part of the state.

“Thinking back to where we were a year ago, and you know, our monument sign having been rebuilt and new trees planted…we’ve come so far and Christmas is just kind of a chance to celebrate that,” said Lizzie Whicher, Biltmore’s floor manager.

Officials say Christmas at the Biltmore draws visitors from across the country. This year's celebration aims to give guests a unique experience and an extra twinkle in their eye. They are looking to travel through time back to 1895 during George Washington Vanderbilt's first Christmas at the house.

“It’s deeply meaningful to see how the spirit of hospitality and wonder that my great-great-grandfather envisioned continues to thrive after 130 years,” said Chase Pickering, Biltmore’s vice president of guest experience and great-great-grandson of George Vanderbilt. “Christmas at Biltmore has always been about creating joy, connection, and memories that last a lifetime, and it’s an honor to see that legacy carried forward each year.”

Each room at the Biltmore Estate tells a different story, drawing inspiration from original letters, estate records and even century-old grocery lists.

Sitting in the Banquet Hall, the 35-foot, 2500-pound Frasier fir tree is now displayed. Officials said it took about 40 people to get it inside and place it just right.

The tree was purchased from the family-owned business, Andrews Tree Farm and Nursery, and varies in size each year. The tree on display is a 30-year-old tree with a base that is a bit smaller compared to trees from past years.

Now that the tree is up, there are two days left to put on the finishing touches before the public gets to experience the traditions and customs of a true Biltmore Christmas.

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 the Christmas at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas Evenings begin this Saturday, Nov. 1, and run through Jan. 4, 2026.

“When it comes to what we're wanting to achieve, is just the magic of Christmas,” Whicher said. “We want guests to come and feel transported back to 1895, and I think that's what guests are looking for, too, when they come here.”

Officials said the Christmas celebration extends across the entire estate. This Christmas, guests will discover an 8-foot living wall of bromeliads, a sleigh filled with white poinsettias, a 7-foot poinsettia tree and an array of winter-blooming orchids.