Believe it or not, Christmas is coming. The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner, and what’s one of the most magical-looking places you can go to get in the spirit? The Biltmore Estate.

Biltmore is officially decked out for the holidays, and we got the chance to check it out. Yes, it’s safe to do so, and it’s a lovely escape. We also got to learn about the benefits of being an annual passholder, like unlimited daytime visits to Biltmore year-round (and pro-tip: these are currently on sale through Nov. 30). Here’s how our visit went, what we learned + how you can #TryThis.

Experience:

Touring Biltmore Estate as an annual passholder

What we tried:

We took a daytime tour (complimentary year-round for passholders) of Biltmore – which is truly breathtaking right now covered in its Christmas decorations. #ProTip: Want a little extra magic? Book one of their evening candlelight tours (also discounted for passholders).

Biltmore House is any holiday lover’s dream. There are 55 Christmas trees just inside the house, 1,200 poinsettias in Christmas displays around the estate, and 225 fresh wreaths around the estate. Check out more “Christmas at Biltmore by the numbers” here.

Just a few of Biltmore’s 1,200 poinsettias | Photo by the GVLtoday team

And you can feel safe visiting Biltmore. With social distancing measures in place and masks required indoors, Biltmore has also limited its capacity to protect guests. Another perk of being a passholder? Access to the estate’s gardens and grounds 30 minutes before and one hour after regular opening hours. Passholders can also bring unticketed guests with them in their vehicle to Antler Hill Village after 5 p.m., year-round.

What not to miss:

Each year, Biltmore releases limited edition Christmas wines – a red and a white – each with custom art on the label, designed by a local artist + based on elements voted on via Biltmore’s Facebook followers.

Passholders get – you guessed it – a discount on Biltmore wine as well, plus discounts on shopping, dining and lodging. In addition to discounted tickets for their friends + family, passholders can bring their kids (16 and under) for free.

Biltmore Christmas wines | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

Poinsettias | Photo by the GVLtoday team

The Conservatory. It might not necessarily be decorated for Christmas, but some of our favorite Christmas plants – the poinsettia – are on display in the Conservatory right now. #DYK: The poinsettia came to the US because of a Greenvillian? Read more about Joel Poinsett here.

How you can experience this:

You can take that day off work or plan for a pretty Saturday. FYI, availability is limited this year, so guests are strongly encouraged to book their visits in advance to secure their preferred dates.

Reminder: The annual pass sale extends through Nov. 30 – annual passes, normally $249, are now $199. Learn more about the benefits (because we’ve only scratched the surface).

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Touring Biltmore as an annual passholder
Price: $199 now through Nov. 30 (normally $249)
Website: https://www.biltmore.com/visit/tickets-pricing/annual-pass/
Address: 1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803
Hours: Hours vary – see them here
Social: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Ⓟ