Christmas is just around the corner. Dazzling lights and bedecked Fraser firs are making their appearances all over the city, and there’s cheer and chill in the air. But when it comes to this magical time of year, there’s one place that just stands out: Biltmore knows how to do this season just right.

What we tried:

The estate is decked out from top to bottom with enchanting decor and holiday spirit, so we were invited to see what Christmas at Biltmore is all about and experience the many reasons to become a Biltmore Annual Passholder — especially right now, while you can save $90 on new Annual Passes through Dec. 21.

In Biltmore House, nearly every room is festooned with thousands of ornaments on Christmas trees of all sizes, abundant garlands gracing the mantles, and (our favorite part) roaring fires each evening casting a cheery glow. Antler Hill Village & Winery is done up for the season, too, with glittering lights, festive displays, and award-winning wines.

What not to miss:

Spend the whole day here, if you can — because you won’t want to miss anything. In the Biltmore House, nearly every room is washed in the cozy glow of holiday cheer (plus roaring fires every evening), with abundant garlands gracing the mantles. Even the Conservatory has gotten a dose of Christmas cheer.

Pro tip: Watch Hallmark’s new “A Biltmore Christmas” before you go, and check out a few of the props and costumes on display.

Every inch of the estate is dripping with holiday spirit. | Photo by AVLtoday

What we’re still talking about:

No trip to Biltmore is complete without stopping by Antler Hill Village for a little shopping, lunch, and a glass of wine. In Biltmore Winery, you can peruse the shelves of the multi-award-winning bottles — and if you’re like us and can’t get enough holiday spirit, the Christmas at Biltmore wines are a good place to start.

There's holiday spirit in the air. | Photo by AVLtoday

How you can experience this:

Annual Passholders get unlimited daytime visits for free (just make sure to make a reservation first) — not to mention lots of special discounts, like $20 off tickets to the Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where you can experience Biltmore all lit up after the sun goes down.

And the magic doesn’t have to end after Christmas is over. Passholders can visit anytime of the year to see the ever-changing grounds. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition in the spring.

Antler Hill Village is all aglow for the season. | Photo courtesy of The Biltmore Company, Asheville, NC

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Christmas at Biltmore as an Annual Passholder
Price: $299 regularly; $209 through Dec. 21
Website: https://www.biltmore.com/visit/tickets-pricing/annual-pass/
Address: 1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC 28803
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
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