Here’s how Christmas at the Biltmore will be different after Hurricane Helene
Just in time for the holiday season, one of North Carolina’s biggest attractions has reopened after Hurricane Helene swept through the state.
After temporarily closing at the end of September, the team at Biltmore Estate spent time preparing to welcome guests to the 8,000-acre property fully adorned with festive decor, twinkling lights and its iconic 35-foot Christmas tree.
“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, in a statement.
“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.”
Storm damage at ‘America’s largest home’
Biltmore Estate was one of the many attractions forced to close after catastrophic flooding from the deadly storm.
Damage from Helene varied across the estate, the team previously announced, with very little to no impact on the Biltmore House, Conservatory, winery, gardens and the property’s hotels.
“The entrance to Biltmore, located in Biltmore Village, and other low-lying areas of the property, such as our farm, experienced significant flooding and damage to buildings,” an announcement on Biltmore’s social media said.
“We sadly lost a few of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated agriculture and equestrian teams.”
Christmas at Biltmore and estate changes
Following a few weeks of repairing damaged areas, the team will be continuing its annual tradition of being a winter wonderland with “fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments” across the largest privately owned home in the country.
“While many things in our region have changed due to the storm, our holiday traditions have not. We have not scaled back Christmas décor, and Christmas at Biltmore will be experienced on the same grand scale as it always is,” an estate spokesperson told CharlotteFive.
“We are celebrating the resilience of Western North Carolina during this special time, and it is through the support of first responders, our community volunteers and our Biltmore team during the Helene recovery process that we are able to reopen.”
Beginning Nov. 2, all estate attractions, shops, restaurants, winery and hotels reopened for daytime and overnight guests.
As cleanup continues in wooded areas around the property, trails are closed until further notice and the Outdoor Adventure Center will have limited guided activities.
Since Helene’s hit on the area, many roads have reopened but several are still closed around Biltmore. Below is a map of the estate with a modified guest route for those planning to visit as recovery continues.
During this time, there will also be different hours of operation at Biltmore shops, restaurants and other areas of the estate. You can find more information and the latest update on admissions, hours and open activities and other experiences online at biltmore.com/visit/visitor-information/know-before-you-go/.
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This story was originally published November 1, 2024 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Here’s how Christmas at the Biltmore will be different after Hurricane Helene."
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