With temperatures dropping lately, it feels like the holidays are truly on the horizon. I was asked to attend the annual tree raising event at the Biltmore Estate. Four bloggers from the region were given media passes and allowed to take photos to share on our blogs and social media sites. It was a really fun day, and I was honored to be there. I can’t wait to share the photos with you all! Be sure to check in Monday. I’m starting a giveaway where winners will win tickets to the Estate. Christmas at Biltmore is simply stunning!
Around 10:00 am, we heard the click-clack of horse hooves as the tree was brought to the house. The crowd was enormous. Hundreds of folks came out for this special and festive occasion.
Once the tree was brought to the front, the media crew was taken into the banquet hall so we could snap some close-up photos of the tree being brought in. The 35 foot Frasier fir from Avery County was pulled into the house carefully, sending a delicious pine scent throughout the entire room.
The actual raising of the tree is something I will never forget. Check out this 45 second video I recorded. It’s super cool to watch. It truly takes a skilled and efficient team to get this giant tree standing straight.
After the tree was up, crews came in to clean up the room and start rolling out the lights and ornaments. It took the entire day to decorate this special tree. Over 500 lights and 500 ornaments decorate this massive Christmas tree.
So that our readers could see the grandeur of the home’s interior, the media crew was allowed to take pictures for this one day. I must admit, it felt strange being able to take pictures. I’ve been to the Biltmore Estate on numerous occasions and was therefore conditioned not to take pictures. I’m so glad we were able to, though. The inside of the home is decorated beautifully. Along with the main tree in the banquet hall, 60 additional Christmas trees are throughout the house.
After our time inside, we walked around outside a bit, enjoying the nice fall weather and listening to Christmas carols. Santa and Mrs. Claus were also on the premises. I thought about listening to Christmas music on my ride to the Estate to get in the mood of the season, but the minute I walked up to the house, I realized how unnecessary that was. No one embraces the season like the Biltmore Estate. It’s truly magical.
Again, be sure to check in on Monday when the giveaway starts. Are you getting excited about the holidays? I certainly am!
I am in one of your pictures, the one taken from the 2nd floor window overlooking the banquet hall. I’m the one in the dark shirt back left corner of the visitors behind the ropes. What fun for you.
Cute! It was so good to see you!
So cool! In all my years covering news around these parts, I never covered the tree raising! Looks like a great time.
It really was! As you know, Biltmore this time of year is stunning!
I love this! I’m sad I couldn’t stay longer, but glad we were able to experience it!
Me too! Such an awesome day.
I would so love to be able to take my family to the Biltmore Estate during the holidays!! We live nearby in Hendersonville but have never been able to afford to go 🙁
We tell ourselves every year that we are going to go to the tree raising AND NEVER DO IT! We have been season pass holders since forever and we never do it. Next year we will have to remedy this situation.
Yes! Your boys will absolutely love it! Such a festive occasion.