North Carolina

Asheville at Christmastime: The Biltmore and Beyond

Program No. 22980RJ
Experience the magic of a Vanderbilt Christmas at the ornately decorated Biltmore House as you learn about turn-of-the-century traditions, and explore the charming city of Asheville.

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At a Glance

Evergreen trees twinkle with thousands of white lights. Poinsettias, wreaths tied with bright red bows and miles of ornate garland adorn nearly every surface. Cinnamon sticks scents blended with aromas of fresh balsam and carol music greet you as you enter the gloriously festive Biltmore estate, in full regalia for Christmastime. There’s nothing like it. Celebrate the season at this landmark estate as you step back in time to learn about what the holidays were like for the Vanderbilt family at the turn of the century. While you’re in town, explore charming Asheville and learn about Southern Appalachian and Native American traditions.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 miles daily, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Getting on/off trolley. Standing in museums up to an hour for lecture. Some historical structures have stairs/no elevator.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience the Biltmore House by candle and firelight as holiday choirs and musical performances welcome you.
  • Immerse yourself in the history, arts and art-deco architecture of Asheville, including a visit to the Cathedral of All Souls and the Basilica of St. Lawrence.
  • Enjoy live performances ranging from choral Christmas carols to traditional Appalachian folk music and songs of the Cherokee Nation on flute, rattle and Native American Drum.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Lee Knight
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Lee Knight
Lee Knight View biography
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Profile Image of Kevan Frazier
Kevan Frazier View biography
Kevan Frazier is an Asheville native whose family settled in the Asheville area in the late 1700s. He is the author of “Legendary Locals of Asheville,” which details the pioneers, educators, artists and others who have had a lasting impact on Asheville. Kevan is a former member of the history faculty and administration at UNC Asheville, where he served for 17 years. He holds a doctorate in history from West Virginia University.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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