ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) – The Biltmore Estate will celebrate the holiday season Wednesday morning days before reopening following Hurricane Helene.
Organizers shared with 7NEWS that the 40th Anniversary of the Christmas Candlelight Tours will begin Saturday, Nov. 2.
Prior to the event, a 35-foot Frasier Fir will be raised in the Banquet Hall.
According to the estate, around 50 Biltmore team members lift and carry the tree through the front doors of the house. Members then wind the tree through hallways to the Banquet Hall, raise it into place, swing its top around a chandelier, and safely secure it in place.
Biltmore’s floral design team will then work to decorate the tree throughout the day once the tree is lifted which will require scaffolding and hand-made extension tools for hanging ornaments and arranging lights on the top branches.
Biltmore House will open to guests on Saturday. However, conditions vary across the 8,000-acre property.
Officials said the Biltmore House, the conservatory, winery, gardens, hotels, and Chihuly exhibition received minimal damage.
Biltmore’s main entrance in historic Biltmore Village will be ready to welcome guests but requires extensive repairs from flood damage.
