Editor’s Note: Our deepest thoughts are with the folks who were impacted by the hurricane in North Carolina. If you plan on visiting the area during the holiday season, please be mindful that there has been massive destruction and clean-up efforts might still be ongoing.  

Ask anyone who's made the trip to Asheville to the Biltmore Estate at Christmastime, and they'll tell you it's pure magic. We'd certainly agree! With self-guided daytime tours and evening tours by candlelight, visitors can wander the estate in awe of the magnificent holiday decor that transforms America's castle into a shimmering holiday wonderland. Of course, we think the holiday season is by far the best time to visit the Biltmore. Here's more on why Christmas at the Biltmore in North Carolina belongs at the top of your holiday itinerary this year.

More than 60 trees are installed and decorated with hundreds of twinkling lights and garland. Listen as fires crackle away in many of the fireplaces. The library is especially beautiful. Part of the Christmas tradition at Biltmore is the annual tree raising, which takes place at the beginning of the season. Each year, a local high school marching band is bestowed with the honor of leading a horse-drawn cart carrying the tree for the Banquet Hall. Of course, the team of horses is directed by none other than Santa himself.

The raising of the 35-foot tree in the Banquet Hall officially marks the beginning of the Christmas season at the Biltmore. There's something about seeing such a giant tree in an even larger banquet room that will solidify just how grand the estate is.

It probably comes as no surprise that the holiday decor at Biltmore is so extensive, it takes an entire staff a whole month to decorate the more than 135,000-square-foot castle. In addition to the more than 60 Christmas trees inside the home, other parts of the estate get all decked out for the holidays as well.

The winery often releases a special Christmas label for the year -- a very hot item for both personal purchases and unique gift ideas. Over in the Conservatory, holiday blooms create a festive atmosphere filled with poinsettias and more. And for those who elect to take the evening candlelight tour, the sound of live music will fill the air as choirs harmonize over Christmas carols.

We love the festive element that this lends the tour. Hearing classical string music performed live makes this tour an even more immersive holiday experience! Both daytime and nighttime passes include entry into Biltmore's Antler Hill Village, where you'll find more Christmas cheer as you stroll through the gardens and enjoy the shops and restaurants.

And don't forget to carve out some time to visit the winery. Enjoy a tasting while you gaze up at the gorgeous ceiling that's lined with Christmas bulbs. So, if you're planning to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays this year, then a visit to the Biltmore at Christmas in North Carolina is a holiday memory you'll always cherish.

The Biltmore at Christmas in North Carolina is a pricey event; however, if you splurge for only one holiday event this year, then this is the one. Have you been to Biltmore at Christmas in North Carolina in years past? If so, we hope that you plan on visiting again this year. It has become a longtime Christmas tradition for many over the years.

Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Tickets for the most popular times tend to sell out quickly, so don't wait. You can visit the website to learn more about the Christmas Daytime Celebration at the Biltmore as well as Candlelight Christmas at the Biltmore. If you have any additional questions, you can give them a call at (800) 411 - 3812, or refer to the official website home page for the Biltmore.

Can't get enough holiday cheer this year? Visit Christmas Town U.S.A. during the month of December to light up the season!