CityView Magazine

The lit fireplaces and candles add to the feeling of the era; guests will hear choirs or a harp playing while walking through the house. All this Christmas magic does not leap into place overnight. The decorat- ing starts on the top floors in mid-Oc- tober and by the first of November the whole house has been transformed into its grand splendor ready for guests, just as the Vanderbilts would have wanted it — then it has to be maintained. "Once the decorating is completed, we don't get to rest and say it's all done. The live greenery roping is replaced weekly, early in the morning, and the poinset- tias are replenished in the middle of the holiday season. We even take down the Banquet Hall tree and replace it. We want to make sure those who come at the end of the season have the same ex- perience as those in the middle of the season," said Barnhardt. then a tour through the winery should also be part of your visit. Barnhardt said that planning for A trip to Fayetteville from Asheville will take about six hours, so planning to spend the night might be the best idea. If you do decide to spend the night, then you should consider taking in the Candlelight Christmas Evening, where hundreds of Christmas candles glisten, bringing a warm glow to the house and to your senses, too. "Candlelight gives the mansion a whole different feel," said Barnhardt. "The lit fireplaces and candles add to the feeling of the era; guests will hear choirs or a harp playing while walking through the house," she added. On weekends Santa visits the estate and children can tell him their wishes while visiting the village. And if you would like to pick up some Christmas spirits for your holiday, the next year starts while the Biltmore house is completely decorated. "We take a walk through and take notes on what we can change for the next year, because we do try to keep things fresh and dif- ferent each year. We don't just cover up artificial trees completely decorated and put them in the attic until next year," she laughed. "We take each and every decoration down and pack it away." This may be the year to pack up the family and head to one of the grandest homes in America for the holidays. Let yourself be full of wonder as you did when you were a child. With its thou- sands of ornaments and lights, and many yards of ribbon, you may feel as if George and Edith Vanderbilt will greet you in the grand hallway and offer you some hot cider while they usher you into the banquet hall, where all your senses will fill with the spirit of Christmas. For more information go to Biltmore. com/visit/calendar/Christmas. CV CityViewNC.com | 33

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