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ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Biltmore continues to safely welcome guests to its 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville and will boast a range of favorite seasonal events along with several new experiences in 2021.  A large-scale stick sculpture exhibition featuring tree saplings weaved into whirling animated shapes, a whimsical model train display traversing tropical plants, and new outdoor activities encouraging wellness are in store for the new year at Biltmore.

Biltmore continues to maintain a Health and Safety section on Biltmore.com with the latest COVID-19 updates and mandates. Planned events and activities in the coming year will comply with requirements to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, as the safety of employees and guests is always Biltmore’s highest priority. Biltmore will continue to closely monitor the course of COVID-19 and guests are encouraged to check Biltmore.com for updates prior to planning a visit.

New this Winter
Wellness experiences that connect guests with nature have been added to Biltmore’s slate of outdoor activities. A variety of hikes led by subject matter experts on topics such as wildlife, mindfulness, and trees & forestry are newly available. Winter bird watch sessions are a free and fun opportunity for guests to participate in an important research project to count and identify birds at the estate’s winter feeding station. Nature games like National Park Monopoly and puzzles led by the Outdoor Adventure Center guide team are perfect for families. Guests should contact the estate’s Outdoor Adventure Center to book activities and find out more about the estate’s full outdoor offerings such as biking, falconry, horseback trail rides, carriage rides, float trips along the French Broad River and more.

Coming this Spring
Guests visiting Biltmore this spring will be lucky to witness an entirely new outdoor sculpture exhibition built by self-described “stick sculpture artist,” Patrick Dougherty. Raised in North Carolina, Dougherty is a sculptor known worldwide who weaves tree saplings into sculptural installations. Dougherty’s interest in carpentry and love of nature inspired him to experiment with tree saplings and learn about building techniques. Guests can view Stickworks Outdoor Sculptures at Biltmore beginning April 1.

Back by popular demand, Biltmore Gardens Railway brings a large-scale model railroad and handmade buildings to the Conservatory. Running April 1 through Sept. 26, G-scale locomotives and railcars move along tracks placed around notable estate replicas, traversing bridges and trestles on varied levels in multiple rooms and weaving through the estate’s renowned collection of exotic botanicals.

Here is the complete 2021 Biltmore Calendar of Events.

Opening April 1: Stickworks Outdoor Sculptures
Unique outdoor sculptural works by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” will reside in Antler Hill Village starting April 1. Renowned worldwide for his monumental creations, Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. The visual appeal of these large scale artworks may be appreciated up close as guests are encouraged to walk through and around the creations, affording the opportunity to admire the artistry and technical skills required to make the sculptures. The exhibition opens April 1, and is included in Biltmore daytime admission and Biltmore Annual Passes. 

April 1 through Sept. 26: Biltmore Gardens Railway in the Conservatory
Biltmore Gardens Railway in the Conservatory pays homage to Biltmore’s founder George Vanderbilt, who was born into a well-known railroad family. His grandfather Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt spent his life building an empire based on shipping and railroad concerns. Hundreds of feet of track carry G-scale locomotives and railcars through multiple rooms in Biltmore’s Conservatory, and weave through exotic botanicals and miniature replicas of estate landmarks. Created by Applied Imagination, an award-winning crew of artists, botanical experts, and landscape designers known for exhibitions at the New York Botanical Garden and the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., the exhibition in the Conservatory is a nostalgic delight.

April 1 through May 27: Biltmore Blooms
A progression of flowers blankets George Vanderbilt’s estate in color during Biltmore Blooms, an annual tradition that has delighted guests for many decades. Highlighted by thousands of tulips in the historic Walled Garden and across the estate, Biltmore Blooms honors the legacy of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and his accomplishments at Biltmore. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel bloom later in the season, with buds of every shade appearing in the Rose Garden. Stunning floral arrangements will fill the rooms of Biltmore House, featuring flowers and greenery gathered from estate grounds.

April 4: Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Rabbit makes an annual appearance on Biltmore’s Front Lawn on Easter Sunday. Highlighting the day are the grand Easter Egg Hunts.  Children ages 9 and younger may attend the hunt for free when accompanied by an estate pass holder or a ticketed adult. 

July through August on select evenings: Biltmore Concert Series
Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains serve as backdrop for musical experiences during Biltmore’s annual concert series. Concerts take place on the South Terrace of Biltmore House. The concert line-up will be announced in spring 2021.

November 5, 2021 through January 9, 2022: 47^th Annual Christmas at Biltmore
Holidays arrive at America’s largest home in style.  More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose the holiday season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends.  This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Festive menus in estate restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

November 5, 2021 through January 8, 2022: 38^th Annual Candlelight Evenings at Biltmore Estate
Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

More information about these events, and how to purchase tickets, is available at Biltmore.com or by calling (800) 411-3812.

General media resources:
Online Press Room
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CONTACT:

Marissa Jamison
828-225-6798
mjamison@biltmore.com