Holiday season opens at the Biltmore House after staff raise 35-foot Fraser fir

ASHEVILLE, NC (WLOS) — Christmas arrived early at Biltmore House on Monday, as about 50 employees worked together to raise a 35-foot Fraser fir weighing roughly 2,500 pounds ahead of the estate’s holiday opening.

Christmas at Biltmore” officially opened Tuesday, and runs through January 10, 2027.

“It really starts the Christmas season for us here,” said Trip Hudgins, Biltmore’s engineering operations manager. “Just a wonderful feeling. I’ve been here over 16 years, and it’s just, it’s beautiful.”

The annual tree-raising involves carefully maneuvering the massive fir through the mansion’s front doors, past priceless artwork and antiques, before reaching its final destination in the Banquet Hall.

Hudgins said planning for the elaborate installation began last week, with crews coordinating responsibilities and determining how to safely raise the tree.

This year’s fir is also about 2 to 3 feet taller than usual, according to Hudgins, adding to the challenge.

Once the tree is secured, designers use scaffolding and specialized tools to decorate its highest branches.

This year’s European-inspired display features antique silver tones, platinum accents and large red jingle bells, complementing the historic collections inside Biltmore House.

The towering fir comes from Andrew’s Nursery in Avery County, which has supplied Biltmore’s Christmas trees for decades.

The holiday tradition dates back to Christmas Eve 1895, when George Vanderbilt first welcomed family and friends into his newly completed home.

More than 130 years later, the Banquet Hall tree remains a centerpiece of the estate’s Christmas celebration.