How busy is Biltmore Estate during Christmas time?

[KennesawNemo]

We are planning to visit the Biltmore Estate on the 26th.

Coscto has 2-pack tickets on sale, but with those I can't make reservations online. I'll have to go on the day to get the real tickets to get in.

It says on the website that 26th is one of those busy days where reservations are stronlgy recommended. They may turn you away if you don't have a reservation.

I wonder if I go there first thing in the morning on the 26th without an reservation, will I be able to get in? Thank you!

 

[taylorcpa]

I would not go without a reservation. It is very crowded during Christmas, especially on the weekends and I would guess the entire week of Christmas.

Maybe you could call and see what they recommend.

 

[mom2t]

We are going on the 27th or 28th - we are waiting to see about the weather - and were told by Biltmore to get there first thing that morning since we will not have a reservation. I plan on calling late the afternoon before - the 26th - to see if we will be able to get in that morning.
I was told it is one of their busiest weeks.

 

[chum]

A busy time to visit but beautiful.

You won't have the opportunity to wander as you can on slower days but you will move with the crowds room to room.
If you are short in stature then you could miss some details with so many folks in the way.

 

[Tooth Fairy]

We went on the 27th in 2009. Just like magic kingdom...early is the keyCrowds built all day and by mid afternoon it was tough to enjoy..

 

[MrsPete]

I've been during the spring; I think they called it Azalea week. Admittedly, it was mid-morning Saturday -- probably the worst possible time. It was literally so crowded that we couldn't get into the house. We enjoyed the gardens but agreed that we'd never go again during such a busy time.

I've heard that Christmas is even more busy.

 

[HM]

Get there before opening. By midmorning you won't be able to move kind of busy. By afternoon?..Forget trying to even get in.

Luckily for us we spent the night on the Estate when we went. We tried to go to the House after checking in. We got through the doors, got our audio guides and then realized we couldn't move past the front room, there were so many people. We turned around and turned in our earphones and went back to the Inn. Our stay included length of stay tickets so we knew we could come back in the morning. We checked out after breakfast and entered the House first thing after opening and had a much easier time and didn't feel too rushed. By the time we left in early afternoon there were dozens and dozens of cars in line to enter the estate for parking and the house was jam packed again.

 

[KennesawNemo]

Thank you all for your replies.

I just purchased tickets online and made 9am reservation. I plan to driving there on the 25th, spend the night and get to the house first thing in the morning.

 

[Swan4Me]

I've been during the spring; I think they called it Azalea week. Admittedly, it was mid-morning Saturday -- probably the worst possible time. It was literally so crowded that we couldn't get into the house. We enjoyed the gardens but agreed that we'd never go again during such a busy time.

I've heard that Christmas is even more busy.

We went on a weekday during Tulip/azalea time and it was packed-I'd never do a Weekend after that

I was blown away by the Tulip plantings in the walled garden

 

[HM]

Thank you all for your replies.

I just purchased tickets online and made 9am reservation. I plan to driving there on the 25th, spend the night and get to the house first thing in the morning.

Have a good time!

 

[mom2t]

I think that is a great plan - I would do the same thing but I am purchasing the tickets through my work at a discount and cannot get a guaranteed time. Be sure to travel over to the Grove Park and see the gingerbread competition winners.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We love eating at the Bistro on the Biltmore property.

Have a great time!