RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A 35-foot Fraser tree now stands tall in the Banquet Hall of the Biltmore. It’s the estate’s effort to bring back Christmas after the devastation Helene brought to the western part of the state.
The team at the Biltmore Estate is hoping to bring some of normality as they continue cleaning up after Helene. The raising of the grand Christmas tree is a holiday season tradition, marking a pivotal moment in Biltmore’s holiday preparations.
Around 50 Biltmore team members carried the Fraser fir through the mansion’s front doors and into the Banquet Hall on Wednesday.
While the tree is now standing in the Banquet Hall, decorating is the next task. Its size required the Biltmore’s design team to use scaffolding and hand-made tools to hang ornaments and arrange lights.
The tree raising comes days before the estate re-opens to the public. Biltmore House will open to guests Saturday, Nov. 2.
Damage varies across the 8,000-acre property. Although the damage is substantial, Biltmore representatives say the main entrance in historic Biltmore Village will be ready to welcome guests.
Biltmore House itself, the conservatory, winery, gardens, hotels, and Chihuly exhibition received minimal damage.
Biltmore at Christmas runs Nov. 2 through Jan. 5, 2025. Tickets are required. Click here to learn more or to purchase a ticket.