DB Outreach: Adult Historical Holidays in Asheville, NC
This event is Full!
If you would like to be on the waitlist, contact dbinfo@discoverybound.org
Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Tour, Chihuly and Festive Cheer for Adults
Embark on an unforgettable holiday weekend in North Carolina with a candlelit Christmas evening tour of the Biltmore Estate, featuring cozy fireplaces and live music. Step back to the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895.
Additionally, enjoy a visit to a Chihuly glass art exhibit, explore the beautifully adorned grounds and Antler Hill Village, and discover The River Arts District and downtown Asheville. Meet new friends from across the country and enjoy an inspirational talk. Financial assistance is available.
WHEN:
Thurs. December 5 after 4:00pm – Sun. December 8 until 11:30am
Please plan to arrive at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore between 4-7pm on Thursday, December 5
WHERE:
Asheville, NC
WHO:
Christian Science adults and their friends of all faiths
WHAT:
Biltmore House – A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of glittering lights and ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The stunning holiday décor brightens the breakfast room, the Banquet Hall tree is the tallest tree inside Biltmore, and George Vanderbilt’s glorious library is a sight to behold during the Christmas season.
Biltmore Grounds – The grounds are beautifully ordained for Christmas, the Winter Garden in Biltmore House offers guests an abundance of exceptional photo opportunities and the conservatory is bedecked with beautifully blooming poinsettias.
Antler Hill Village – The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays. Enjoy craft demonstrations, Christmas Music and lights, bonfire, shopping and restaurants..
Chihuly at Biltmore – Featured in museums and gardens around the world, including the spectacular 2018 Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, Dale Chihuly’s awe-inspiring works have captivated millions. Specially curated for Biltmore, a new experience of the world-renowned artist’s iconic creations awaits your discovery within the intimate gallery setting of Amherst at Deerpark®.
River Arts District – The River Arts District is a creative haven, with working artist studios and galleries filling former warehouses and mills. From painting to pottery, glassblowing to textiles, you are bound to discover something you love! Apart from the vibrant art scene, you’ll find barbecue, burgers, craft breweries and coffee shops.
Check out the short video of Christmas at Biltmore: https://youtu.be/6K-dTJCc59Y
Lodging:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville, NC 28803
Registration fee is based on double and single occupancy. Solo participants seeking shared gender-based accommodations will be connected with others, or will need to pay an additional fee for a single room if a roommate is not available
Hotel Check-In: 4:00pm
Hotel Check-Out: 11:00am
Hotel Parking is free
Driving parameters:
Arrive: Thursday, December 5 between 4–7pm at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore
Depart: Sunday, December 8 after 11:30am
Flying parameters:
We encourage you to book your flights sooner than later for affordable fares. If flying, we are offering transportation to and from the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) for an additional cost of $15 each way. Let us know so we can make arrangements ahead of time.
Please arrive by 4:00pm on Thursday and depart on Sunday after 2:30pm. Spots are limited.
Registration Fee:
$ 945 per person (double occupancy)
$1,395 per person (single occupancy)
A minimum deposit of $475 is due at registration and the remaining balance is due November 14.
Fee Includes: 3 nights lodging at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville, entry to Biltmore Estate, Grounds, Chihuly Exhibit, Antler Hill Village, 3 breakfasts at hotel, Friday night dinner at Stable Café, Saturday Lunch at Antler Hill Village, transportation to and from hotel to activities and inspirational talk.
Fee does not include: Thursday dinner, Friday lunch, and Saturday dinner. There will be places for you to eat during those times.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid for registration is available for all participants up to $250 per person. Financial aid for transportation is available up to $150 per person (up to $150 not to exceed ½ of airfare)
Cancellation Fee:
Due to the nature of up-front costs, a non-refundable deposit of $475.00 is due at registration. If you cancel after October 3, no refunds.
Payment & Cancellation Policy:
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
- Up to October 3, 2024 = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
- After October 31, 2024 = 100% of the trip is non-refundable
If DiscoveryBound cancels a program/event, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee. As you are preparing air travel for these excursions, we encourage you to book flights allowing you the greatest flexibility in case there is a need.
Deadline to Register and Financial Aid: Monday, November 3, 2024 (registration will close once full)
Activity Level: Moderate walking around Biltmore Estate house & grounds, River Arts District and Downtown Asheville.
Weather: The average temperature in December during the day is 48 and 33 in the evening.
Questions? Contact: Lori Selby lori@discoverybound.org or 781-956-9035
Tentative Agenda
Thursday, December 5
| 4:00–7:00pm | Check In at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville (dinner on your own) |
| 7:30 | Welcome, Introductions, Weekend Overview |
| 9:00 | Settle in for the night |
Friday, December 6
| 7:30am | Lesson Study at Hospitality Room (optional) |
| 8:15 | Breakfast at DoubleTree Hilton |
| 9:30 | Inspirational Talk |
| 10:30 | Grab your items for the day |
| 10:45 | DB Shuttle to River Arts District |
| 11:00 | Arrive & Explore at River Arts District |
| 12:00 | Lunch on your own at River Arts District (feel free to gather with group and meet) |
| 1:30 | Explore River Arts District |
| 3:00 | Leave River Arts District – head back to Doubletree |
| 4:30 | Head to Biltmore Estate |
| 5:30 | Group dinner at Stable Cafe |
| 7:15 | Candlelight Evening Self Guided Tour of Biltmore Estate |
| 9:15 | Take DB shuttle back to DoubleTree |
Saturday, December 7
| 7:30am | Lesson Study (optional) |
| 8:15 | Breakfast at DoubleTree |
| 9:15 | Depart to Chihuly Exhibit |
| 10:00 | Chihuly Exhibit |
| 12:30pm | Lunch at Antler Hill Village |
| 1:30 | Explore Antler Hill Village |
| 2:30 | Explore Biltmore Grounds |
| 4:30 | Depart to Downtown Asheville |
| 5:00 | Enjoy shops in downtown Asheville |
| 6:00 | Dinner at Tupelo Honey Restaurant or feel free to gather with a group and eat somewhere else |
| 7:30 | Browse in Shops |
| 8:30 | Head back to DoubleTree |
| 8:45 | Gratitude & Highlights |
| 9:30 | Settle in for the night |
Sunday, December 8
| 8:00am | Breakfast at DoubleTree |
| 9:00 | Pack up |
| 10:00 | Depart hotel and head to First Church of Christ, Scientist, Asheville |
| 10:30 | Church Service |
| 11:30 | Farewell |
| 12:00 | DB shuttles head to Asheville airport |