Historic Biltmore Village Comes to Life During Annual Dickens Fest

It's almost that wonderful time of year again when Biltmore Village jubilantly recreates the community spirit of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," reminding us all of the importance of holiday giving and joy. From November 30 through December 2, 2012, this popular historic district of Asheville, North Carolina, gets all decked out with nostalgic charm and traditional Victorian festivities during the 24th Annual Dickens Fest. There are delights aplenty to enjoy when visiting the Asheville area during the holidays; here are a few reasons to leave the "Bah Humbugs!" behind and make the trek to Dickens Fest:

Live Entertainment for All Ages

Dickens Fest features over 300 performers, both on stage and roaming the Village in search of playful interaction. Entertainers include musicians, choral groups, strolling vocalists, and dancers. Main stage concerts draw an audience on Friday and Saturday evenings, when Asheville's own theater group, the Montford Park Players, will act out the classic drama between Jacob Marley and Ebenezer Scrooge. And the whole event is free!

Carriage Rides and Roasting Chestnuts

During Dickens Fest, Biltmore Village is transformed into a wonderland where the sound of laughing children, holiday bells, and the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriage rides fill the air. The merriment is amplified by the more than 250,000 white lights outlining the historic buildings. The smell of chestnuts roasting over an open fire mingles with the aromas of savory meals being prepared in Biltmore Village's award-winning restaurants, including The Corner Kitchen, Fig Bistro, Neo Cantina, Red Stag Grill, and Rezaz Restaurant and Enoteca. Experience the joy and share warm smiles and hot meals with your loved ones!

Holiday Shopping & Galley Browsing Opportunities

Shopkeepers at the Biltmore Village will be joining in on the Dickens Fest celebration by dressing in Victorian-era costume and keeping their shops open until 7 p.m. Enjoy the Fraser fir holiday door wreaths as you enter into one delightful shop after another. The Olde World Christmas Shoppe and Thomas Kinkade will prove especially appropriate, plus you'll find a little something for everyone at dozens of your favorite stores, including the Once Upon a Time toy store, Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Coldwater Creek, Williams-Sonoma, and Lilly Pulitzer.

The Biltmore Estate's Seasonal Extravaganza

The spectacular holiday decorations at Biltmore Estate are truly breathtaking. A 35-foot Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and miles of garland cover every possible opportunity for holiday splendor. Carolina Mornings offers our guests discount tickets for the Biltmore Estate, and personal concierge service for discounted Candlelight Evening tour reservations. If you're seeking a romantic holiday vacation, the Romantic Biltmore Package is the perfect way to make cherished memories for you and a loved one!

Wintertime Mountain Magic

Carolina Mornings, Asheville's premiere provider of luxury vacation rental cabins, invites you to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains this holiday season. With dozens of locations to choose from, Carolina Mornings is sure to have the ideal vacation home for your friends and family, such as the Biltmore Villa Hideway, located right next door to the Dickens Fest, or Forest Hill, pictured here. Cozy up by a roaring fire with a hot cup of apple cider and watch the snow drift by outside. Call a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner today to book the mountain vacation of a lifetime!