Christmas in July

Did you ever wonder about the real story behind the concept of  “Christmas in July?” Who came up with the idea and why? Well, we’ve got the answer for you. It actually started right here in the mountains of western North Carolina in the town of Brevard. It had an organic start at a girls’ camp – Keystone Camp – in 1933 – when the camp’s co-founder, Fannie Holt, came up with this fanciful idea. A few years later in 1940, a movie was even made called Christmas in July which really put the phrase on the map. To this day, it’s celebrated in all sorts of ways.

Photo credit Camp Keystone Facebook

In Asheville, past events have included things like motorcycle charity rides and the Cradle of Forestry celebrating the capital Christmas tree (in 2022 the White House Christmas tree came from western NC). Most recently, Asheville has found itself at the center of attention for a Hallmark Movie Christmas story – A Biltmore Christmas. It started filming in January at the Biltmore Estate and city residents are anxiously awaiting its release later this year.

Celebrate Christmas in July Now!

It’s never too early to get the warm and fuzzy feelings of Christmas time. 

1. Crucible Glassworks: Glass Studio & Gallery is holding its annual Christmas In July/Pop Up July 1st. Think fabulous deals, guest Pop Up crafters, and plants!!

2. Blue Ridge Beer Hub in Waynesville NC (30  minutes from Asheville) is featuring a Christmas in July event, beginning July 7 by featuring two special Christmas beers on tap.

3. It’s Christmas all the time at Olde World Christmas Shoppe. Located in Biltmore Village, this shop is full of unique Christmas treasures. For the true Christmas lover, it might be hard to leave.

Start Planning Your Holiday Festivities Now

Maybe you’re the type of person that can’t imagine Christmas any other time than December 24th and that’s okay! To have a truly magical experience it’s a good idea to start at LEAST dreaming of it now. 

Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association is celebrating Christmas in July in a big way! 

Book your stay with one of our bed and breakfast members to attend Biltmore Christmas anytime from November 3, 2023 to January 7, 2024. You must book your stay by July 31, 2023 for our Christmas in July promotion. We’ll send you a partner promotion code to save $8/ticket at the Biltmore Estate. Better yet, book a 3 (or more) night stay with us and get $50 off your room on the last night of your stay. Use Special Rate code Christmas50 to save or contact your innkeeper for more details.

Photo credit: Romantic Asheville

Plan for a Biltmore Estate Christmas Getaway

The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately-owned home and boasts 250 rooms. During the holiday season, the estate has 100+ elaborately decorated trees, 25,000+ ornaments, 1.5 miles of fresh garland, 500 wreaths and sprays and 2,000 poinsettias. There are even 100 kissing balls. Who knows – maybe you’ll experience a little Hallmark movie magic of your own? Anything is possible when you believe. 

Visiting the Biltmore Estate during the holiday season is also about as magical as you can get. The place is decked to the halls and then some and it’s one of the most popular times to visit the estate. There are also many activities happening about town and the Candlelight Christmas tours are a bucket list item for many folks. These tours run from early November through early January, but you’ll need to reserve your spots soon as the evenings fill up quickly. Daytime Christmas tours are also a feast for the senses with fragrant wreaths, glittering garland and thousands of sparkling ornaments all around. 

Photo credit Biltmore Estate

If you’d like to know more about the plot of A Biltmore Christmas,  Variety Magazine outlines it all. While we don’t want to give any spoiler alerts, let’s just say it involves two people whose lives get a little derailed by love. Really? Who would have guessed it?

Let the Asheville Innkeepers Help

Since the Biltmore Estate is one (if not the number one) top attraction in Asheville, the innkeepers at Asheville Bed and Breakfasts are well-versed in helping their guests to plan a visit to the Biltmore Estate. They can give you insight on things like the best days to visit, suggestions on where to have lunch, and which tours to take (there are 10 different ones from which to choose). Many of the area’s bed and breakfasts also offer discounted Biltmore Estate tickets. Visitors can access a list of the different discount specials here: https://www.ashevillebba.com/specials.  So, once you’ve decided where you’d like to stay, don’t hesitate to give them a call. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you make a plan. Two bed and breakfasts that are closest to the Biltmore Estate are: The Cedar Crest Inn (3 blocks from the estate) and Sweet Biscuit Inn (1/2 mile to the estate). There are many others that are within two to three miles too. 

Photo at Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn & Spa

Check the complete listings of Asheville Bed and Breakfasts here and get ready for your “Christmas in July” or holiday season escape.

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The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is a collection of diverse Bed & Breakfasts located in Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding area. Check out our Specials (updated monthly) and don’t forget your Cookbook, a perfect way to take a little of our hospitality with you.