4 ways to create a Hallmark 'A Biltmore Christmas' experience, movie premieres in November
ASHEVILLE - Not everyone has access to a magical hourglass that can transport them through time, like in Hallmark Channel’s upcoming holiday movie, “A Biltmore Christmas.” However, the chance to star in one’s own holiday adventure is possible for those who believe and plan appropriately.
This season, Hallmark’s 2023 Countdown to Christmas programming will feature “A Biltmore Christmas,” a new, original movie set and filmed in Asheville at the Biltmore Estate, the famed historic home of entrepreneur George W. Vanderbilt and his family, in January.
In “A Biltmore Christmas,” screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove, played by Bethany Joy Lenz, in the present day, joins a guided tour through Biltmore House for research and inspiration to write the script for a remake of a beloved, holiday movie classic, “His Merry Wife!” which was filmed at the house in 1947.
After knocking over an hourglass, Lucy finds herself transported through time to the set of the original film where she meets movie star Jack Huston, played by Kristoffer Polaha.
Upon Lucy's sudden appearance, a chain of events occurs that jeopardizes the production and may alter the future. As time slips away, she attempts to set everything right and return to her own world. However, that would mean leaving Jack, who may be her soulmate.
More: Hallmark announces release date of new holiday film, 'A Biltmore Christmas'
Lucy may need a bit of Christmas magic to figure things out in “A Biltmore Christmas.” And, in real life, Hallmark movie fans can find it coursing through the Biltmore Estate.
Make holiday adventure come true by creating your own “A Biltmore Christmas” experience at home and at the Biltmore.:
Host a watch party
Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas launches at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 with round-the-clock holiday programming throughout the season, including 40 new, original movies premiering across Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
“A Biltmore Christmas” will air at 8 p.m. Nov. 26 during what the network has coined “Merry Thanksgiving Weekend.” Encore airings are planned on the channel, as well as on the Hallmark website and app.
Biltmore will not host a public screening of the movie but consider hosting “A Biltmore Christmas” watch party with friends and family at home. Prompt guests to dress in 1940s attire and create a menu of holiday bites and treats, inspired by Hallmark movies.
Or keep the evening intimate and cozy up in front of the television while wearing your favorite holiday-themed pajamas and blanket.
View 'A Biltmore Christmas' costume exhibits
Don holiday apparel and visit Biltmore Estate as an overnight guest in one of its hotel properties or as a guest with a day or annual pass to peruse the new “A Biltmore Christmas” exhibits.
Hallmark's collection of set props and costumes worn by the actors are set up through the holiday season at The Inn on Biltmore Estate; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate near the hotel’s second-floor restaurant, Village Social; the Welcome Center – The Reception & Ticketing Sales Center; and Traditions Gift Shop in Antler Hill Village.
The exhibits include Lenz’s finale ballgown ― an original Carolina Herrera design ― and an original 1930s Czech crystal necklace from the collection of Keith Nielsen.
Also, an original 1940s candy cane dress inspired by the “cigarette girls” of the era.
Take a tour of the set
Each year, Biltmore Estate presents its Christmas at Biltmore program series with holiday décor, special events and more themed entertainment and activities.
Christmas at Biltmore served as the backdrop for “A Biltmore Christmas” when filmed at the estate in January.
This season, guests may experience Biltmore like the fictional screenwriter as the famed home and take a tour of the Biltmore House, established in 1895, which will be decked out in holiday decorations from Nov. 3 to Jan. 7.
Biltmore will offer day tours, as well as Candlelight Christmas Evenings tours (through Jan. 6) when the ambiance will be set with soft candlelight, lit fireplaces, live orchestral music and other surprises to set the scene.
The tour takes guests through the Biltmore Banquet Room, where the “A Biltmore Christmas” stars play the piano in front of the grand fireplaces. It’s also where Biltmore displays its nearly 35-foot-tall Christmas tree, which will be raised on Nov. 1.
Venture through the 250-room mansion to the Library ― where Lucy encounters the mystical hourglass in the film ― which will be decorated with a 1940s-era theme.
Explore Biltmore House and immerse yourself in “A Biltmore Christmas” experience ― just don’t knock over an hourglass.
Dine and shop at Biltmore
Biltmore hosts quarterly themed dinners for annual pass holders. “A Biltmore Christmas” dinner is sold out.
However, the estate’s restaurants, winery, gift and candy shops, and year-round Christmas store
From Biltmore House to the Gardens to the Antler Hill Village, the estate will be adorned in lights, garland, handcrafted wreaths, trees and create a spellbinding experience ― and ideal photo ops ― for Hallmark and “A Biltmore Christmas” fans.
And Santa Claus is rumored to make appearances at Antler Hill Village.
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Watch: Hallmark's 'A Biltmore Christmas' movie preview, filmed at historic estate
On the set of Hallmark's 'A Biltmore Christmas,' filming at Biltmore Estate
'A Biltmore Christmas'
Premieres: 8 p.m. Nov. 26 on Hallmark Channel.
Info: For more about "A Biltmore Christmas", visit hallmarkchannel.com. For more about Biltmore, visit biltmore.com.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 'A Biltmore Christmas': 4 ways to capture the Hallmark movie magic
