December in the Smokies feels tailor-made for holiday memories—cool, pine-scented air, misty ridgelines, holiday lights all over town, and plenty of reasons to curl up by the fire after a day out exploring. A Christmas visit to the Smokies will make your whole crew happy! Expect crisp mornings (great for coffee on the deck), mild afternoons for sightseeing, and cozy nights by the fire. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg glow with Winterfest displays, shops stock plenty of last-minute gifts, and crowds are festive but manageable if you plan ahead.
Days fill up fast with holiday fun: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, wintery scenic drives through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, snow tubing or ice skating, and family-friendly shows. Cap it off with hot cocoa under the stars, a soak in the hot tub, and a home-cooked dinner in your cabin’s full kitchen—exactly what a mountain Christmas should feel like. Below are five of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals that make holiday gatherings extra cozy.
1. Wilderness Luxe – Room for Everyone + An Indoor Pool
Bring the whole family (and then some). This 4BR, 5 full + 2 half bath showpiece sleeps up to 18 and packs a private heated indoor saltwater pool with a retractable door, theater room with Dolby Atmos, expansive game room (arcade/pool/ping-pong), hot tub, firepit, EV charger, and sweeping mountain views.
The kitchen at Wilderness Luxe is entertainer-ready (gas range, large dining table, expansive center island with seating, coffee + waffle + milkshake bars), and you’re minutes to the Parkway for easy holiday outings. Distances: ~4.5 miles to Pigeon Forge, ~8.1 to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Space for multi-gen celebrations, a true “stay-in” fun zone, and plenty of dining seats for the big meal.
2. Harold’s Hideaway – Modern Design, Theater Room, Fenced Yard
A fresh, modern 3BR/3.5BA Smoky Mountain cabin that sleeps 10, Harold’s Hideaway mixes style with play: theater room, hot tub, game room (pool + foosball), fenced yard with firepit, and a full kitchen. Each bedroom at Harold’s Hideaway has a king bed, private bath, and balcony, which is ideal when you’re splitting a home with families or other couples.
This Smoky Mountain Cabin has an incredibly peaceful setting, but it’s a short drive to many of the towns that make the Smokies so unique.
Distances: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Private balconies for quiet coffee moments, a movie room for holiday classics, and a fenced yard for s’mores.
3. Dancing Bear Lodge – Classic Cabin Vibes Near the Parkway
This Pigeon Forge cabin rental is perfect for a smaller family. With 2 bedrooms/2 baths, Dancing Bear Lodge sleeps 6 (with a sleeper sofa) and sits in a gated resort just ~2.2 miles from the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Your group will enjoy a hot tub with great views, pool table, two fireplaces, mountain-view deck, and a fully stocked kitchen. One bedroom even has an in-room jetted tub and fireplace—the ultimate cozy retreat!
Why it’s great for Christmas: Easy access to town lights and shows, then back to a quiet deck and fireside cocoa.
4. Jaxon’s Hilltop – One Level Ease, Close to Gatlinburg
Brand-new and thoughtfully designed cabin in Gatlinburg, Jaxon’s Hilltop is a 2BR/1BA home that sleeps 5 on a single level (no stairs). You’ll have a hot tub, covered patio, EV charger, fireplace, and a modern, fully equipped kitchen. Best of all, it’s only ~0.7 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and ~2.3 miles to the national park.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Stair-free layout for grandparents, a quick hop to enjoy Gatlinburg’s holiday charm, and back in time for a cozy evening soak under the stars.
5. Smoky Mountain Refuge – Game Room Fun and Fireside Nights
Gather at this 3BR/2.5BA Smoky Mountain cabin that sleeps 10, with a game room (arcade + foosball), hot tub, dual fireplaces, outdoor firepit, and a proper cook’s kitchen. Centrally located—roughly 2–3.5 miles to the Parkway/Gatlinburg and ~5.8 miles to Dollywood—Smoky Mountain Refuge balances privacy with convenience for holiday errands or shows.
Why it’s great for Christmas: Plenty of kid-friendly hangout space and excellent flow for a festive dinner, game night, and marshmallows by the fire.
Tips for a Memorable Christmas in the Smokies
- Groceries & prep: Pre-order staples so your kitchen’s ready for baking and the big roast.
- Layer up: Mornings and evenings are crisp in the Smokies this time of year—pack cozy sweaters, hats, jackers, and slippers for the house.
- Plan some quiet time: Mix short scenic outings with fireplace and game downtime.
- Book early: Popular holiday shows, attractions, and dining reservations go fast this time of year, as do vacation rentals. Book early to get your first pick!
Ready to unwrap your Smokies holiday? Pick the cabin that fits your crew, set the menu, and make this Christmas the cozy mountain gathering everyone remembers.
