There’s no better place to experience the magic of Christmas than in the stunning Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The quaint towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville welcome visitors for the season with festive cheer and holiday spirit. This beautiful region offers an array of family-friendly activities, impressive Christmas displays, and an abundance of things to do during this time of year.
If you’re looking to plan a Christmas vacation, the Smoky Mountains are an excellent destination! Here are some of the reasons why the Smokies is such a great place to celebrate the holidays.
Holiday Cheer
Christmas light displays brighten the Smoky Mountain region throughout December. The Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights is the perfect way to enjoy the brightly lit Pigeon Forge Parkway from the comfort of your vehicle.
The Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail is an immersive experience with more than 25 lighted displays along the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk (wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly). Both displays are free and run from November through February.
For a birds-eye view of the holiday lights, head to the top of the 407-foot Gatlinburg Space Needle during December, where you can see Christmas lights in every direction!
Downtown Gatlinburg’s shops are decked out with bright and festive decorations to celebrate the Christmas season. Stroll through brightly lit Gatlinburg and step off the parkway into the European village atmosphere of The Village Shops, a unique collection of boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
This quaint district is decorated in an Old World Christmas market style for a cozy shopping experience. Pigeon Forge also offers several shopping districts, from local artisan wares at Old Mill Square to quirky souvenirs at The Island, you can find the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones.
To find the perfect Christmas-themed gifts or decorations, head to the Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge. This year-round celebration of Christmas kicks it into high gear in December, with decorations, collectibles, holiday treats, Santa visits and more.
Stop by the Wonders of Light Christmas Village, a holiday market filled with local artisans and seasonal items – perfect for stocking up on Christmas gifts. Looking for unique places to shop for Christmas gifts? Check out our blog post on 7 Spots in the Smokies to Buy Holiday Gifts.
Things to Do in the Smokies Over Christmas
Ober Gatlinburg, the iconic mountaintop amusement park, is a must-visit during the Christmas season. The entire park is adorned with twinkling lights, creating a holiday movie atmosphere. You can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, and snowboarding in this magical winter environment, or take part in one of the special holiday events and even visit Santa Claus in his chalet.
Skyland Ranch in Sevierville hosts a Festival of Lights at the Ranch with cowboy-themed Christmas light displays, holiday sweet treats and caroling around the fire pit.
Families will love Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville! An impressive drive-through light show is accompanied by a visit to Snowy Mountain Village, filled with children’s activities, crafts, carnival games and holiday treats. This event runs from November through January and tickets are sold by vehicle.
Dollywood transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas features millions of twinkling lights, festive entertainment, and a host of holiday-themed rides and attractions. Don’t miss the spectacular Christmas parade, or the mesmerizing light show. It’s a magical experience that’s perfect for the entire family.
Venture back in time to an Edwardian era Christmas at The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. The museum imagines what a Christmas voyage would have looked like on the famous ship, with traditional decorations, celebrations and costumed actors.
Winterfest is a big festival every year in the towns of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg. Held throughout the month of December, this event includes parades, light displays and seasonal events.
Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade kicks off Winterfest in early December with floats, a chance to meet Santa Claus, and a tree lighting ceremony. Sevierville hosts their own parade and holiday events shortly afterward.
Other highlights include Winterfest at the Island, a bright and merry holiday experience. This free event includes a 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree, lights displays and nightly live entertainment.
The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is renowned for dinner theaters and live shows, and during the Christmas season, many of these venues feature special holiday-themed performances. Enjoy a Christmas dinner show with the feuding Hatfields and McCoys or a holiday feast at Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
From holiday-themed variety shows to comedy shows with a festive twist, you can find the perfect show to enjoy with your family.
Where to Stay in the Smokies for Christmas
Renting a cabin in the Smoky Mountains during the Christmas season is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones in comfort, privacy, and style. All of our cabins are festively decorated for the holidays, like Dancing Bear Lodge pictured here, creating a cheerful atmosphere for your family gathering.
Cabins with stunning mountain views, hot tubs, game rooms and more are available for your family to enjoy. Book your Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental and make Christmas in the Smokies a holiday to remember!
FAQs About Spending Christmas in the Smoky Mountains
1. When is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for Christmas?
The Smoky Mountains begin celebrating the holidays in early November, with events like Winterfest running through February. Visiting between late November and mid-December is ideal for enjoying festive lights, shows, and holiday events without peak holiday crowds.
2. What are the most popular Christmas events in the Smokies?
Some of the most popular events include Winterfest light displays, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, and Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta, all featuring millions of lights, holiday shows, and seasonal entertainment.
3. Are the Smoky Mountains decorated for Christmas?
Yes! Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are transformed during the holiday season with millions of twinkling lights, festive displays, and decorated attractions throughout the region, creating a magical winter atmosphere. Many of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals are also decorated for Christmas each year, making your stay extra festive!
4. What are some family-friendly things to do during Christmas in the Smokies?
Families can enjoy Christmas parades, holiday shows, visits with Santa, light displays, and attractions like snow tubing at Ober Mountain. There are activities for all ages throughout the season.
5. Where should you stay when visiting the Smoky Mountains for Christmas?
Staying in a cabin rental in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville is one of the best ways to experience Christmas in the Smokies. Cabins offer cozy fireplaces, mountain views, holiday decorations, and space for families, all within easy reach of holiday events and attractions.
