November 01, 2024
6 Festivals and Events to Celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains become a magical place during the holiday season! You’re surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas cheer all around you in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Not only can you see all kinds of holiday lights and decorations as you make your way through town, but you can also take part in the festivities with various events throughout the season. Here are some great festivals and events going on this winter to help you celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
A favorite way to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is by visiting Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. During this award-winning festival, the popular theme park transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 6 million twinkling lights, larger-than-life Christmas trees, and all sorts of holiday decorations! You can watch heartwarming holiday shows, taste festive flavors, shop for gifts, and experience fun rides. On weekend nights, you can also watch a magical fireworks display set to cheerful holiday tunes!
2. SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at The Ranch
SkyLand Ranch is helping visitors celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains with SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at The Ranch. This Sevierville attraction lights up the night with over half a million lights on display! This holiday festival starts the moment you embark on the scenic chairlift ride up to SkyLand Ranch. You’ll see spectacular displays that combine Western and traditional Christmas themes. At the top of The Ranch, you can stroll through illuminated tunnels and take photos with larger-than-life displays. Seasonal music and light shows fill the air. You can also enjoy festivities like campfires, yard games, and Christmas movies while indulging in seasonal goodies and specialty beverages!
3. Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas
The magical villages of Anakeesta come to life with light displays and holiday cheer to help you celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas sets the mountaintop aglow with over a million sparkling lights. You can listen to live music featuring classic and contemporary holiday hits and watch whimsical shows that bring the magic of Christmas to life. Enjoy a mouthwatering lineup of holiday-inspired dishes, such as Beef Wellington, Holiday Glazed Ham, and Candlelight Cannoli. On select dates, you can even participate in a very special Breakfast with Santa event!
4. Wonders of Light Christmas Village
If you want to do some holiday shopping, make sure you visit the Wonders of Light Christmas Village. This holiday event takes place on select dates throughout the month of November. There are more than 35 craft booths to explore, each selling a variety of seasonal and gift items. You can find a present for that special someone or the perfect addition to your holiday decor at home. You can also indulge in scrumptious holiday goodies to really get you in the mood to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains! The Wonders of Light Christmas Village takes place at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge and is free to attend.
5. Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees has been taking place annually for more than 50 years! This holiday event can be found in downtown Gatlinburg at W.L. Mills Conference Center on Airport Road (formerly Historic Nature Trail) at traffic light #8. The event takes place Thanksgiving week from Tuesday to Sunday. The Festival of Trees features beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths as well as photos with Santa and a children’s craft and play area. This is a favorite way for visitors and locals alike to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains!
6. Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg SkyPark
If you’re looking for a festive way to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, make sure you visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark to experience Lights Over Gatlinburg. This popular holiday event covers the SkyPark with thousands of Christmas lights and photo ops to immerse you in a winter wonderland! You’ll love seeing the 30-foot Christmas tree and walking through the record-breaking tunnel of lights that spans the entire length of the SkyBridge. You will also get to enjoy fantastic views of the city of Gatlinburg below gleaming with holiday decorations!
Where to Stay This Holiday Season
These are some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains! Now that you know how you’ll spend your days and nights celebrating the season, it’s time to figure out where to stay during your visit. Find out why you should plan a winter getaway to our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book your stay today!
