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winterfest lights in Pigeon Forge

Top 4 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains

November 28, 2023

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Smokies this holiday season, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate the magic of Christmas! From festive light displays to unique holiday events, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! When you’re ready to get into the spirit of the season, come on down to the Smoky Mountains to experience the joys of the holidays! Here are the top 4 ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains:

1. Experience the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights

Pigeon Forge and the sister cities of Sevierville and Gatlinburg are all decked out in sparkling holiday lights during the Christmas season, with over 15 million lights along a 25-mile stretch! To experience this winter wonderland, simply take a drive down the famous Parkway where you’ll see stunning light displays in every direction! Pigeon Forge has some of the most unique displays in the area, with scenes of popular fairytale characters, the 12 Days of Christmas and more! Be sure to stop for a stroll along the Wonders of Light Trail along the Riverwalk Greenway, where a $1.5 million display of lights awaits your arrival!

2. See a Fun Holiday Themed Show in Pigeon Forge

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon ForgeAnother one of the top ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is with a fun holiday themed show! This is your opportunity to hear all of your favorite Christmas music while enjoying dancing, comedy and much more! Some of the popular holiday shows in the Smoky Mountains include the Country Tonite Christmas Show, Lumberjack Feud Christmas Show, Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Feud and a Comedy Barn Christmas! These are all family-friendly shows, so bring the whole gang along for a fabulous evening of entertainment!

3. Attend the Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood

The Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood is a celebration of the season with more than 6 million twinkling lights and dozens of towering Christmas trees! That’s all just part of the fun, as the world famous theme park also offers heartwarming holiday shows, delicious seasonal treats, fun shopping experiences and even the opportunity to catch Santa at work! The Smoky Mountain Christmas is included as part of your paid admission to Dollywood, which also includes the park’s regular lineup of thrill rides and attractions! Be sure to stick around at night for the Christmas Drone Show, where hundreds of festive drones dance to holiday tunes!

4. Visit the Christmas Shops in the Smokies

Incredible Christmas PlaceYou’ll be surprised to know that there are several year-round Christmas shops in the Smokies, so be sure to put these on your itinerary for some last minute holiday shopping! The Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge certainly lives up to its name as its the largest permanent Christmas retailer in the American south! You’ll find everything “Christmas” here, including trees, indoor and outdoor lights, personalized ornaments, music, collectibles and gifts! Some of the other Christmas shops in the Smokies include Santa’s Claus-et in Gatlinburg and the Christmas & Candle Shop in Sevierville.

While we’re on the subject of Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, this is the perfect time to purchase a Gift Card for our White Water Rafting Trips in the Smokies! These egift cards can be sent electronically to your recipient, complete with a personal holiday message! We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!