Winterfest 2023
Download our Winterfest Check List here so you don’t miss out on any of the exciting events happening this season.
Winterfest is back and better than ever with new displays and exciting events. Millions of small twinkling lights dance through the streets of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg creating a true winder wonderland.
The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff on November 9th at Patriot Park will launch these magical events happening in the area many of them lasting all the way through February 18th.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Voted the best Christmas event for more than a decade, Smoky Mountain Christmas captures the traditional feel of the holiday season with millions of lights shining bright, heartwarming holiday shows, seasonal shopping, culinary delights, and more! It's a Christmas you don't want to miss.
Shadrack’s
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at Soaky Mountain Waterpark promises a truly unforgettable experience that will create cherished memories and family traditions for years to come. This beloved drive-through light show has become a favorite family tradition for many, and this year is sure to impress! With the new location comes a longer drive route as well as captivating new additions, including majestic 25-feet-tall trumpeting angels, a star-studded pathway, and much more
Driving tour of lights
Whether by car or trolley you can enjoy the visitor favorite driving tour of lights throughout Pigeon Forge. The shimmering displays include the 12 Days of Christmas, giant ornaments, tall trees and many treasured Christmas characters.
Download driving tour map here
The Wonder of Lights Walking Tour
More than 20 displays of glittering lights will line the Riverwalk Trail. You can stroll under gleaming arches, see snowflakes flutter, watch mountain creatures come to life and even meet Old Man Winter himself.
Download walking tour map here
Winterfest at The Island
Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is unlike any experience in the Smokies with millions of lights, that light up as the sun goes down to create a holiday ambiance you’re sure to love. Experience The Island Show Fountain and the brand new choreographed 40-foot high, LED Christmas Trees for the Island Fountain Winterfest Show. This exciting show will happen every evening at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm.
Skyland’s Festival of Lights
SkyLand’s Festival of Lights will have everything guests need and more to celebrate the holidays. The holiday event will feature more than 100 displays with up to 1 million lights, including a light-up nativity scene, light-up cowboy scenes, and a 25-foot tall LED Christmas tree as a centerpiece in the courtyard. Guests will also get to enjoy a full tunnel of lights that stretches from the courtyard to the entrance of the Legacy Lookout, where you’ll be able to see the millions of lights of the city below.
Enchanted Christmas of Lights at Anakeesta
When the sun sets in the smokies Anakeesta mountain comes to life with a celebration of lights during the Enchanted Winter celebration. Gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa or your favorite hot toddy, then stroll through the magical villages and enjoy delicious dining and a mountain of light displays that will fill your heart with winter cheer.
Polar Express Train Ride
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
Lights Over Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg SkyPark will be covered with all things Christmas, with THOUSANDS of New Christmas Lights, photo ops for the entire family, a HUGE 32 ft. multicolored Christmas tree, and the famous tunnel of lights on the record-breaking Gatlinburg SkyBridge! But this year the Tunnel of Light gets an upgrade and will span the Entire Length of the SkyBridge!
Parades
Gatlinburg December 1st @ 7:30pm
Sevierville December 2nd @ 11:00am
These annual parades bring the Christmas spirit right down the Parkway and are sure to become a new tradition for you and your family. You will see amazing floats, baton twirlers, classic cars, hear bands from around the region playing all your favorite holiday music and most importantly, the big man in red.
Shows
Many of the local show transform into festive Christmas celebrations during the holidays, including:
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Hatfield and McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Show
Tis The Season at Grand Majestic
Christmas at Country Tonight
The Lumberjack Feud Christmas Show
Christmas at The Comedy Barn
Christmas at Array
With all of these events and much more you can see why Pigeon Forge is the place to bring your family this holiday season. We have limited availability but I would love to help your family plan a holiday stay.