Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge marks the start of many visitors’ favorite time of year. There are plenty of events and things to do around the Smoky Mountain area at the beginning of the winter season, and we’ve compiled a list of our favorites to get you started. For more helpful info, take a look at the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. Also be sure to check out our fall and winter guides for more fun things to do.
See The Winterfest Lights
This is the perfect time of year to cruise down the parkway on a crisp fall evening and see the amazing Winterfest light displays in Pigeon Forge. From visitor favorites like the 12 Days Of Christmas to Smoky Mountain classics like the Old Mill display, these displays are amazing to see year after year. Check out our map on the Smoky Mountain Winter Guide.
Winterfest Lights
Rent A Big Cabin
What could be better than celebrating the Thanksgiving holidays surrounded by family & friends in a huge cabin nestled in the Smoky Mountains? These big cabins offer perfect accomodations for family trips: spacious kitchens, many bedrooms and bathrooms, game rooms, and even some indoor pools. Find and book your holiday getaway fast before everything is booked!
Big Cabins
The First Weekend of The Mountain Mile Christmas Market
Celebrate the start of the holidays at the Mountain Mile Christmas Market in Pigeon Forge. Opening Thanksgiving weekend on Black Friday, this festive market features local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, and plenty of holiday spirit. Stroll beneath the twinkling lights, sip hot chocolate, and find the perfect gifts to kick off the most wonderful time of the year.
The Mountain Mile Christmas Market
Gatlinburg’s Festival Of Trees
Surrounded by a Smoky Mountain winter wonderland, Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees is the perfect centerpiece to admire the twinkling lights and get in the holiday spirit. Take a walk through the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and enjoy the entertainment throughout the week. Don’t forget to get your photo with Santa Claus!
Festival of Trees
Thanksgiving Craft Show
Grab the family and head on out to the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show and experience unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The show is hosted every year around Thanksgiving at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, and proves to be a great resource for Christmas shopping.
Arts & Crafts Show
Take in a Holiday Show
Get into the holiday spirit with one of the many Christmas shows in town. Music, magic and good old-fashioned family fun are featured at our theaters around town. You will be dazzled by our world-class vocalists, talented dancers and amazing musicians performing all your favorite holiday classics and maybe some new ones as well!
Christmas Shows
Play An Escape Room
Put your family’s skills to the test with a Pigeon Forge escape room. Physical adventure games where players solve puzzles using clues, escape rooms are a great activity for any group. If you’re planning on spending Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge, it’s a great time to try one out. Be sure to book ahead as spots fill up quickly!
Escape Rooms
Find Santa In The Smokies
Around Thanksgiving, Santa begins to visit Pigeon Forge and stop by a ton of different locations. If you’re visiting for the holiday, stop by one of these places to see Santa and bring along your whole family. You’ll be able to visit with Santa, take family photos and enjoy other holiday experiences at many of these locations.
Find SantaThanksgiving Events in the Smokies
W.L. Mills Conference Center
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
November 24 through 29, 2026
The 2026 Gatlinburg Festival of Trees features a children's craft and play area, photos with Santa Claus and, of course, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. The proceeds from the 53rd a...
Event Details →
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
November 24 through December 6, 2026
Experience the wonder of the season at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, where the members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community present their exclusive handcrafted gifts during their much-antici...
Event Details →For more events in the area, be sure to check our our full Smoky Mountain events calendar.
