Check out all the things to do in Pigeon Forge in the winter with our Pigeon Forge Winter Travel Guide! The magic of winter is blowing into the Smokies in December, January and into February. Bundle up and head to the Smoky Mountains. Glittering Winterfest light displays twinkle throughout our mountain town, holiday music and the smell of crackling fires fill the air and the warmth of Smoky Mountain hospitality is felt everywhere. These are the days to head to Pigeon Forge, TN. See our other travel guides!
Pigeon Forge Winter Travel Guide
Check out all the things to do in Pigeon Forge in the winter with our Pigeon Forge Winter Travel Guide! The magic of winter is blowing into the Smokies in December, January and into February. Bundle up and head to the Smoky Mountains. Glittering Winterfest light displays twinkle throughout our mountain town, holiday music and the smell of crackling fires fill the air and the warmth of Smoky Mountain hospitality is felt everywhere. These are the days to head to Pigeon Forge, TN. See our other travel guides!
Winterfest
Holiday Shows
Dolly Parton's Stampede
Starting in November you can catch this classic holiday show featuring holiday tunes, timeless characters, family friendly comedy, and 32 magnificent horses - all while enjoying a delicious 4 course meal.
Dates & Info
Country Tonite
The colorful set, enchanting choreography, and cheerful singing at Country Tonite will excite and astound all ages. You'll see familiar characters like Frosty, Santa, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this spirited holiday production.
Dates & Info
Hatfield & McCoy
This Christmas disaster puts the holler in hollerdays. The show features something for everyone, including holiday song & dance, side splitting comedy, and even some jaw dropping stunts.
Dates & Info
Lumberjack Feud
Sing along to holiday tunes, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy forested folklore with the Dawsons and McGraws as they feud it out this season. The lumberjacks turn sawdust into Christmas magic starting November 21.
Dates & Info
Buttonwillow
This civil war themed show gets a holiday twist beginning in November. Audiences will enjoy razor sharp wit, historical accuracy, and a heart warming ending.
Biz Details
Comedy Barn
Get in the Christmas spirit with the funniest show in the Smokies. From cloggers to canines and all the jokes in between, the Comedy Barn knows how to keep their audience jolly with laughter.
Dates & Info
Grand Majestic
Starting November 23, music lovers will enjoy contemporary holiday favorites, traditional Gospel hymns, and even some hits from The King at the Smokies' favorite sing-a-long show.
Dates & Info
Photo Ops
Gatlinburg Aquarium
Santa & the most beautiful Christmas tree make a great backdrop for your next family photo at Ripley's Aquarium.
Crave Golf
Get your holiday sugar fix at Crave Golf Club. The courses are turned into candy wonderlands for the season.
Under The Bridges
There are three bridges with light displays you don't want to miss: Jake Thomas Rd, Old Mill Ave, & Dollywood Lane.
Christmas Place
The Incredible Christmas Place is in the holiday spirit year-round, but you can't miss their special winter lights.
Dollywood
"Christmas isn't a competition, but the prize itself. The gathering and sharing of the things that matter most." - Dolly Parton
Anakeesta
The mountaintop theme park in Gatlinburg is decked out in lights and decor for Enchanted Winter at Anakeesta.
Titanic Museum
Both the interior and exterior of the TITANIC Museum Attraction will be extraordinarily decorated in Edwardian Christmas displays.
Festival Of Trees
Stop by the WL Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg Nov. 24-28 for some fabulous holiday displays at the Festival of Trees.
Holiday Lights
Winter Activities
Winterfest Kickoff
Catch Gatlinburg's Chili Cookoff at Anakeesta on November 11th to kick off the Winterfest celebration in the Smokies.
More Info
Kidsfest
Stop by The Inn On The River on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for cookie decorating and storytelling.
More Info
Nov 11
Snow Tubing
New for 2021, Rowdy Bear Mountain transforms into a one of a kind snow tubing experience including tubing races, a snow play area, and more.
More InfoNov 12 - Dec 31
Santa Claus
Santa is visiting lots of places in the Smoky Mountains this year. For photo ops and wishlist visits, check out our blog at the link below.
More InfoNov 29 - Dec 4
Polar Express
Enjoy warm cocoa on the GSM Railroad while you listen and read along to the magical story of The Polar Express.
More InfoCraft Show
Visit GSM Arts & Crafts Show to peruse a selection of old fashioned pottery, hand crafted jewelry, and all kinds of holiday gifts.
More InfoShadrack
Starting November 5, enjoy an incredible drive through experience of Smokies Stadium as it's lit up for the holiday season.
More Info
Christmas Parade
Gatlinburg's famous Fantasy Of Lights Christmas parade takes place along the parkway on December 3, 2021.
More InfoDec 3
New Years
Ring in the New Year with firework celebrations in Gatlinburg and the Island in Pigeon Forge.
More InfoDec 31
Winter Hikes
The Great Smoky Mountains are a great place to go stomping through the snow. Click below for top winter hiking trails.
More InfoNov 5 - Jan 2
Shadrack'sChristmas Wonderland
Redneck Bus Lights Tour
Laugh your way through the Smokies in the most hilarious way to see Pigeon Forge Winterfest light displays. The lights tour starts November 12 with availability through the end of the year.
More InfoTN Cider Co
Stop by one of Tennessee Cider Company's locations for free samples of seasonal flavors and collect your 32 ounce growler.
More InfoGift Ideas
Ogle Bros General Store
Pick out some unique handmade pottery of all different varieties from Ogle Bros General Store, located in the Five Oaks area. The store carries a great selection of home goods and pantry items.
Ogle Bros
Appalachian Bistro
Purchase a gift card for the delicious Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend. Their regionally inspired dishes incorporate fresh produce grown on-site and the highest quality local ingredients.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
French’s Shoes & Boots
A pair of finely crafted cowboy boots from the Pigeon Forge parkway staple French's Shoes & Boots makes a great gift. You'll find everything from classic western styles to exotic ostrich quill.
French's Shoes & Boots
Iron Mountain Metal Works
The best gives are handmade, right? Try your hand as a blacksmith and create a custom knife for a friend or family member at Iron Mountain Metal Works. They'll surely be impressed with your handiwork.
Iron Mountain Metal Works
Direct Tools Factory Outlet
Shopping at Tanger? Stop by Direct Tools Factory Outlet for an amazing selection of power tools and useful household items at great prices. Direct Tools also has a location at Pigeon River Crossings.
Direct ToolsIndoors
Get Cozy
If the wintry outdoors are a little too chilly for your liking, consider making the lodging portion of your holiday trip to the Smokies part of the vacation in itself. Here are our top picks for where to stay this winter.
Find the perfect winter lodging for your vacation.
- Cabins With A Fireplace: Who could deny the comforts of cozying up near a fireplace on a crisp winter evening?
- Hotels With Indoor Pools: If you're traveling with the family, this is a great option. Indoor pools are a wonderful treat for kids looking to burn off some energy.
- Cabins With A Hot Tub: Brace the chilly night air in your swimsuit and ease into a bubbling hot tub to take the edge off - it's worth it.
Play To Win
More than just video games, arcades in Pigeon Forge are full entertainment centers with laser tag, indoor mini golf, & virtual reality. You will stay toasty & dry indoors when the weather turns. [ Arcades → ]
Beyond The Classroom
Don’t tell the kids, but Pigeon Forge has many learning opportunities. By combining education & entertainment, many museums in Pigeon Forge take a fun approach to science & history. [ Museums → ]