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



Pigeons In Flight At the north and south ends of the parkway, you'll be welcomed by these friendly avian displays.

Pigeon Forge Welcome Sign Lit up in Winterfest lights, this friendly and familiar marker will get you in the holiday spirit as you set off down the parkway.

Forging Winter One of the largest displays in the area (110 feet long & 21 feet tall), this structure is a tribute to Pigeon Forge's founding fathers.

12 Days Of Christmas As you drive down the parkway, you can find this visitor favorite between traffic lights #3 (partridge in a pear tree) and #7 (12 drummers drumming).

Winterfest Express You can find this intricate and colorful display right in front of the Mountain Breeze Motel, across the parkway from Crave Golf Club.

Fairytale Fantasy Just after the drummers drumming on the parkway, you'll find some familiar childhood characters like Mother Goose & Humpty Dumpty in animated displays between traffic lights #7 and #10.

Mill Scene This recreation of Pigeon Forge's classic Old Mill incorporates over 6,000 sparkling lights, a spinning waterwheel, & a flowing river.

Dolly Parton's Stampede The 40 foot tree outside of Dolly Parton's Stampede takes 5 days to put up and decorate. This year promises some of the most lights ever.

The Island You can spot the 200 foot Great Smoky Mountain wheel lit up in red, green, and white from the Pigeon Forge parkway.

The Old Mill One of the oldest businesses in the area, The Old Mill welcomes you to Winterfest under the cascading string lights hung over the adjacent bridge.

Patriot Park The Americana themed displays at Patriot Park make up the largest collection of lights in the area.

Wonderworks You can't miss the upside-down house as you're traveling down the parkway. Wonderworks will be festively decorated and aglow with it's columns wrapped in bright red ribbons.
December

LeConte Lodge sits upon an open glade just under Mt. LeConte's summit. At an elevation of about 6400 feet, it is the highest guest lodge in the eastern US. The only way to get there is on foot (there are 5 hiking trails), as there are no roads leading directly to the lodge, but the trek through the Smokies is worth it - you'll find some of the most spectacular views in all of the park. The lodge has been around since 1925 and is actually fifteen years older than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself. The team of caretakers at the lodge operate the website and blog High On LeConte, where they provide trail information, interesting tidbits, and gorgeous photos. This photo is one of our favorites from Christmas of 2017.

Winter Hiking
During the winter, waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains create magnificent ice sculptures from the frozen rivers and streams. Leafless trees make for unobstructed views and the absence of crowds make for a peaceful experience. Bundle up and enjoy a winter hike in the Smokies. [ + Read More ]
Plan Ahead
Roads & facilities in the National Park close from time to time due to unsafe conditions & repairs. Know before you go: NPS.gov.

Waterfall Safety Tip
Look but don’t touch! Do not stand on, go beneath or try to break off the ice from frozen waterfalls. They are slippery, unstable and can be very dangerous.

Rainbow Falls in Winter
During an extended frozen spell, this 80 ft. waterfall creates an impressive and unique ice formation. Its beauty is breathtaking and creates the centerpiece for a magical winter wonderland. [ Waterfalls ]
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 → ]
Love Is In The Air
While there are many theories on the origin of Valentines Day, one thing we can all agree on is that is a time to celebrate love, friendship, and the joy of having other people in our lives. It’s a day of flowers, candy, and sharing time with those you cherish. For years, couples have flocked to the Smoky Mountains to share their love, celebrate their marriage, or rekindle their relationship. There’s something about these mountains that bring two people together.

Riverstone Resort
Sink into relaxation and retreat from the busyness of life with a tranquil couple’s massage. Let the therapists at Riverstone Spa treat your senses and rejuvenate your body.

Mountain Valley Winery
Enjoy a wine tasting at one (or all!) of the five wineries of the Smoky Mountain wine trail. Purchase a bottle to enjoy with your love on the deck of your cabin in Pigeon Forge.

Catch A View From Clingmans Dome
Grab a cup of coffee and warm up to watch the sun rise. With an elevation of 6,643 feet, it is the perfect spot to watch the day begin with the one you love.

Dinner For Two
Take your valentine on a romantic dinner date. Whether it's pizza for two or a candlelit dinner overlooking the river, just taking a moment to share time together is what Valentines is about.
Restaurants