When the leaves have fallen and the air turns crisp, it’s time for Smoky Mountain Winterfest to make the mountains sparkle. Winterfest will be here before you know it! It’s time to start planning for one of the most beautiful times of year in the Smoky Mountains. You don’t want to miss the gorgeous holiday light displays, trolley tours, parades, and Christmas shows happening from November through February. Have you reserved a place to stay for Pigeon Forge Winterfest this year?
Winterfest Kickoff
Fri, Nov 13, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Winterfest gives Pigeon Forge new life from late November through the end of January. It is one of the most popular times of year for visitors to the area, and the kickoff event is one you don’t want to miss. This annual celebration brings 5 million twinkling lights and more to the Pigeon Forge parkway and beyond.
Winterfest Kickoff
When The Lights Come On
November 6, 2026 through January 31, 2027
This year, the lights in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville will begin in early November. Once the lights are turned on, the area will become a beautiful winter wonderland that will take your breath away. In addition to the lights, Winterfest kicks off with events such as the The Island tree lighting.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Lights
Get In The Spirit
It’s not just Pigeon Forge that celebrates: the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff is an iconic annual kickoff event for Gatlinburg Winter Magic, and the entire Smoky Mountains area celebrates with different events, special light displays, holiday parades and more. Check out the official Pigeon Forge Winterfest events calendar to get started planning your holiday adventures.
Winterfest Event CalendarWinterfest Events for 2026
1644 Old Newport Hwy
Christmas Never Ends Drive-Thru Light Show
November 1, 2026 through January 17, 2027
Discover the enchanting spirit of Christmas from the comfort of your vehicle as you glide past shimmering lights and captivating displays. This charming, family-friendly attraction is perfect for all...
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Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
November 5, 2026 through February 15, 2027
Gatlinburg Winter Magic is one of the most beloved seasonal traditions in the Smoky Mountains, illuminating the city with millions of sparkling LED lights and artistic holiday displays. Now celebratin...
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Tanger Outlets
Tree Lighting at Tanger Outlets
Friday, November 6, 2026
Kickoff Winterfest in Sevierville with the annual tree lighting at Tanger Outlets. This event marks the moment with everything shifts from autumn tones to full holiday sparkle. More information to com...
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The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour
Redneck Comedy Bus Christmas Lights Tour
November 6 through December 30, 2026
Join the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour on their Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights Tour this holiday season in Pigeon Forge. Beware of merry rednecks and drunken reindeer aboard this fun-filled festive adventu...
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Smoky Mountain Area
Winterfest Lights In Pigeon Forge
November 6, 2026 through January 31, 2027
Draped in more than 12 million lights, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg create a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy during the annual Winterfest celebration. The lights of Winterfest sh...
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Dollywood
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027
Experience the magic of Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, hailed as America's Best Christmas Event for more than a decade. Gather your family for a festive adventure with over six million twinklin...
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Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gatlinburg's Annual Chili Cook-off and Winter Magic Celebration returns November 12, 2026 on the Parkway between the Mountain Mall and Gatlinburg Sky Park in Downtown Gatlinburg Celebrate the start of...
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Patriot Park
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff 2026
Fri, Nov 13, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Pigeon Forge's annual Winterfest Kickoff Celebration returns this year at Patriot Park in the heart of Pigeon Forge, TN. Festivities begin at 3:00 PM and include free, family-friendly entertainment, s...
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Patriot Park
Winterfest Christmas Village
November 13 through 15, 2026
The Winterfest Christmas Village takes place on select days during the month of November. The event will feature dozens of booths featuring artisans and crafters selling all kinds of fun, seasonal ite...
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Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland has moved 8 miles south to its new home at Soaky Mountain Waterpark. This beloved drive-thru light show has become a favorite family tradition for many, and this year i...
Event Details →Patriot Park
Winterfest Christmas Village
November 21 through 29, 2026
The Winterfest Christmas Village takes place on select days during the month of November. The event will feature dozens of booths featuring artisans and crafters selling all kinds of fun, seasonal ite...
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The Island
The Island Tree Lighting
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 • 5:00 pm
Millions of lights. Custom decorations. More than a mile of garland. Endless entertainment. Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is unlike any experience in the Smokies with millions of lights, ou...
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The Island
Santa Visit & Photos at The Island
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 • 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Visit Santa Claus at The Island to share your Christmas wishes and take unforgettable photos. Available on select days, celebrate this magical holiday tradition here in the Smoky Mountains with your f...
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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 →The Island
Santa Visit & Photos at The Island
Nov 27 through 28, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Visit Santa Claus at The Island to share your Christmas wishes and take unforgettable photos. Available on select days, celebrate this magical holiday tradition here in the Smoky Mountains with your f...
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Sevier County Courthouse
Christmas At The Courthouse
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Downtown Sevierville offers plenty of holiday merriment the first weekend of December. Enjoy an old-fashioned tree lighting at the Sevier County Courthouse complete with children's crafts, photos with...
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Downtown Gatlinburg
Fantasy Of Lights Christmas Parade
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 • 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Gatlinburg's annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Gatlinburg in celebration of the holiday season and the arrival of the man in the red suit himself, Santa Claus. The e...
Event Details →The Island
Santa Visit & Photos at The Island
Dec 4 through 5, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Visit Santa Claus at The Island to share your Christmas wishes and take unforgettable photos. Available on select days, celebrate this magical holiday tradition here in the Smoky Mountains with your f...
Event Details →
Sevierville
Sevierville Christmas Parade
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 • 11:00 am
Be part of Sevierville's 64th annual Christmas Parade. The parade steps off on Saturday, December 5 at 11 am from the parking lot of First Baptist Church Sevierville. The parade will follow its tradit...
Event Details →The Island
Santa Visit & Photos at The Island
Dec 11 through 12, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Visit Santa Claus at The Island to share your Christmas wishes and take unforgettable photos. Available on select days, celebrate this magical holiday tradition here in the Smoky Mountains with your f...
Event Details →The Island
Santa Visit & Photos at The Island
Dec 18 through 19, 2026 • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Visit Santa Claus at The Island to share your Christmas wishes and take unforgettable photos. Available on select days, celebrate this magical holiday tradition here in the Smoky Mountains with your f...
Event Details →
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks
Dec 31, 2026 through Jan 1, 2027 • 9:30 pm - 12:30 am
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will welcome 2027 in unforgettable style with its annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle (traffic light #8) on Thursday, Dec...
Event Details →For more events in the area, be sure to check our our full Smoky Mountain events calendar.
All of Pigeon Forge puts on her finest sequins to make Winterfest glow. Many of our favorite Pigeon Forge landmarks get in on the Winterfest celebration.
- Pigeon Forge Titanic Museum transforms into a turn of the century winter wonderland with Edwardian grace and more.
- The Old Mill Square plays into its historical significance by putting up a light display featuring a covered bridge made of thousands of twinkling lights.
- The Gatlinburg Space Needle turns into a vantage point, not just for amazing mountain views, but for special holiday views as you can see Winterfest lights from Sevierville to Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg from the bird’s-eye perch.
If you’re ready for twinkling lights, celebratory parades, cozy tours and special holiday events, you’re ready for Winterfest in Pigeon Forge. Explore Pigeon Forge Winterfest and start planning your Smoky Mountain vacation today!
