Discover why winter is one of the best times to experience Pigeon Forge and the Smokies. Enjoy festive holiday events and the year-round recreation at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge. During your stay, be sure to explore the enchanting winter wonderland of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Winterfest Holiday Lights
Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville are decked out with more than 15 million lights in a 25-mile stretch during the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration from early November to mid-February.
Be sure to visit the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, which features 20 displays, some standing over 25 feet tall. The light displays on the trail are programmed to music, so you can enjoy the lights while getting into the holiday spirit!
Winterfest Area Events
Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
Unique handcrafted gifts made by Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community members at the annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The show runs from November 25, 2025, to December 7, 2025
Wonders of Light Christmas Village
Enjoy the festivities at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge with over 35 booths featuring artisans and crafters with a variety ofseasonal and gift items, including delicious holiday goodies. The village is open from early November through the end of the month. Admission is free.
Gatlinburg Christmas Parade
Gatlinburg's Annual Fantasy of Lights Parade on December 5 at 7:30 pm includes Santa Claus's arrival in Downtown Gatlinburg.
Sevierville Christmas Parade
The town's 62nd Annual Christmas Parade is December 6 at 11:00 am in Historic Downtown Sevierville.
Winterfest Attractions
Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Opens November 15
Celebrate the season at The Island with a 40-foot-high LED Christmas Tree and The Island Winterfest Fountain Show. Nightly Shows are every evening at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm. No admission fee is required for the fountain show.
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
November 1 - January 4
Dollywood is magical this time of year; make sure to include a visit to "Smoky Mountain Christmas," an award-winning festival.
Winter at Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg offers snow activities starting mid-December – skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, playing in the snow, plus plenty of things to do inside for those who prefer to stay warm!
Holiday Shows
Smoky Mountain Winterfest turns the best Pigeon Forge shows and theaters into a memorable,
seasonal experience.
Some of our favorites include:
Christmas at Dolly Parton's Stampede
Enjoy the fun and excitement of the holiday festivities and grand performances at the Christmas at Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner show.
Christmas Show at Country Tonite
The popular cast of Country Tonite performs holiday classics in a nostalgic holiday celebration that all ages will enjoy.
Comedy Barn Christmas Show
The Comedy Barn Christmas Show features Christmas music and some special Christmas acts that will bring the humor and have you laughing!
Hatfield & McCoy's Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud
Join the Hatfields and McCoys for a great night of food and entertainment as they try to set aside their differences in the spirit of the season.