12 Best Sights To See During Winterfest in the Smoky Mountains

overhead tunnel of christmas lights

Shadrack's is now at Soaky Mountain (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

Local lists favorite Winterfest activities in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg

The Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration is Sevier County’s annual cities-wide festival that takes place during the holidays. Also, here’s a fun fact: Did you know that the tradition began in 1989 to boost the slower winter tourism months in Sevier County? As a local, I’ve seen first-hand what a success it has been. But of course, the popularity of Winterfest also means you can expect to see many taillights as well.

The 2023-2024 Smoky Mountain Winterfest season is scheduled to run from Nov. 7, 2024, through Feb. 16, 2025. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy Winterfest and the holiday season around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

arch of lights over walkway
A bridge on the Wonders of Light Walking Trail (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

1. Explore the Wonders of Light trail

The city of Pigeon Forge has a relatively new addition to the celebration with the Wonders of Light Walking Trail. I love this option because it’s free and family-friendly! The trail features the scenic Riverwalk Nature Trail, a paved walking trail that is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, but remember that pets must be on leashes. The six-mile out-and-back trail has several access points. During Winterfest, the trail will also be covered in lights featuring walk-thru arches and scenes inspired by nature. It can be accessed from the city’s Municipal Parking Lot, between the LeConte Center and The Island. The pathway continues to the intersection of Old Mill Avenue and Butler Street, near the Old Mill Historic Square.

The Gatlinburg Convention Center
The Gatlinburg Convention Center (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

2. Great Smoky Mountain Christmas Arts and Crafts Show

The Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts is scheduled Dec 2 to Dec. 8, 2024, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visitors will find unique handmade goods that are displayed and sold by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The group is also the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans.

Here you will find stunning quilts, straw brooms with hand-carved handles, woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, jewelry, Victorian ceramic pitchers and pottery, dulcimers, stuffed bears, leather vests, and so much more.

This event is held each year along with several other seasonal shows at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 The hours are Tues. to Sat. 10 am to 5 pm and 10 am to 4 pm on Sun. Admission is free, but be prepared, because you will want to snag an item for a special Christmas gift.

the island in pigeon forge at christmas time
Santa always makes a few appearances at The Island in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

3. Winterfest at the Island in Pigeon Forge

Want to get into the spirit by viewing millions of lights, custom decorations and over a mile of garland? If so, don’t miss Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Relax by one of the region’s most spectacular music-choreographed Christmas trees, enjoy some rides and also good food. Santa is sure to be available for photos as well. The Island will celebrate the holidays starting Nov. 16, 2024, and continue through Jan. 5, 2025, and is located at 131 The Island Drive in Pigeon Forge.

row of trees inside hotel decorated for christmas
The proceeds from the Festival of Trees event benefit a good cause (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

4. Attend Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees

The Gatlinburg Festival of Trees is back for 2024. The Festival will be open from 10 am to 7 pm Wed. Nov. 27 through Sat., Nov. 30th, and on Sun., Dec. 1 from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation. So it’s certainly supporting a great cause.

I love to look at the creative trees and wreaths, also available for sale. The event will be held at the W.L. Mills Conference Center. Parking is located at the city parking lot on Reagan Drive.

Holiday Handcrafters Festival will be at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, TN (photo courtesy of the Heritage Center)

5. Holiday Handcrafters Festival 

Mark your calendars for Nov. 16 for the annual Holiday Handcrafters Festival in Townsend. This yearly event is about so much more than shopping, it’s an area holiday tradition that will bring your family into the feels of the Christmas season.

The organizers of this year’s festival promise that this event is the biggest one yet and there will be more than 30 local artisans from the Smoky Mountain Region and beyond. Are you looking for a gift that will be unique for your friend or loved one? There won’t be a single mass-produced item in sight!

The fair itself has free admission, but don’t arrive without your wallet. You will want to purchase at least one of the items offered. The event is held at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, located at 123 Cromwell Dr, in Townsend.

christmas display of lights
Shadrack’s has a new location (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

6. Enjoy the lights at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Shadrack’s is a drive-through light display, taking place from 6 pm until 10 pm nightly from Nov 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, at the Soaky Mountain Waterpark (175 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876). Tickets must be purchased in advance, and spots are limited. I always strongly advise you to get tickets early. Learn more about the show by following the website.

christmas wreath anakeesta sign at night
Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas will feature thousands of lights and special holiday treats (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)

7. Visit Anakeesta for Enchanted Christmas

I love taking my family to Anakeesta this time of year to enjoy music, Christmas trees, fire pits and a stroll through Artic Alley and the TreeTop Skywalk at night at Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas celebration. Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. This year’s dates are listed as Nov 15, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024. Save a few dollars off of the general admission price when you book with Tripster.

performers in gatlinburg during tunes and tales
Tunes and Tales performers entertaining visitors (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)

8. Winter Magic Tunes and Tales

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales returns in 2024 to entertain Gatlinburg visitors. Tunes & Tales is a street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers, dancers, and storytellers portraying characters from periods as far back as the 1800s. Performances will be from 6 to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 29, 2024, to Dec. 21, 2024.

gatlinburg skybridge with christmas lights
The famous SkyBridge at SkyPark is truly magical this time of year (media photo courtesy of SkyLift Park)

9. Check out the Lights over Gatlinburg at SkyPark

Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and celebrate the holidays at Gatlinburg SkyPark, home of the famous SkyBridge. Each winter, SkyPark lights up the night sky with thousands of holiday lights, decorations and spectacular views. This year, SkyPark promises even more lights that will brighten your winter evenings. I think it’s truly one of the best ways to see the lights in Gatlinburg. SkyPark is located at 765 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN.

the pirates voyage christmas cast
Even the pirates get a little festive at Pirate’s Voyage in Pigeon Forge, TN (photo courtesy of Pirates Voyage)

10. Attend an area Christmas show

Area shows also get into the spirit of Christmas with a variety of holiday-themed performances at theaters throughout November and December. The Comedy Barn (an area favorite), Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirate’s Voyage, The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, Country Tonite, Christmas at Array and Lumberjack Feud offer Christmas-themed shows this time of year. Addresses for each can be found below.

santa in patriotic outfit during parade
Christmas parades are also returning this year as part of the Winterfest celebration (archive photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com)

11. Attend a Winterfest parade

There will also be a variety of parades taking place throughout the season.

Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade 2024

The 48th annual Fantasy of Lights Parade is scheduled to take place on Dec. 6, 2024. The event begins at 7:30 pm at the Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway and rolls through downtown Gatlinburg.

Sevierville Christmas Parade 2024

The 61st Sevierville Christmas Parade will take place on Dec. 7, 2024 at the Historic Downtown area at 11 am.

Townsend Christmas Parade 2024

The Townsend Christmas Parade is currently set for Dec. 1, 2024, and will run from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Townsend Visitors Center.

dollywood christmas tree at night with snow falling around guests
Dollywood is one of the most special places to visit in the Smokies over the holiday season (media photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood)

12. Check out Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration

And of course, perhaps my absolute favorite Winterfest event is Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Dollywood’s Christmas celebration features millions of lights, holiday-themed shows and seasonal culinary treats. The festival begins Nov. 1, 2024 and ends Jan. 5, 2025. Get tickets ahead of time with Tripster.

Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains? Be sure to check out our coupons page for area promos.

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10 thoughts on “12 Best Sights To See During Winterfest in the Smoky Mountains”

  1. So excited to be going for the first time this year! Don’t forget the incredible Christmas Place! Also the Trolley Ride of Lights!

    Reply
    • Hey Ali! We agree! But just a note – the Trolley Lights tour has been cancelled this year due to health and safety concerns.

      Reply
  2. Where and what is the Christmas place? Ty! We will be going December 18-23 with our 3 year old granddaughter and all the family. Suggestions plz for our granddaughter to enjoy. Ty!!

    Reply
    • Hi Britt, The Christmas Place is a large Christmas store in Pigeon Forge! (2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge). They have several trees, novelty items and more. Santa usually makes a visit as well during select hours 🙂 Hope you enjoy visiting with your granddaughter!

      Reply
  3. Pigeon Forge is absolutely beautiful at Christmas. First time I was like a kid hanging out the window. I didn’t want to leave. We reserved a beautiful cabin for the week just miles from the activities. I love you got a little bit of country living and few miles from the fun. Enjoy.

    Reply
    • Hi Jill!

      SkyLift Park is dog friendly, and so is The Island (but individual shops will vary). Dollywood offers Doggywood for boarding if that helps as well. 🙂

      Reply

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