11 Best Sights To See During Winterfest in the Smoky Mountains

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 2025-2026 Smoky Mountain Winterfest season is scheduled to run from Nov. 7, 2025, through Feb. 16, 2026. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy Winterfest and the holiday season around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

1. Explore the Wonders of Light Trail

The city of Pigeon Forge added to the celebration a few years ago 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 is 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.

2. Great Smoky Mountain Christmas Arts and Crafts Show

The Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts is scheduled Dec. 1 to Dec. 7, 2025, 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 37738Admission is free, but be prepared, because you will want to snag an item for a special Christmas gift.

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. 22, 2025 (you may see Santa on that day) and continue through Jan. 4, 2026. The event is located at 131 The Island Drive in Pigeon Forge.

4. Attend Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees

The Gatlinburg Festival of Trees is back for 2025 and kicks off Nov. 25. 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.

5. 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. 14, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 at the Soaky Mountain Waterpark location (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 and buy your tickets by following the website.

6. 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, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026. Save a few dollars off of the general admission price when you book with Tripster.

7. Winter Magic Tunes and Tales

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales returns in 2025 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 5 to 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays only, Nov. 28 through Dec. 20.

8. 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.

9. 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.

• Dolly Parton’s Stampede (3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
• Pirate’s Voyage (2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
• The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud (119 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
• Country Tonite (129 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
• Lumberjack Feud (2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
• Comedy Barn (2775 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)
• Christmas at Array (2135 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863)

10. Attend a Winterfest Parade

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

Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade 2025

The 48th annual Fantasy of Lights Parade is scheduled to take place on Dec. 6, 2025. The event begins at 7:30 pm at the Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway and rolls through downtown Gatlinburg.

Sevierville Christmas Parade 2025

The 63rd Sevierville Christmas Parade will take place on Dec. 6, 2025 at the Historic Downtown area at 11 am.

Townsend Christmas Parade 2025

The Townsend Christmas Parade is currently set for Dec. 7, 2025, and will run from 2:30 to 4 pm at the Townsend Visitors Center.

11. 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, 2025 and ends Jan. 4, 2026. Get tickets ahead of time with Tripster.

How do you plan to celebrate the holidays in the Smokies? Let us know in the comments!