If you’re spending Christmas in the Smokies, you’re in luck!
In our very biased opinion, it’s one of the best places to be during the holidays.
There are millions of lights to see during Winterfest, and many of the local restaurants stay open (albeit on reduced holiday hours).
If you’re looking for places to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, look no further.
We’ve compiled this handy-dandy list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, just for you.
Editor’s Note: Even though these locations are open, holiday hours may be in effect. Many of the following restaurants will be closing early during the holidays. We do our best to keep this article up to date. However, restaurants and attractions may change their plans at the last minute. Call ahead to be safe.
Do you know of a local restaurant that should be added to this list? Please contact us or comment below.
1. Applewood Farmhouse (Sevierville)
The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant serves traditional southern American comfort food. They are located at The Apple Barn on 240 Apple Valley Rd. Applewood Farmhouse will be open on Christmas Eve and by reservation-only on Christmas Day. Call (865) 428-1222 to make your Christmas reservation early if you plan on dining at this popular location over the holidays. Their sister restaurant, The Applewood Farmhouse Grill, will be open on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
2. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Gatlinburg)
Calling all seafood lovers – Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a chain restaurant located in downtown Gatlinburg.
They serve southern-style seafood and cajun creole dishes. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company plans to be open in the Smokies on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
3. Calhouns (multiple locations)
Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg locations for this popular rib, steak and BBQ joint will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
4. Casual Pint (Pigeon Forge)
You don’t always think about the Casual Pint when you think about hot lunch spots. But the Pigeon Forge location serves traditional American bar-style food and desserts alongside their famous local draft beers. The Casual Pint will be open all day on Christmas Eve and open 7-10 am for breakfast on Christmas Day.
5. Cherokee Grill
Lovers of steaks, burgers and seafood rejoice – area favorite Cherokee Grill will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day in the Smokies.
6. Chesapeake’s Seafood (Gatlinburg)
This higher-end seafood restaurant is one of Gatlinburg’s finest downtown eateries. Chesapeake’s will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Reservations are recommended.
7. Chicken Guy
If you love all things Chicken you’re in luck. Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy in downtown Gatlinburg plans to be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. However, they did note that plans are subject to change. Definitely call ahead on this one.
8. Denny’s (Pigeon Forge)
A traditional American diner, Denny’s serves breakfast, burgers and other classic staples all day, every day. Denny’s will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
9. Fannie Farkle’s (Gatlinburg)
This downtown Gatlinburg gem is a local favorite. Fannie Farkle’s is one of the original area attractions and eateries having opened in 1981. They are famous for their carnival-style atmosphere and “Ogle Dog Corndogs”. Fannie Farkle’s plans to be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Read Also: Fannie Farkle’s in Gatlinburg: The secret to a successful 40 years
10. Feaster’s on Teaster’s (Pigeon Forge)
Another popular local spot, Feaster’s on Teaster’s is famous for their steaks and tacos. They are located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Feaster’s on Teaster’s will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
11. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen (Sevierville)
If you love southern food in a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Five Oaks Farm Kitchen. This restaurant serves breakfast and brunch daily as well as traditional southern American staples. They are located across from Tanger Outlets in Sevierville. Five Oaks Farm Kitchen will be open until 4 pm on Christmas Eve and 7 pm on Christmas Day.
Read Also: Five Oaks Farm Kitchen review: An honest opinion from a local (with pics)
12. Fort Worth Texas Kitchen (Sevierville)
A newcomer to the foodie scene in the Smokies, Fort Worth Texas Kitchen serves Tex-Mex style fare. Fort Worth Texas Kitchen will be open all day on Christmas Eve and from 4 pm to 9 pm on Christmas Day.
13. Hard Rock Cafe (Pigeon Forge)
A popular chain, Hard Rock Cafe serves American staples in huge portion sizes. They are popular for their rock/country music-themed atmosphere and live music. Hard Rock Cafe will be open from 12-6 pm on Christmas Eve and from 2:30-10 pm on Christmas Day.
14. IHOP (multiple locations)
The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is another popular breakfast chain with multiple locations across the country and in the Smokies. Most of IHOP’s locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
15. Joe’s Crab Shack (Sevierville)
This is another good one for seafood lovers. Joe’s Crab Shack is a seafood restaurant chain located in Sevierville, TN. Joe’s Crab Shack is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Select locations will be even be offering special Christmas ham dinners and festive to-go meals for catering.
16. J T Hannah’s (Pigeon Forge)
Serving traditional American food and steaks, J T Hannah’s Kitchen is located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. J T Hannah’s will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but they will only be open from 2 pm-9 pm on Christmas Day.
17. Loco Burro (Gatlinburg)
This popular Tex-Mex style restaurant is popular for their prime location and rooftop patio in downtown Gatlinburg. But be warned, in the colder months, the patio may be closed. Loco Burro is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, they will be observing limited hours from 2 pm-9 pm.
18. No Way Jose’s (Gatlinburg)
A local chain, No Way Jose’s Cantina serves Tex Mex style cuisine. No Way Jose’s plans to be open this year on both Christmas Eve (from 11 am-9 pm) and Christmas Day (from 11 am-10 pm).
19. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (Pigeon Forge)
This restaurant is arguably one of, if not the, most popular holiday spot for a late lunch or dinner. They serve southern family-style meals and sharable plates. They are conveniently located at The Island in Pigeon Forge. On both days they plan to be open until 8 pm, but they recommend showing up no later than 4 pm due to expected wait times of three hours or more. Also note, they open late on Christmas Day at 2 pm. They do not accept reservations. May the odds be in your favor.
Read Also: Unpopular Opinion: A review of Paula Deen’s Restaurant in Pigeon Forge: ‘Just OK’
20. Shoney’s (multiple locations)
This classic chain is quite popular in the south with multiple locations in the Smokies. Multiple Shoney’s locations across the country will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
21. Smith & Son’s Corner Kitchen (Gatlinburg)
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, Smith & Son’s Corner Kitchen is known for their chicken wings, pulled pork, meatloaf and sandwiches. Smith & Son’s will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas, they will be operating on reduced hours, 2 pm-9 pm.
22. Smoky Mountain Brewery (multiple locations)
The Smoky Mountain Brewery has multiple locations in the Smokies. They offer American-style cuisine including burgers and pizza with a side of local craft brews and live music. At the time of this writing, both their Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg locations plan to be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
23. Waffle House (multiple locations)
And finally, we have the tried and true staple – Waffle House. When all else fails, Waffle House is open 365 days per year. Waffle House has multiple locations throughout the area. And of course, they will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Did we leave anything off the list? Let us know in the comments below.
