Get a Little Wild With Your Smoky Mountain Christmas

Christmas at a Water Park? Wilderness at the Smokies offers a plethora of holiday happenings

Many years ago, a young Hoosier in the wilds of Northern Indiana, I knew how to ice skate pretty well. I was never graceful at it, in fact, I was a plow horse on the ice. But I could get around, play a little hockey and operate on the ice without have to cling to the guard rail. Those days are long since passed.

Today, when we have a family ice skating outing – I like to expose my southern kids to their family’s northern roots – I’m firmly in the observe and report category. I watch as they relearn to navigate on the ice, clinging to the rail and occasionally daring to dart out away from safety.

But we are creatures of habit. Our Smoky Mountain Christmas traditions are rooted in the places we have gone to in the past. Dollywood. Ober Mountain. Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show which used to be at Smokies Ballpark.

Which brings us to Wilderness at the Smokies – The year round water resort has also become the new home to Shadrack’s as well as a bevy of winter and holiday activities.

If you’re like us, a little rooted in your holiday ways, maybe it’s time to break the routine and get a little wild this holiday season.

Ice skating at a water park?

It makes sense, really. It’s an effective use of space. Each winter, Wilderness at the Smokies turns 3,200 square feet of its outdoor wave pool into an ice skating rink. This year, (2025) it opens Nov. 7-9 and begins daily operation on Nov. 14. The rink stays open through Jan. 4 and make a weekend return Jan. 9-11.

Though I can’t/won’t partake anymore, there are few things that put me in the holiday mood more than being back around a rink. Watching those who know what they’re doing slice their way through, and watching learners try to figure it out, and occasionally stifling a laugh.

The rink is included with all stays at Stone Hill Lodge and in villas or cabins. But tickets are also available for the day, allowing guests to get the full holiday experience which is bolstered by holiday lights, hot cocoa, s’mores and somewhat less traditionally, the Tacolicious Taco Truck.

The rink is open for all manner of events as well, including DJ Dance and Glo nights, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The events feature a DJ and themed glow lighting to give a little ice disco feel – though to be clear, the DJ isn’t necessarily playing disco music. There will be a special version of this event on New Year’s Eve.

Santa will be making appearances at the rink for photo sessions throughout the season. You can check the schedule here.

Other rink events include shows by professional skaters from the Ice Chalet in Knoxville and youth skates where youngsters can come and learn how to skate.

What about Shadrack’s?

For years, Shadrack’s was a staple of the holiday season in the Smokies. Located at the baseball park in Kodak, the long lines for the drive-thru holiday lights attraction would booger up traffic something fierce. Now, that it has moved to Soaky Mountain – across the street from the Wilderness Resort – it’s better than ever.

In 2025, the show will be from Nov. 14 through Jan. 4, from 6-10 p.m. in its parking lot. Afterwards driving through the light display, families can visit Snowy Mountain Village inside the Soaky Mountain Waterpark. The village feature holiday inflatables, seasonal lights, Christmas trees and fire pits. Plus, there will be loads of fun for all ages including holiday crafts for kids, an Elfie photo op experience, food, desserts and visits with Santa on some nights.

Are there other Christmas events at the resort?

Yep. There’s Santa’s Workshop with treats and a station to mail letters to Santa as well as games and other activities. The Jolly Old Elf himself and his wife will make appearances.

What if we want to spend Christmas at the resort?

The resort will host its annual Christmas buffet from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 25. It features a full salad table with a variety of fruit, peel and eat shrimp, potato soup and chicken and dumplings. The carving station will feature: Slow Roasted Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin and Herb Crusted Prime Rib with Fresh Rosemary Jus, Cranberry Sauce and Creamed Horseradish.

The Entrée Table will include Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze; Bering Sea Crab Cakes with Remoulade; Smoked Turkey Breast with Giblet Gravy; Fried Okra; Honey Glazed Baby Carrots; Cornbread Dressing; Sweet Potato Soufflé; Sweet Yellow Buttered Corn; Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes; Macaroni and Cheese; and Dinner Rolls.

The Children’s Buffet includes Chicken Nuggets, Mini Corn Dogs, and Potato Smiles.

The price is very reasonable at $35.99 for adults $14.99 for kids 7 to 11, and $9.99 for kids 4 to 6.

Are the regular resort amenities available during the holiday season?

Sure. While the outdoor park is closed, Wilderness’ indoor water park, the Wild Water Dome, will be going full bore. If you get a little chilly at the ice rink, you can come in and warm up with the water coasters, lazy river, surf rider and more. The resort also has the Wilderness Adventure Forest which features a variety of non-water related activities including the indoor coaster, mini-golf course, bowling alley, climbing wall and more.

Wilderness at the Smokies is located at 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy in Sevierville. The events on the website can be found here.

Have you tried Wilderness at the Smokies in winter? Let us know in the comments and on the socials!