smoky mountains

5 Fun Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains During the Holiday Season

Christmas lights in Pigeon Forge
November 23, 2020

The holiday season is a delightful time to visit the Smokies as there are many festive events and activities taking place throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! This is the perfect opportunity to get your family and friends together to share in the magic of the holidays and create some amazing new memories! Here are 5 fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains during the holiday season:

1. Experience Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood Christmas sign

One of the premier holiday events in the Smokies is Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, where the popular theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 5 million glistening lights! The event also features a variety of heartwarming Christmas shows, including Christmas in the Smokies, Heart of the Holidays and O’ Holy Night. If you are lucky enough to attend the event on a Friday or Saturday night, you will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display that unfolds in rhythm to Christmas tunes!

2. Enjoy the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration

Another one of the fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains during the holiday season is the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration! This annual event draws thousands of visitors to the Smokies to witness the twinkling lights and elaborate displays that line the Parkway from Sevierville to Gatlinburg! While driving along the Parkway through Pigeon Forge, you will be treated to a view of the 12 Days of Christmas in lights! Meanwhile, Gatlinburg features unique light displays of animals that are native to the Smokies.

3. Catch a Holiday Performance of Your Favorite Show

Hatfield and McCoy sign

Many of the theaters in Pigeon Forge offer special holiday performances that are sure to put you into the Christmas spirit! Whether you prefer country versions of holiday music, side-splitting comedy, live action or a bit of everything, you will find the perfect show for you! Some of the popular holiday shows in the Smokies include the Country Tonite Christmas Show, the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud and the Comedy Barn Christmas.

4. Play Christmas Themed Mini Golf at the Crave Golf Club

When it comes to the fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains during the holiday season, don’t miss the Candy Christmas at the Crave Golf Club! This is a chance to experience the nation’s top miniature golf course as it is decked out with nearly 100 trees, 30,000 Christmas lights and 20,000 ornaments! The one-of-a-kind candy themed course will also be decorated with garland and wreaths, so come on out to play and create a new family tradition!

5. View the Lights Over Gatlinburg

lights on the Gatlinburg Parkway

If you are a fan of holiday light displays, you won’t want to miss the Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park! This festive event features more than 40,000 lights, including a 300 foot tunnel of lights on the SkyBridge, a 30-foot Christmas tree structure with lights animated to music, and much more! The best part is that it is all included as part of your admission to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park! Come during the daytime to see the Smoky Mountain scenery, then come back at night with your same ticket to see the Lights Over Gatlinburg!

Check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to stay close to all of these fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains during the holiday season! We look forward to seeing you soon at Alpine Chalet Rentals!