The Smoky Mountains offer a magical winter wonderland experience during the Christmas season. From festive light displays to holiday shows, shopping, and cozy cabin stays, there are numerous ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. This comprehensive guide will explore the best winter activities, special events, and places to stay for a memorable Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation.
Best Winter Activities
Rent a Smoky Mountain Cabin for Christmas
Enjoy the snow-covered mountains from the deck of your cabin. Many cabins include fireplaces and private hot tubs for a cozy stay.
See a Christmas Show
The Smoky Mountains offer a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, including comedy shows, holiday classics, and more.
Explore Festive Light Displays
The cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg are adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Visit Dollywood for Smoky Mountain Christmas
Dollywood, a popular theme park in the Smokies, celebrates the holiday season with festive flavors, heartwarming holiday shows, and seasonal shopping amidst 6 million twinkling lights.
Go Skiing, Snow Tubing, or Ice Skating
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating.
Special Events and Festivals
Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas runs from November 4, 2023, to January 6, 2024, offering a festive celebration with holiday shows, rides, and more.
Winterfest
The Smoky Mountains’ Winterfest celebration runs from November 19, 2023, to February 18, 2024, featuring light displays, events, and activities.
Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
This festival, held from November 27, 2023, to December 3, 2023, showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople.
Fantasy of Lights Parade
The annual Fantasy of Lights Parade in Gatlinburg takes place on December 1, 2023, featuring festive floats and marching bands.
Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival
This three-day bluegrass festival, held from December 16 to 18, 2023, celebrates the holiday season with live music performances.
Best Places to Stay
The Inn at Christmas Place
This year-round Christmas-themed hotel in Pigeon Forge offers decorated rooms and suites, providing a festive atmosphere for your Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation.
Pigeon Forge TN Cabins
With over 450 cabin options ranging from 1 to 16 bedrooms, many of which are decorated for Christmas, Pigeon Forge TN Cabins offers a cozy and comfortable stay.
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort
Designed to bring the Smoky Mountains’ charm to life, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers door-to-door transportation and other amenities for a seamless holiday experience.
Additional Tips and Resources
- Book early: Cabins and accommodations fill up quickly during the holiday season, so it’s essential to plan and book your stay well in advance.
- Plan ahead: Check dates and schedules for events and festivals to ensure a smooth vacation and avoid any conflicts.
- Customize your vacation package: Contact Westgate Reservations at 1-877-288-7422 to tailor your Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation to your specific needs and preferences.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can create a truly memorable Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation, filled with festive activities, cozy accommodations, and the natural beauty of the Smokies.
References
Visit My Smokies. (2023, November 10). 17 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. Retrieved from https://www.visitmysmokies.com/blog/smoky-mountains/christmas-in-the-smoky-mountains/
Dollywood. (n.d.). Dollywood Festivals & Events | Smoky Mountain Christmas. Retrieved from https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/smoky-mountain-christmas/
Pigeon Forge TN Cabins. (n.d.). Christmas Vacation in the Smoky Mountains | Pigeon Forge TN Cabins. Retrieved from https://www.pigeonforgetncabins.com/christmas-vacation-in-the-smoky-mountains/
Southern Living. (2023, November 17). How To Spend Your Christmas In Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. Retrieved from https://www.southernliving.com/smoky-mountain-christmas-8403901
Westgate Reservations. (n.d.). 4-Day Smoky Mountain Christmas in Gatlinburg Vacation – Book Now Retrieved from https://www.westgatereservations.com/specials/christmas-vacation-gatlinburg/.