The holidays are here, and there’s plenty to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee! If you haven’t already, book the perfect cabin for the holiday season, and then check out our blog to find out what’s happening in the coming months. The community calendar is packed with Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg events in November and December, offering plenty of fun along the Parkway, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and beyond! See what’s happening in Gatlinburg in December…the most wonderful time of year!
Upcoming Holiday Events
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede | October – December
Beautiful horses, impressive stunts, dazzling costumes and twinkling lights, dueling North and South Pole elves, a live nativity, and a hearty holiday feast (also check out Dollywood for more holiday fun!)
Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights | mid-November to end of January
Climate-controlled Gatlinburg trolleys on a tour of the $1 million worth of whimsical holiday light displays throughout the Smokies, from snowmen and Santa Claus to reindeer and more
Pigeon Forge Winterfest | November 13, 2022 – February 19, 2023
Trolley Tour of Lights, shop windows decked in holiday cheer, seasonal foods, holiday festivals and events, handmade gifts at area crafts shows, and so much more
Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show | November 22 – 27, 2022
Handmade gifts from talented artists of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, including pottery, leather goods, paintings, baskets, holiday décor, quilts, etc.
Winter Magic Tunes and Tales | weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Costumed carolers along the streets, telling stories, singing carols, and bringing holiday joy
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees | dates TBD
Candy Canes & Cocktails Preview Party and Silent Auction, Christmas trees decorated for browsing (FREE), Breakfast with Santa, kids’ crafts
Fireworks at the Titanic | November 24, 2022
At 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving, fireworks light up the sky over the Titanic Museum Attraction
Titanic Christmas and Winter Celebration | December 1 – 31
Christmas decorations throughout the Titanic Museum Attraction, including glittering lights wrapped on the Grand Staircase, garland, bows, and holiday gifts in the gift shop
*Titanic Museum Attraction now allows guests to take personal photos throughout the museum!
Great Smoky Christmas Arts and Crafts Show | dates TBA
Stroll through the aisles of art by the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community to find the perfect holiday gifts, hand-carved Santas, candles, and more.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade | December 2, 2022
44th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade with marching bands, floats, balloons, holiday tunes, horses, and holiday characters – a winter wonderland!
Breakfast with Santa | date TBA
A hearty breakfast at The Old Mill – and a chance to meet and take pictures with Santa Claus
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop | December 31
Fireworks, favors, and fun at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg
A winter day on a scenic drive through Cades Cove means frozen streams, glittering snow and icicles, and a peace that only comes when winter arrives. Or you can have some fun at Ober Gatlinburg, where you can go ice skating, snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and more! Enjoy a warm, delicious meal and snow-capped mountains at Anakeesta, drive or do some winter hiking to higher elevations to find more snow or find frozen waterfalls, and get in the holiday spirit with local events in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.
The month of December has so much to do in town, but don’t forget about your cozy winter cabin! Curl up in front of the fireplace, soak in the bubbling hot tub on your deck, watch for snowfall from your living room, and enjoy relaxing in one of our cabin rentals after a day of Christmas shopping, Christmas shows, and more fun during the winter season. You can watch holiday movies, play games, and whip up delicious holiday treats!