{"id":6172,"date":"2022-11-18T08:58:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-18T13:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/?p=6172"},"modified":"2026-04-28T11:12:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:12:22","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-christmas-in-gatlinburg-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/attractions\/the-dos-and-donts-of-christmas-in-gatlinburg-2.htm","title":{"rendered":"Christmas in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CELEBRATING, SHOPPING, EATING & LODGING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sipping hot cocoa with snow-capped mountain scenes, celebrating the season at dazzling parades and fun Christmas festivals, enjoying holiday shows, gift shopping for yourself and loved ones, whipping up sweet treats at your cabin, and unwrapping presents together by a crackling fireplace \u2014 Christmastime in the wintry Great Smoky Mountains<\/a> is always memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are filled to the brim with holly jolly events, attractions are decked out for the holiday season, and special Christmas performances are at every theater. Best of all, cozy cabin rentals<\/a> of all shapes and sizes abound with decorations, crackling fireplaces, homemade goodies, and a heartwarming atmosphere. If you\u2019re interested in spending time for Christmas in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, our list of festive DOs and DON\u2019Ts<\/em> will help you plan the perfect holiday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON\u2019T MISS OUT ON HOLIDAY EVENTS!<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dazzling holiday lights adorn the streets, the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains surround you, and there\u2019s a chance snowflakes will fall at any moment \u2014 when you spend Christmas in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. With the spirit of Christmas on their side, these 2 mountain towns pack the calendar with holiday events that feature 1,000s of decorations, festive parades, exciting fireworks, cheerful caroling, local crafts, and Santa Claus! Some of our favorite events are listed below, and be sure to check our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge events page<\/a> before your trip so you don\u2019t miss out on any festivities while you\u2019re in town!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff | Nov 10<\/strong>
Kicking off Smoky Mountain Winterfest and the start of the holiday season at the Anakeesta Plaza, this chili cookoff in Gatlinburg offers some of the best flavors around that pair well with free live music and the kickoff for Gatlinburg Winterfest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Smoky Mountain Winterfest | Nov 10, 2022 – Feb 19, 2023<\/strong>
The area\u2019s largest winter event, Smoky Mountain Winterfest<\/a> involves Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville! It encompasses everything wintry, from shows and events to decorations and holiday fun. Smoky Mountain Winterfest just keeps getting better, with the celebrations adding more lights, music, and attractions each year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Winterfest<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show | Nov 28 \u2013 Dec 4<\/strong>
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will host its annual Christmas show \u2014 displaying their skilled craftsmanship and offering one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays \u2014 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Admission is FREE, and as guests browse, they can watch many of the craftsmen and artisans at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade | Dec <\/strong>2
Grab a warm cup of hot chocolate and head to the streets of Gatlinburg for a magical Christmas parade along the Parkway \u2014 featuring 100s of parade floats, marching bands, performers, giant helium balloons, decorative lights, North Pole characters, and musical productions! Upwards of 80,000 spectators usually attend, so get there early for a good spot. And the parade lasts about 1\u00bd hours, so be sure to bundle up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival | Nov 17-19<\/strong><\/strong>
Come see the country\u2019s most talented bluegrass bands and musicians packed into one harmonious musical festival at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. This bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies<\/a> will warm your heart during the most magical time of the year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 New Year\u2019s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks | Dec 31<\/strong>
Sending off the year in style, this annual New Year\u2019s Eve event will count down a ball drop and shoot brilliant fireworks at the intersection of the Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Plus, there are refreshments and live music to enjoy while you wait for the big moment. This event is FREE, so make plans to ring in the new year with family and friends in downtown Gatlinburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"New<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales | Nov 25 \u2013 Dec 17<\/strong>
Throughout the weekends of December in Gatlinburg<\/a>, visitors and locals can enjoy a classic Christmas experience with Tunes and Tales along the sparkling Parkway. North Pole characters \u2014 including Santa Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph \u2014 talented musicians, Christmas carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes, and passionate storytellers pour into the streets of downtown Gatlinburg to celebrate the most wonderful time of year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights | Nov 10, 2022 \u2013 Feb 19, 2023<\/strong>
Experience Gatlinburg\u2019s incredible Winter Magic tour of lights \u2014 featuring state-of-the-art custom designs and twinkling lights \u2014 in an enclosed, heated trolley that embarks nightly, drifting through the magical winter wonderland<\/a> of Christmas lights in downtown Gatlinburg and along Hwy 321. Or opt for a driving tour in your own vehicle, venturing into Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for even more festive light displays!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DO CHECK OUT FESTIVE ATTRACTIONS & CHRISTMAS SHOWS!<\/strong>
Local Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions<\/a> decorate for the season and feature Christmastime activities while area shows put on special seasonal performances filled with holiday cheer! Check out some below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 <\/strong>Dollywood\u2019s Smoky Mountain Christmas<\/strong><\/a>
During the holidays, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge hosts its own Smoky Mountain Christmas extravaganza! With 5+ million lights blanketing the theme park and holiday decorations among all the usual exciting rides, it\u2019s one of the most incredible displays of Christmas in the Smokies. Don\u2019t forget to hop on the festive Dollywood Express train, visit Glacier Ridge, and watch the magical fireworks show!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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