Grab your festive sweater, pull out the hot cocoa, and get ready for the Christmas season in the Smokies! Kicking off in early November, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge light up the area as part of Winterfest. Dollywood is decked out for Christmas, and attractions start putting on their Christmas shows.
Sevierville
In Sevierville, the over 15 million holiday lights are turned on for Winterfest from November 11, 2022– February 20, 2023. Admire the view, stretched over 25 miles, and then enjoy festive shopping and holiday shows. Don’t miss special events like Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium (featuring a 1.5 mile drive through coordinated LED lights) and Dollywood’s many Christmas performances.
Gatlinburg
Winter Magic starts on November 10, 2022, alongside the annual Chili Cookoff (chili sampling tickets are $15). Experience free live entertainment throughout the event, before being awed by the lightning ceremony. Winter Magic lights usually stay lit into February, so you’ll have plenty of time to visit during this magical season.
Pigeon Forge
The lights of Winterfest brighten Pigeon Forge from November 10, 2022 – February 19, 2023. Dollywood is aglow with over four million lights across the 150-acre park during their Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration, which starts November 5, 2022 (running through New Year’s Day). Dollywood also features an array of performances, including “O Holy Night” on stage at the Valley Theater. Other areas come to life like Heart of the Holidays and Candlelight Carolers. Musical acts get into the holiday spirit with Christmas hymns, songs, traditional classics, and more.
Dinner show and theater attractions in Pigeon Forge also switch over their repertoire to feature special holiday shows, and they decorate accordingly. The Smoky Mountain Opry offers a special Christmas show with reindeer, dancing elves, lights, and flying sugar plum fairies. Dixie Stampede changes up their area into a magical fantasy with evergreens and poinsettias, and the riders are decked out in holiday attire as the North and South Pole have a friendly competition. The Smoky Mountain Adventures offers a challenge to its lumber camps to see which can supply the best Christmas trees.
Keep checking the Rafting in the Smokies blog area for more fun things you can do in the Smokies between and during rafting seasons!
