Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge keep expanding their lineup of Christmas and Holiday events. This year is no different! We have a list of some of your traditional favorites and some that are new this year.
Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
This show starts on November 22 and runs through November 27 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Admission is free and gets you in front of local vendors from the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. If you miss that event, there is also a Christmas Craft Show from November 28 through December 4, also held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
This unique parade starts at 7:30 p.m. with floats, marching bands, horses, balloons, and the man of the hour — Santa Claus himself! The parade will kick off at the Baskins Creek Bypass and finish at Light #10. This parade draws in a large crowd, so if you plan to come, get there early to secure a spot.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
Join the town at the Space Needle for a night of excitement and entertainment, beginning at 9:15 p.m. Enjoy free live concerts, followed by a ball drop with coordinated LED lights and music and a fireworks show. In its 33rd year, this is one of the largest New Year’s Eve events organized in the whole country!
Pigeon Forge
Candy Christmas at Crave Golf Club
Join Crave Golf Club for their annual Christmas celebration! They will transform their facility into a winter wonderland filled with almost 100 Christmas trees and 30,000 lights, garlands, wreaths, and plenty of candy canes. Santa will also be in town for pictures.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Island
This year on November 19, the grand tree at the Island won’t have the only star to light up your day. You’ll also get to enjoy the bright lights of choreographed 40-foot LED trees, new this year. If you miss the 6pm lighting ceremony, don’t despair. You can enjoy Winterfest at the Island until January 5th!
Winterfest
From November 13 through February 19, you can view over 5 million lights as you drive through a brilliantly lit Pigeon Forge as part of the driving tour. Check out the driving map and plan to be amazed! This light show takes about two months to completely set up. After viewing the magical lights, take time to enjoy one of the festival’s special events, including unique shows and entertainment that captures the magic of the season.
Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies Music Festival
Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, this multi-day festival promoted by Lorraine Jordan and Caroline Road begins November 17 and concludes November 19. There will be several bands playing every day, with shopping and food in the mix!
Santa Hustle Smokies 5K and Half Marathon
Race or watch at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort (just north of Pigeon Forge) and Waterpark on December 11. Every participant will receive a Santa hat and beard, hoodie, and finisher medal. With all the Santa’s running, you’re sure to hear a jolly “ho, ho, ho” at some point! For this year’s event, Santa Hustle has partnered with House of Hope to give back to the community in this season of charity.
Thanks for reading the highlights from this year’s holiday season. We can wait to raft with you next year!
