It’s the most wonderful time of year! Where will you be spending your Christmas? A mountain Christmas can’t be beaten if you want a magical holiday full of sparkling lights, festive food, and top-notch entertainment! Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is the perfect Christmas destination. Check out the many festive options the Smoky Mountains offer this Christmas!
Key Takeaways:
- Winterfest is an exciting and free way to get into the holiday spirit in Pigeon Forge.
- The top Pigeon Forge attractions, such as Dollywood and the Titanic Museum, go all-out to provide festive cheer.
- Pigeon Forge dinner shows are a great way to enjoy high-quality, Christmas-themed entertainment!
- Holiday shopping in Pigeon Forge is a cinch with spots like Old Mill Square.
The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration
Winterfest is the perfect place to experience the magic of the Smoky Mountains holiday season. The festival also involves the neighboring towns of Gatlinburg and Sevierville and runs from November 9, 2023, to February 18, 2024. Below are some Winterfest highlights that make it a must-see during your Pigeon Forge Christmas celebration!
Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
Gather your loved ones, grab a coat, and prepare to slow down and savor the magical sights of the season with the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail. It’s a free outdoor lights experience that includes 25 larger-than-life light displays. Watch for the giant ice fountain, the 52-foot-long caterpillar, and other massive twinkling displays. The trail is flat, paved, wheelchair accessible, and pet-friendly, so you can experience the Christmas fun with everyone in your family. Winterfest lights are sure to delight everyone!
Holiday Season Attractions
A visit to Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be complete without time spent at the local attractions, and at Christmas, many exhibits go out of their way to share the holiday spirit. Whether you’re thrilled by theme parks, inspired by museums, or fired up by some mini-golf, Pigeon Forge offers festive fun for everyone in your group.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Dollywood knows a thing or two about celebrating in style, and the park outdoes itself every Christmas! Enjoy the fast-paced rides, take a break with one of the several holiday-themed shows, and stroll through millions of twinkling light displays. A new addition in 2023 is the nightly Christmas Drone Show, which features hundreds of illuminated drones in a choreographed show set to holiday tunes. You can take pictures with Santa, indulge in the park’s special Christmas menu, and enjoy outdoor festive musical performances. You’re sure to leave the Dollywood park feeling like it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas at the Titanic Museum
Step back in time and experience a glimmering Edwardian Christmas at the Titanic Museum, which puts on its Christmas celebration between November 4th and December 31st. In addition to exploring the museum and seeing its collection of over 400 authentic Titanic artifacts, you’ll experience a stunningly decorated Grand Staircase, limited edition red teddy bears, a special Christmas gift shop, and hundreds of garlands, wreaths, and other festive holiday touches. Avoid the lines and reserve tickets online for your Titanic Christmas!
Christmas at Crave Golf
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Christmas at Crave Golf is the place for you! Candy Christmas transforms the mini-golf course into a winter wonderland with almost 100 trees, 20,000 ornaments, and 30,000 Christmas lights. You can get your free photo taken with Santa or the Grouch on select dates, and don’t forget to grab a candy cane before you leave!
Dining and Entertainment in Pigeon Forge
If you prefer a slower-paced mountain Christmas celebration or need a break from roller coasters and games of mini-golf, Pigeon Forge has plenty to offer you, too. Relax with a delicious holiday meal or show at one of several Pigeon Forge venues pulling out all the stops this Christmas!
Christmas Shows at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Enjoy an indulgent four-course holiday feast while experiencing the Stampede’s special Christmas Show. The arena transforms into a festive wonderland for a performance that includes elves, Santa, and the Stampede’s magnificent horses. Don’t miss the live nativity, either! The Christmas Show opens November 1st and ends January 5th, giving you plenty of time to see the Pigeon Forge show for yourself.
‘Tis the Season at Grand Majestic Theater
It’s the best time of year at the Grand Majestic Theater! Sit back in your seat and enjoy a performance of holiday classics ranging from Gospel hymns to Elvis hits and everything in between. You won’t want to miss the beloved Classic Christmas Sing-Along as well! Food and drinks are available to purchase if you get hungry during the show, or you can buy a complete dinner add-on if you’re feeling extra famished. Shows open on November 22nd and run through December 7th, so get your tickets in advance!
Comedy Barn Christmas Show
For family-friendly comedy Christmas shows that keep you in stitches, look no further than the Comedy Barn! Each year, the Barn puts on a show entirely focused on holiday fun. Sit back and relax for two hours of performances featuring comedians, barnyard animals, ventriloquists, jugglers, and much more. The Comedy Barn Christmas Show runs from November 20th to January 5th.
Holiday Shopping in Pigeon Forge
Show your friends and family how much they mean to you with thoughtful Christmas gifts from the Pigeon Forge area! The shops highlighted below offer plenty of high-quality items to delight your loved ones this winter.
The Incredible Christmas Place
Visit the South’s largest Christmas shopping village for all the holiday decorations, seasonal treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts you’ll need! Get excited for the season, stock up on ornaments, purchase a tree, and browse the store’s extensive holiday decor selection. It’s also a great time to grab gifts for your favorite people; choose from lovingly crafted items like Fontanini nativities, personalized ornaments, and much more.
Three Bears General Store
Three Bears General Store is your one-stop shop for holiday cheer and shopping galore. Browse products ranging from Pandora Jewelry to Simply Southern, plus all sorts of unique decor. Hungry from all that shopping? Take a break with some ice cream or fudge from the store’s counter. It’s the perfect all-inclusive experience this winter!
Old Mill Square
Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill Square offers shopping fun all year round, but it’s an incredibly magical place during the holidays! An Old Mill Christmas features stunning decorations, specialty holiday products, and seasonal samples from various shops. Speaking of shops, you’ll find something for everyone here! Grab a souvenir or gift at the Toy Bin, Farmhouse Kitchen, General Store, or Candy Kitchen. Pause for a bite to eat at the Old Mill Restaurant or Pottery House Cafe, and round off a full day with a scoop of ice cream from the Old Mill Creamery.
Christmas in Pigeon Forge is a magical time filled with opportunities for everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit. From the dazzling lights of Winterfest to the festive dinner shows and holiday shopping, you’re sure to leave full of Christmas cheer. Make your winter more memorable with a family trip to Pigeon Forge!
