Events for December 4, 2026

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Christmas Never Ends Drive-Thru

1644 Old Newport Hwy

Discover the enchanting spirit of Christmas from the comfort of your vehicle as you glide past shimmering lights and captivating displays. This charming, family-friendly attraction is perfect for all ages and offers heartwarming joy at an unbeatable price. So, load up your car (or sleigh), head on over, and get into the holiday spirit! Hot chocolate, milk, and cookies will be available for purchase at the entrance to sweeten your experience. Please note that vehicles taller than 9.5 feet or longer than 22 feet cannot be admitted. Pricing: Pricing varies by date and time. Cheapest pricing is after 9:00 pm. Learn more in the schedule below. Christmas Never Ends ticket prices already include tax and have no hidden fees.

Christmas at Country Tonite

Pigeon Forge

Head to Country Tonite Theatre this Christmas season, where the magic of Christmas comes alive through renditions of Christmas favorites, beautiful choreography, holiday sets and costumes. Along with your favorite cast, you'll be able to enjoy guest appearances from special performers, including Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and the Sugar Plum Fairy. When the toys come alive during "Where are you Christmas" you'll be ready to book your tickets for the next year's show as well. Christmas showtimes are 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm most days, with a special performance of The Nutcracker on Friday, December 11, 2026.

Christmas at Array

Pigeon Forge, Mountain of Entertainment Theater

Christmas is coming to Array Variety Show! Join us for the ULTIMATE Christmas Show in the Smokies as we celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” You’ll witness all the festive lights, the timeless music, and the costumes that make the Christmas season so special! This two-hour extravaganza features world-class vocalists, incredible yuletide dancers and amazing musicians performing all your favorite Christmas classics, as well as new favorites.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

Downtown Gatlinburg

For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winter Magic with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle or taking a stroll along the parkway and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights. Where to stay: Gatlinburg cabin rentals for Winter Magic season.

Redneck Comedy Bus Christmas Lights Tour

Pigeon Forge

Join the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour on their Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights Tour this holiday season in Pigeon Forge. Beware of merry rednecks and drunken reindeer aboard this fun-filled festive adventure. Dig out those tacky holiday sweaters, join in some rowdy Christmas carolin' (redneck style) & jingle all the way through Winterfest with newfound friends! Come on down to the rendezvous spot to start your holiday laughter extravaganza! The jolly team of rednecks will greet you with warm holiday spirits, getting you primed for a jingle-filled journey ahead! This tour boards at Cooter's Place Pigeon Forge 177 E Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 on select dates in November and December. Note: This tour is not available on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Bryson City, NC, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot. You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. We strongly discourage attempting to purchase your tickets the day of as a majority of dates and/or times are sold out in advance. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call. Ticket prices vary by class of service. All departures are from the Bryson City Depot in Bryson City, NC. Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure. Where to stay: Townsend cabin rentals for a Quiet Side base near the Bryson City train.

Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster

Pigeon Forge

There's nothin' like the holidays to bring family together... FOR A FEUD! See why we put the HOLLER in the HOLLERdays! Come join Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy as they try to set aside their differences in the spirit of the Season. Watch as they bring their two famous feudin’ families together for a night of fun, food and entertainment guaranteed to make you feel better about spending the holidays with your in-laws! Whether you’re city-folk or country cuzins, you’ll love the holiday singing and dancing, mighty feats of strength, jaw dropping stunts and side-splitting comedy. There’s something here for everybody! And Granny’s pulling out all the stops for the holiday dinner! She’s cookin’ up a heap of fried chicken and country pulled pork shoulder barbecue! Add smashed taters, creamy cole slaw, fluffy biscuits, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup and Granny’s special dessert and you’ll need to loosen up your belt! It’s the best dinner in town–Granny guarantees it!

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Pigeon Forge, Patriot Park & citywide

Winterfest Christmas Village Just steps away from the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, the Christmas Village brings handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and a small town holiday charm to Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Browse one-of-a-kind finds from local makers and soak in the season at this cozy corner of the celebration. Open November 13-15 and November 20-28. Interested in becoming a vendor? More than 40 artisans join the Christmas Village each year, reaching thousands of guests who visit Pigeon Forge during Winterfest. Vendor applications are now open, and SPACE is LIMITED.

Smoky Mountain Winterfest

Sevierville

Sevierville and her sister cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are all decked out in lights during the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. Viewing Smoky Mountain Winterfest lights with friends and family is a great way to get in the holiday spirit – and with more than 15 million lights in a 25-mile stretch, there’s certainly plenty to see! Winterfest lights are a huge draw, but once visitors arrive in Sevierville, they also find incredible shopping, attractions, and area holiday shows.

Tanger Outlets Tree Lighting

Sevierville, Tanger Outlets

Kickoff Winterfest in Sevierville with the annual tree lighting at Tanger Outlets. This event marks the moment with everything shifts from autumn tones to full holiday sparkle. More information to come as it becomes available. Where to stay: Sevierville cabin rentals near Tanger Outlets.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Sevierville, Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland drive-through light show has become a cherished holiday tradition for many families. This year's spectacular experience features acres of lights synchronized to music playing through your vehicle's radio, along with an assortment of custom displays. Guests will journey through "Favorite Tales", a whimsical theme inspired by timeless nursery rhymes and classic storybook adventures. Colorful, larger-than-life displays bring familiar characters and imaginative stories to life with humor, wonder, and a touch of nostalgia. This immersive holiday experience will delight your entire crew, fill your night with festive cheer, and create magical memories for families and friends of all ages. After the light show, visit Snowy Mountain Village on select nights inside Soaky Mountain Waterpark. Enjoy inflatable bounce houses, yard games, festive photo opportunities, souvenirs, delicious food and desserts, and on select nights, a visit with Santa and/or Boomer! SEE WEBSITE FOR VILLAGE SCHEDULE. SNOWY MOUNTAIN VILLAGE CLOSES PROMPTLY AT 10PM.

Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta

Gatlinburg, Anakeesta

Experience the wonder of the season high above Gatlinburg at Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas - a mountaintop celebration where over a million twinkling lights transform the Smokies into a winter wonderland. From festive food and sparkling displays to heartwarming entertainment, there’s holiday magic around every corner. Hot Cocoa Crawl Join us for a sweet adventure on the Hot Cocoa Crawl, where you can sip your way through a variety of rich, decadent cocoa flavors as you explore the park. Complete the crawl to earn a complimentary souvenir mug ornament to take home and remember your Anakeesta holiday experience! Seasonal Food From flaky smoked turkey pastries and loaded holiday potatoes to gooey s’mores crêpes, molten chocolate cake, and red velvet cheesecake, every dish at Anakeesta is crafted to warm you up and make the season bright. Cozy up with these seasonal delights at one of the park’s many festive dining spots. Entertainment Enjoy live performances that fill the mountain with holiday cheer! From toe-tapping country tunes and classic carols to a high-energy elf adventure bursting with music, dance, and laughter, there’s something to put everyone in the spirit of the season. Holiday Highlights Wander through glowing villages, stroll along the TreeTop SkyWalk under the stars, and climb AnaVista Tower for panoramic views of Gatlinburg’s twinkling lights. Meet Santa in his magical sleigh, say hello to Colonel Candy Cane, and explore dazzling displays in Arctic Alley and Toyland Tales. Breakfast with Santa Kick off the holidays with Anakeesta’s Breakfast with Santa, a joyful family experience filled with delicious food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and photos with the jolly man himself. Each ticket includes early park access, breakfast, and a special seasonal souvenir to remember your visit. Celebrate the holidays with family and friends at Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas, where the mountain comes alive with lights, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Where to stay: Gatlinburg cabin rentals below Anakeesta.

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Christmas

Pigeon Forge

Choose your side: naughty or nice? Jack up your holiday spirit in our woodsy, backyard decked out halls and sing along to original tunes of the season inspired by folklore of the forest. Enjoy holiday twists on over a dozen sporting competitions including speed climbing, sawing, log rolling, and more. Cheer the Dawsons and McGraws on to see which family will spend Christmas at Santa's favorite logging camp in the Smokies! Who will win Christmas? This all-new seasonal show features exclusive winter beer, limited-time Lumberjack Christmas mugs and ornaments, a cookie decorating station on select nights, and a huge illuminated Christmas tree in the show.

Christmas at The Comedy Barn

Pigeon Forge

Christmas times a comin, Christmas times a comin, Christmas times a comin….to the Comedy Barn®! It's Christmas time in the Smokies and The Comedy Barn® is ready to put you in the Christmas spirit. Come experience a Christmas show like only the Comedy Barn can bring you. You will hear all Christmas music, see all Christmas costumes, and laugh at special Christmas acts you'll only see on our stage. Speaking of laughs, be prepared for the biggest laugh muscle work out you've ever had! We have brand new acts, combined with your favorite acts from the past to bring you the Funniest Christmas show in the Smokies! No, in all of Tennessee! No, in all the WORLD!!!!!!   From the Comedy Barn Canines to the Comedy Barn Cloggers, and all the jokesters in-between, Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Comedy Barn! We are wearing our favorite Christmas costumes (and they're not all overalls), singing our favorite Christmas songs, and laughing with our guests like never before. Who knew Christmas could be so funny? We've decked the halls with boughs of holly (actually garland, lights, and snow. And not just the halls, the theater is decorated too!). Come see what everyone is laughing about, at the funniest Christmas show in town, The Comedy Barn®!v

Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

Gatlinburg Convention Center

Experience the wonder of the season at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, where the members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community present their exclusive handcrafted gifts during their much-anticipated annual holiday show. Nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, the esteemed Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is the largest collective of independent artisans in the country. Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show: November 24 – November 29, 2026 Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: November 30 – December 6, 2026 The craft show is open at 10:00 am daily and closes at 5:00 pm on weekdays and Saturday and 4:00 pm on Sunday. Discover the rich heritage of Tennessee through the skilled artisans and craftsmen who meticulously craft a range of exquisite items using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Delight in the array of offerings, from intricately designed quilts and meticulously carved straw brooms to finely woven baskets, aromatic hand-dipped candles, elegant Victorian ceramic pitchers, and charming pottery. Adorn yourself with unique handmade jewelry that is a world apart from the mass-produced trinkets commonly found in mainstream shopping centers. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes and mountain life depicted by talented painters, and witness the enchanting transformation of clay and fabric into stunning works of art by skilled potters and weavers.

Yama Con

Pigeon Forge, LeConte Center

Yama-Con is coming to Pigeon Forge! The convention focuses on Anime and the Japanese culture, but will also feature other events that are related to video games, cards, board games, comics and more. Come celebrate everything nerdy, geeky and otaku! The Yama-Con event will take place at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. Visit the Yama-Con website for directions and start times.

Ongoing

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Pigeon Forge, Dollywood

Experience the magic of Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, one of the park's most beloved holiday traditions. With more than six million twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive entertainment, seasonal flavors and holiday shopping, Dollywood transforms into a winter wonderland in the heart of the Smokies. Take a stroll through the park and see each area come to life with its own holiday look, from the classic red and green of Santa's Village and the wintry blues and whites of Glacier Ridge to the warm candlelight glow of Craftsman's Valley. New for 2026, Country Fair transforms into Peppermint Valley. Dollywood's Holiday entertainment returns with family favorites including Christmas in the Smokies and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, along with outdoor performances like Appalachian Christmas and O Holy Night. After dark, head to Wildwood Grove for Snow in the Grove, an immersive winter experience featuring the Wildwood Tree, glowing Roly Poly characters, music, colorful lights and snow. The weekends bring even more Christmas magic with festive fireworks set to holiday music. Come hungry, too! Dollywood serves up hearty holiday dishes, festive drinks and seasonal sweets throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas. Guests can also purchase a Christmas Tasting Pass to sample up to five participating festival foods.

Santa Visits & Photos

Santa Visits & Photos
Pigeon Forge, The Island

Visit Santa Claus at The Island to share your Christmas wishes and take unforgettable photos. Available on select days, celebrate this magical holiday tradition here in the Smoky Mountains with your family. Look for Santa near The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Be sure to stop by and share your Christmas wish with Santa from 5:00 to 10:00 pm on November 21 as part of The Island's Winterfest Kickoff event.⁠

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Downtown Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg celebrates this holiday season with the Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, taking place Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM EST in downtown Gatlinburg. This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot along the parade route. Watch LIVE: In addition to the live event, the parade will be broadcast on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across 38 markets, reaching more than 100 million viewers and bringing Gatlinburg’s holiday magic to viewers nationwide. Can't make it to the parade? WATCH LIVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY Our Hosts: Mark Wills – Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum country artist known for hits such as “19 Somethin’,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “I Do (Cherish You).” A longtime country music favorite, Wills is celebrated for his smooth vocals, chart-topping singles, and authentic Southern style. Nan Kelley – Award-winning television host and producer best known for her work on Great American Country’s Top 20 Country Countdown and Opry Live. A proud Southern storyteller, Kelley has built her career celebrating music, food, and community with warmth and charm. Grandstand VIP Seating: Grandstand VIP seating is available for $50 per person, offering bleacher seating, a commemorative Santa Hat and prime viewing of the parade at either traffic light #3 or at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Seating for the grandstand begins at 5:30 PM. The parade starts at 7:30 PM. You may have one child on your lap without purchasing a ticket for that child, as long as the child is under the age of 5. No strollers are allowed in grandstand seats, and parking for strollers will NOT be provided. BUY GRANDSTAND TICKETS Parade Route: The Parade route runs along the Parkway beginning at Baskins Creek Bypass and ending at traffic light #10 near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.