Week of Events
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Christmas takes over Dolly Parton's Stampede during November and December. Your experience begins in our non-alcoholic saloon where you will enjoy special entertainment from our house band Mountain Ruckus. They will perform holiday favorites and add a mixture of comedy. During the main show, the cast, including 32 magnificent horses, takes you on a nostalgic holiday trip with a friendly North Pole - South Pole rivalry. Watch in delight as the Sugar Plum Fairy brings toys to life right before your eyes. Our live nativity scene, which includes three kings arriving atop real camels, brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. Santa himself will also make an appearance in a horse drawn sleigh. You will enjoy all the holiday entertainment while dining on our famous four-course meal that includes our own original creamy vegetable soup, hot homemade biscuits, tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, herb basted potato, flaky apply pastry, and unlimited tea, coffee or Coca-Cola products.
Christmas Never Ends Drive-Thru
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
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
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
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.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest
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 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.
The Polar Express Train Ride
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.
Redneck Comedy Bus Christmas Lights Tour
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.
Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster
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!
Tanger Outlets Tree Lighting
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.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
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.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
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
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
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
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
Bluegrass Christmas In The Smokies Music Festival
Every year hundreds of fans pour into the Gatlinburg Convention Center to come to the Christmas In The Smokies Bluegrass Festival. While the bluegrass festival is enough fun for anyone, there is so much more to offer in Pigeon Forge! The festival is held in the heart of Pigeon Forge on Parkway. The whole city is decorated for Christmas and sparkles everywhere you go at night. There is lots of shopping, food, and fun in Pigeon Forge. Come join us this year at the festival!
Winterfest Christmas Village (local makers’ market)
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.
Grease Holiday Cast Tour
Calling all Grease fans! Celebrate the holiday season with the first-ever Grease Holiday Cast Tour in Gatlinburg. Meet original cast members Lorenzo Lamas (Tom), Barry Pearl (Doody), Michael Tucci (Sonny), and Jamie Donnelly (Jan) during special meet-and-greet sessions, then make the experience even more memorable with an exclusive evening dinner featuring Southern barbecue, a Grease Sing-A-Long, and time with the cast. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the iconic film or simply looking for a unique holiday event, this two-day celebration offers photo opportunities, music, film screenings, and plenty of nostalgic fun. Please note that autographs and selfies are available for an additional fee and are not included with admission. Don't miss your chance to relive one of cinema's most beloved musicals with the stars who helped make it a classic.
The Island Tree Lighting
Millions of lights. Custom decorations. More than a mile of garland. Endless entertainment. Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is unlike any experience in the Smokies with millions of lights, our 23-acre property lights up as the sun goes down to create a holiday ambiance you're sure to love. The Christmas tree will be lit with Santa to officially kickoff Winterfest at The Island at 8:00 pm. Join us for a free concert beginning at 7 pm and the tree lighting at 8 pm. Photos With Santa: In addition to the tree lighting and live entertainment, Island guests will have the opportunity to capture a photo with Santa from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, and he will be available in front of the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel several other dates in November and December for photo ops as well. All rides, shops, and restaurants on The Island will be open for guest enjoyment. There is no fee for parking, with tram service running from the parking lot on The Island Drive at regular intervals, and there is no cost to attend.
Paradise Market
Paradise Market, hosted by Bloom Events, makes its grand debut this spring on the front lawn of Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge! Explore 70+ curated vendors featuring boutique fashion, artisan goods, permanent jewelry, and more. Free and open to the public and resort guests. Day guests: $5 Parking
Santa Visits & Photos
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.
Monday, November 16, 2026
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Tuesday, November 17, 2026
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Wednesday, November 18, 2026
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Thursday, November 19, 2026
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Friday, November 20, 2026
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Saturday, November 21, 2026
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Sunday, November 22, 2026
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