The Smoky Mountains are one of the most magical places to spend the holidays! The area is filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas all around. You’ll see stunning holiday lights and decorations as you make your way through Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, and there are plenty of festivities happening throughout the season. Here are some of the best holiday festivals going on this winter to help you celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, you can’t go wrong with Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. This award-winning festival transforms the beloved theme park into a winter wonderland decorated with more than 6 million twinkling lights, colorful Christmas trees, and a variety of festive holiday decorations. During this festival, you can watch heartwarming shows, enjoy festive foods, shop for holiday gifts, and experience thrilling rides. On weekend nights, you can even see a festive fireworks display light up the night in time to holiday tunes!
2. Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas
You’ll find plenty of holiday cheer when you celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains at Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas! The villages at the top of Anakeesta shine bright with more than a million sparkling lights. During this festival, you can enjoy live music that features both traditional and contemporary holiday tunes. You won’t want to miss the fun-filled holiday shows that bring laughter, singing, and dancing to the mountaintop. There are also plenty of holiday-inspired foods to try, so make sure you bring your appetite! On select dates, you can even experience the magic of Christmas with a special Breakfast with Santa event!
3. SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at The Ranch
A great way to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at The Ranch. SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville lights up the night with more than half a million festive lights on display! The holiday experience begins as soon as you hop on the scenic chairlift to the top of The Ranch. Along the way, you’ll see brilliant light displays that combine traditional and Western themes. At the top, you can walk through illuminated tunnels and marvel at light shows while enjoying holiday music. Other activities include Christmas movies, campfires, yard games, seasonal treats, and more!
4. Gatlinburg SkyPark’s Lights Over Gatlinburg
Another great festival to experience this Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is Gatlinburg SkyPark’s Lights Over Gatlinburg. The SkyPark shines bright with thousands of holiday lights and photo opportunities so you’ll feel fully immersed in a winter wonderland! Take photos with the 30-foot Christmas tree, and walk through a record-breaking tunnel of lights across the entire length of the SkyBridge! During your visit, you can also enjoy spectacular views of Gatlinburg below as it gleams with festive light displays and decorations.
Where to Stay This Christmas in the Smoky Mountains
These are some of the best festivals to help you celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains! If you want to really be filled with Christmas cheer, you should stay in a festive cabin decorated for the holidays! Check out our selection of Smoky Mountain cabins decorated for Christmas and book your stay today!
