If you’re looking for holiday lights, Christmas music, ice skating and decorated trees against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, just head for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Various attractions around the Smokies are in the holiday spirit, offering special seasonal displays, shows and activities now through the start of January.
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
Nov. 27-Dec. 1
Now through Dec. 31
- Gatlinburg SkyPark presents Lights Over Gatlinburg, with the entire park covered with thousands of Christmas Lights, photo ops for the entire family, a 30-foot Christmas tree and lights that span the length of the record-setting SkyBridge.
- Tickets and park event information can be found at gatlinburgskypark.com .
Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta
Now through Dec. 31
- When the sun sets in the Smokies, Anakeesta mountain comes to life with a celebration of lights during the Enchanted Christmas celebration. Gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa or a hot toddy, then stroll through the magical villages and enjoy dining and light displays.
- Start on your Anakeesta visit with Breakfast with Santa, which includes early access to Anakeesta before other guests arrive, all-day access to the park, a breakfast served at Cliff Top, a singalong and a professional photo with Santa himself.
- Tickets and event information can be found at anakeesta.com .
Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Dinner Feud
Now through Jan. 4
- The jolly chaos of the Christmas season is back with a special holiday show, the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge.
- The Hatfield & McCoy Theater is at 119 Music Road in Pigeon Forge. Show times and reservations are available by visiting hatfieldmccoydinnerfeud.com or calling 865-908-7469.
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Now through Jan. 4
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede ushers in the holiday season with a dinner show featuring an all-new ice-skating performance, a full-scale Nativity, seasonal decorations, Santa Claus, an aerial performance and a four-course holiday meal.
- Show times and reservations are available by calling 865-453-4400 or visiting dpstampede.com .
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Now through Jan. 5
- Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival features six million holiday lights, holiday shows, holiday treats, the “Merry and Bright” fireworks show and, of course, visits from Santa.
- New offerings this year include snow in Wildwood Grove every evening and the “Christmas Reflections” display of five twinkling Christmas trees reflecting on the water of the Rivertown pond.
- General admission tickets to Dollywood are $92 for adults and $82 for children and seniors. Anyone visiting Dollywood during the holiday festival can upgrade to a 2025 season pass and use it for the remainder of the 2024 season as well.
- For holiday hours, tickets, and more information, visit dollywood.com.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Now through Jan. 5
- Soaky Mountain Waterpark is celebrating Christmas with Shadrack’s original Christmas Wonderland Light Display from 6-10 p.m. in its parking lot. Afterward, your family can visit Snowy Mountain Village inside the waterpark.
- The park features holiday inflatables, seasonal lights, Christmas trees and fire pits. There’s also holiday crafts for kids, train and teacup rides, an Elfie photo experience, visits with Santa and food.
- For event details, visit soakymountainwaterpark.com.
Wilderness at the Smokies Ice Rink
Now through Jan. 13 …