December is truly a beautiful time of year to visit Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. Cool weather, Christmas lights, and special events to make something your family will remember for a lifetime. The Smoky Mountains at Christmas is one of the best Christmas destinations in the nation.
Beautiful Winter Weather
Chilly weather is ideal for sipping hot chocolate and snuggling with someone special by the fire.
The brisk mountain air ramps up your Christmas Spirit, and gives you a chance to see snow over the holidays.
There’s only a small chance of snow during this time of year in Pigeon Forge. On average, the town receives 1.4 inches of the white stuff during the month of December.
However, you won’t have to go far to find snow for the Christmas season! At Ober Gatlinburg Ski Mountain, the slopes are open and you can ski, snowboard, or tub on man-made snow.
It’s also possible to see natural snow in the high mountains in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Because higher elevation areas are colder and receive more precipitation on average than valleys like Pigeon Forge, there’s a good chance you can enjoy a white Christmas in the Smokies.
To witness snow-covered peaks, simply drive to Newfound Gap. This part of the park is above 5,000 FT so there’s a greater chance you’ll have a white Christmas.
See Gorgeous Christmas Lights
Every Christmas season, the Christmas lights of Winterfest light up the night skies of Pigeon Forge, TN.
Winterfest runs from November to February, so there’s time to see holiday magic in the Smoky Mountains. There are miles of beautiful snowflakes and intricate light displays.
Take a self-guided tour on the Driving Tour of Lights. Maps are available at Pigeon Forge Welcome Centers.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville
Unlike the other light displays found throughout the area during the Smoky Mountain Winterfest, Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland features dozens of visual displays that are synced to music that you can listen to in your car.
In addition to the brilliant light show, guests at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville will have the chance to also explore the many fun things to do at Santa’s Workshop.
- There’s a petting zoo where guests feed the animals.
- Pony rides
- Activities for kids
- Pictures with Santa are available
Christmas Shows
Pigeon Forge is well-known for its great theaters, live concerts, and dinner shows.
To celebrate the Christmas season in style, many dinner theaters and shows feature special holiday acts with new material. From the impressive horseback riding shows of Dolly’s Stampede to the family fun of the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, you can always find a seasonally appropriate dinner show to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Christmas at the Titanic
See the Titanic Museum outfitted in Christmas decorations for the holidays. This interactive museum dedicated to the Titanic is all about how Christmas was celebrated when the ship sailed.
While the full-scale remodeled rooms and unique artifacts from the Titanic are always a sight to behold, you can see these recreations in period-appropriate holiday décor.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
For the month of December, Dollywood is transformed into a beautiful holiday wonderland.
You can still enjoy the coasters, food, local crafts, and a family atmosphere, but you can also see the entire park filled with decorations and festive cheer.
Named as one of the best Christmas events in the country, Dollywood offers these events for the Christmas season:
- Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol
- Christmas in the Smokies Show
- Appalachian Christmas Bluegrass Concerts
- Santa’s Workshop
- A Parade of Lights
- The Festival of Lights Show
- Appearances of Rudolph and His Friends
Please Note: Dollywood is not open every day during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Event. Be sure to consult their hours before planning your visit!
Decorations at the Incredible Christmas Place
At the Incredible Christmas Place you can take holiday magic home. The Incredible Christmas Place is the largest Christmas store in the Southeastern United States and features what seems to be a never ending assortment of Christmas trees, nativity sets, Christmas lights, décor, garland, and Christmas tree decorations.
A singing Santa and merry elves visit the Christmas Place on occasion and are available for pictures.
While there’s plenty to do and see throughout the holiday season, the magic of Christmas surely reaches its peak on December 25th.
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So why not reserve a cabin with My Bearfoot Cabins to spend the holidays with your family? With so many fun things to do and see in the Smokies, you could easily make Pigeon Forge your new holiday tradition.
On top of staying in the beautiful Tennessee mountains, you’ll also enjoy a great cabin.
Pat and Don Kirchhoefer, Owners
Phone: 618-559-3915
Email: pat@mybearfootcabins.com
Website: https://mybearfootcabins.com
