Christmas Lights in Pigeon Forge: Your 2024 Guide

Dreaming of an incredible Christmas? Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the rugged mountain charm of Pigeon Forge is on full display come November. Everywhere from downtown to Wears Valley is a glow with the holiday spirit. Festive twinkling lights abound on Christmas trees and synchronized light show spectaculars.

Follow along as we take you through the best Christmas lights in Pigeon Forge.

Stop googling ‘when is Christmas lights in Pigeon Forge’ and let us illuminate the way. From guided tours of Pigeon Forge to where to scout out the best Winterfest displays, we’ll cover it all.

Gaze upon an icy blue Glacier Ridge at Dollywood s Smoky Mountain Christmas, or hop aboard the Gatlinburg Trolly for a triumphant display of Yuletide pride.

Take in a savory supper of BBQ pork and biscuits at the Stampede, or search for Santa in the Christmas Village. Lucky Christmas lovers will never have to stray far to soak in the lights, nativities, and animated adornments of Pigeon Forge.

christmas lights at dollywood's grist millWhen Does Pigeon Forge Decorate for Christmas

Psst..ready for some gossip straight from the North Pole? Word on the street is that St. Nick’s favorite place to kick off the holiday season is Pigeon Forge. Considering this mountain oasis starts stringing up lights in early November, it’s no wonder visitors and locals alike congregate here.

Related Post: Christmas in Gatlinburg: 13 Most Festive Things to Do

From November 13th through February 19th, join Frosty, Rudolph, and the Clauses for tons of lights, mouthwatering treats, and activities. Let the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center roll out the red carpet as you relish the dazzling delights of the annual Winterfest.

Psst..need more insider info on your snowy Smoky Mountain escape? Read our Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge Christmas Packages

Heartwarming shows featuring classic carols, brawling cousins, and jaw-dropping lumberjack feats. Inject a little Tennessee adventure into your winter getaway when you bundle your premier Pigeon Forge attractions and accommodations. Christmas Packages in Pigeon Forge offer the perfect way to save.

Pigeon Forge Christmas Lights

Ho, ho, ho! Who is ready to see over 5 million holiday lights? Charge that phone and camera as this year, both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights promise to wow.

Interested in even more Christmas attractions and lights in Gatlinburg? Dive into our complete guide to a Gatlinburg Christmas here. Christmas lights in Gatlinburg is going to be lit!

christmas light reindeer

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Pull on that chunky knit sweater and prime yourself for piping hot mugs of cocoa, giant animated snowflakes, and the 12 Days of Christmas. It’s time for the annual return of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, and we couldn’t be more excited. Read our Pigeon Forge winter travel guide for more deets!

This year’s explosion of LED color and creativity promises even more sparkle with an added $1.5 million addition. Whether you soak in these Smoky Mountain critters, oversized flowers, and dancing snowflakes via foot, car, or trolly,* you’re in for a real treat.

*Curious about Gatlinburg Trolly times? For a schedule of the trolley’s route, click here.

Candy canes, mistletoe, and merry-making oh my! Settle into the holiday swing when you book a Pigeon Forge Christmas show. In addition, there are some Christmas guided tours Pigeon Forge offers, some of which are available on Tripster. Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg holidays vacation packages are likewise available!

couple walking through path surrounded by lights at night at Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: My Pigeon Forge via Facebook

Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights

Baby, it’s cold outside! Take the chill out of your Christmas light peeping when you comfortably cruise around in your car. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of toy soldiers, partridges in a pear tree, or pigeons on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Light. From the Pigeon Forge Parkway to Patriot Park, you can witness:

  • A patriotic 40 ft display of the American flag being raised at Iwo Jima along Old Mill Square.
  • A multicolored expression of the 12 Days of Christmas that stretches from Gatlinburg.
  • A local favorite, a flowing Old Mill Scene containing thousands of lights and active animations.
  • Breathtaking brilliant bridges on Wears Valley Road, Jake Thomas Road, and Dollywood Lane.
  • Effervescent displays of pigeons in flight located over the parkway’s median.

For a detailed map of the Winterfest light displays, click here.

a wide image of a road with green Christmas lights and Christmas Tree on the opposite side.
photo credit: My Pigeon Forge via Facebook

Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail

Ready for some fresh mountain air? Immerse yourself in this most joyous time of year as you celebrate Old St. Nick in the Smokies. Sneak in some steps and a bit of sightseeing when you take on the brand-new Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail.

Visitors of all ages will be enthralled by over 20 displays of more than one million LED lights. Document every inch of spectacle as you pass under gleaming arches and glowing bears, deers, squirrels, and frogs. Hum along to holiday tunes as these million lights and animations will be synchronized to music.

You can access the Riverwalk Trail from the Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Lot at 2936 Teaster Lane. From the sky to the tough Smoky Mountain terrain, savor the natural beauty of Pigeon Forge with an incredible natural sightseeing tour.

Wonders of Light Christmas Village

Been sleeping on your Christmas shopping? Step up your game and indulge in some mouthwatering seasonal flavors and favors when you pop into the Wonders of Light Christmas Village. On select dates in November, stop by Patriot Park for food trucks, artisan goods, and handmade crafts. Browse through over 35 booths featuring fun seasonal gifts and goodies.

Close up of a large Christmas Tree with thousands of tiny blue lights and people standing below looking at it in Glacier Ridge at Smoky Mountain Christmas in Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

Lights Over Gatlinburg

Holiday light displays plus searing Smoky Mountain views? Yes, please! Inject your Christmas vacation with some aerial excitement when you take in those twinkles from thousands of feet in the air. Lights Over Gatlinburg is a premier Tennessee seasonal event that combines vibrant light tunnels, crackling fire pits, and dancing animated trees.

This year Skylift Park will be positively dripping in illumination and feature photo ops and a 300-foot tunnel of lights on the Skybridge. Lights Over will begin on November 14th and run through the end of January. Access will be included with your general admission SkyLift Park ticket.

Float from gatlinburg christmas parade
photo credit: Visit Gatlinburg via Facebook

Smoky Mountain Lights

Deck the halls with tons of lights when you carve out time for a superior Smoky Mountain Light Show. Usually during this joyous event, the Townsend Visitors Center will host a drive-through Christmas lights show every weekend.

This family-friendly winter event will include lights, a Christmas Village, hot chocolate, and kettle corn. Please note that this is a paid ticketed event.

Cozy cabin or modern condo? The choice is yours when you reserve any of our premier Pigeon Forge Hotels for your wintery getaway.

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree! Admire bedazzled boughs laden with lights, ornaments, and tinsel at the queen of home cooking’s tree lighting celebration. This festive ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. on the last week of November. Enjoy the  Lumberjack Feud ahead of the frivolities before you scurry down to see Paula and the entire Deen clan.

Feast your eyes on a 30-foot tree topped with glittery decor and lumberjack-themed baubles. Little ones will be transfixed by the live entertainment from Misty River, including local marching bands, dance teams, and high school choirs.

Come with a hearty appetite, as you’ll want to eat your fill of plenty of fresh tacos, cookies, and cozy drinks. Try your hand at decorating some Christmas cookies, or snap some selfies with Santa in front of the tree or around Lumberjack Square.

performers balancing on log in pool wearing santa hats at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Christmas Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: visitmysmokies

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Looking for a stadium-sized Christmas experience? Prime your peepers for an overflow of Christmas passion when you participate in Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. This epic drive-through performance at the Smokies Stadium features synchronized lights, music, and massive illustrated art.

Located in Sevierville, TN, guests can expect an immersive adventure complete with shrink rays, Santa, and giant presents. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, so move quickly to secure your slot on this super-sized escape.

display of colorful lights at night at Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland in
photo credit: Smoky Mountains

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

What would Christmas in Pigeon Forge be without a visit to Dollywood? Bring a smile to your face as you welcome in the Happiest Season with a warm Appalachian embrace. Make a plan to tackle the dazzling Dollywood Christmas lights!

From charming Dollywood Christmas ornaments to more than 5 million twinkling lights, there’s no denying the appeal of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. In between riveting rides on Blazing Fury, find time to explore a winter wonderland of furry friends, 12 ft tall Christmas trees, and live caroling excitement.

Savor sweet seasonal eats, sing along to ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, or find out if you’ve made Santa’s nice list. Be sure to bring that camera, as you’ll be dying to document the many glowing hues of Glacier Ridge, Santa’s Village, and Craftsman’s Valley.

Need to stay just a stone’s throw away from Dollywood? Welcome Santa down your chimney when you reserve any of our hotels near Dollywood.

close up of performers holding hands with Dolly Parton on stage at Dolly's Smoky Mountain Christmas in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol via Facebook

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

No one loves Christmas as much as the Queen of Country! Let the Christmas spirit of Dolly whisk you away as you enjoy equestrian feats, nativity scenes, and nutcracker dances. Savor mouthfuls of hickory smoked BBQ pork loin and buttery corn on the cob as you watch the snow fall during Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction.

Pigeon Forge Hotels

Waterpark filled resorts, cozy mountain cabins, and budget friendly inns. Whatever your Pigeon Forge travel plans, it pays to secure your lodgings ahead of time. Lock in your own slice of Smoky Mountain paradise to ensure you make the most of your time in this Sevier County city.

Jingle your way through the most festive events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and then recharge with five star amenities such as hot tubs, fitness centers, and spas. As always, book any of our Pigeon Forge Hotels stress free knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.

Don’t Miss Pigeon Forge Christmas Lights This Year!

Marvel at bespoke holiday costumes, songs, and decorations while you witness Elves compete in holiday games. Tiny ones’ eyes will light up with glee as they observe camels make their way to Bethlehem and learn the true meaning of Christmas. Sing along with the angels, observe the dramatic nativity scene, and wave hello to Santa Claus during this dynamic Christmas show.

Angel white, multi-colored, or classic red and green. Whatever combination you prefer, the glamorous glimmer of millions of Christmas lights is impossible to resist. After centuries, we are still transfixed by the tradition, spirit, and joy of holiday lights.

From Smoky Mountain fauna to nimble, dancing 25 ft tall Snowflakes, Pigeon Forge is no stranger to the power of holiday lights. Whether you load up your car for an immersive escape to Shadrack or pay your respects to fallen soldiers at Patriot Park, this Tennessee metropolis is sure to enchant.

Sing along to church choirs as you watch Paula Deen light an evergreen or devour gingerbread funnel cake and late-night festive fireworks at Dollywood. Save on both when you take advantage of our great Smoky Mountain Christmas packages!

However you choose to shimmer this Christmas season, Pigeon Forge is a pitch-perfect destination.

Tell us, what lights will you see in Pigeon Forge?

Did we miss any of your favorite Pigeon Forge Christmas lights? Leave us a comment below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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