Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving | Your Quick 2025 Holiday Guide

Dreaming of a crisp, cozy Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving in 2025? This charming mountain town knows how to do the holidays right.

From vibrant fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains to festive lights and family-friendly fun, Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge offers the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Whether you’re craving a traditional turkey feast or something Southern-fried and unforgettable, there are plenty of restaurants open and ready to serve you.

Better yet, many top attractions and eateries are open on Thanksgiving Day, so you won’t have to miss out on the fun or the flavor.

Planning to spend Thanksgiving nestled in a cabin, enjoying a dinner show, or exploring seasonal events? You’ll find no shortage of ways to make new memories.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a spectacular Thanksgiving getaway in Pigeon Forge!

What’s Happening for Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving in 2025?

Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving in 2025 offers festive events, mountain views, and cozy family fun—plan now to catch all the seasonal magic.

Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s a full-blown sensory overload of twinkling lights, smoky mountain views, and that warm, fuzzy feeling you only get when holiday music hits just right!

Whether you’re team theme park thrills or more of a “sip cider and stroll slowly” kind of crew, there’s plenty happening this November to kick off the holidays in style.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Running from November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Dollywood at Thanksgiving turns into a literal winter wonderland with over six million lights, Christmas trees taller than your holiday to-do list, and festive treats that smell like cinnamon sugar dreams.

Don’t miss the Parade of Many Colors, the glowing heart of the event, or hop on Big Bear Mountain for coaster views of the lights. With live holiday shows and seasonal eats at every turn, it’s basically the Hallmark Channel, but you’re living in it.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

The entire city glows up starting November 6, 2025, during the Winterfest Kickoff Celebration at Patriot Park—with fireworks, food trucks, live music, and enough lights to guide Santa’s sleigh from space.

The best part? The Winterfest Light Displays run through February 15, so you can keep the cozy going well past your last leftover slice of pie. Pro tip: hop on a Winterfest trolley tour to see it all without freezing your face off.

Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show

From November 25–30, 2025, the Thanksgiving Craft Show in Gatlinburg is your ticket to handmade holiday gifts that actually feel personal.

Skip the mass-produced chaos and browse one-of-a-kind quilts, pottery, candles, and mountain-made treasures from the largest group of independent artisans in the country. Cozy, crafty, and 100% panic-buy-free.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For that “wow, nature really popped off this year” moment, take a scenic drive or hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Late fall means fiery orange and golden leaves hanging on just long enough for those dreamy Thanksgiving pics—no filter needed.

Pack a thermos and your stretchiest pants for a post-feast walk you’ll actually enjoy.

The Island in Pigeon Forge

This family-friendly hotspot keeps the energy high with rides, restaurants, and shopping, all wrapped in festive lights.

Take a spin on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for panoramic views of the twinkling town, then grab a hot drink and catch the Island Show Fountain’s choreographed water-and-light performance—bonus points if it’s set to holiday music.

Black Friday Shopping

Burn off the mashed potatoes with a little retail cardio at Tanger Outlets, just minutes away from all the action. With name-brand deals and extra holiday discounts, it’s the perfect place to snag gifts, cozy sweaters, or let’s be honest—something for yourself.

Prefer something more local? Pop into artisan favorites like The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery for hand-thrown ceramics, Smoky Mountain Cat House for quirky cat-themed gifts, or Three Bears General Store for homemade fudge, handcrafted décor, and gifts with that “yep, I nailed it” energy.

Outdoor Adventures

Not quite ready for full hibernation mode? Hit up Rowdy Bear Mountain for some snow tubing, or make the short trip to Anakeesta in nearby Gatlinburg, where mountaintop views, treehouse vibes, and a canopy of lights create instant holiday wonder.

What Dinner Shows Are Happening for Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge?

Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge brings unforgettable dinner shows with music, comedy, and holiday feasts—book early for the best seats in 2025.

Who says your holiday meal has to be quiet, formal, or at a kitchen table? In Pigeon Forge, you can celebrate Thanksgiving with gravy and a side of galloping horses, pirate battles, or hillbilly hijinks.

These crowd-pleasing dinner shows serve up full holiday feasts while keeping the whole crew entertained—no dishes required.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

This is the go-big-or-go-home of Pigeon Forge dinner shows. The horses, the pageantry, the live music, the jaw-dropping stunts—plus a full Southern-style feast featuring rotisserie chicken, smoked pork loin, creamy vegetable soup, and buttery biscuits.

While the standard menu isn’t strictly Thanksgiving, it hits the same comfort-food buttons and makes for one of the most memorable meals you’ll have all year.

Bonus: the Christmas show typically kicks off in early November, so you get a dose of holiday cheer with every bite.

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud

Imagine your family Thanksgiving… but with fewer passive-aggressive side-eyes and a whole lot more belly laughs. The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud brings slapstick comedy, country music, clogging, and a hearty all-you-can-eat holiday-inspired spread.

We’re talking fried chicken, pulled pork, mashed taters, corn on the cob, creamy slaw, and dessert—served on tin plates for that rustic flair. It’s loud, it’s silly, and it’s wildly fun for all ages.

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Looking to swap your cranberry sauce for cannonballs? Pirates Voyage delivers high-flying acrobatics, diving stunts, and a swashbuckling story set on a full-size indoor pirate ship.

The show runs during Thanksgiving week and includes a four-course feast: creamy vegetable soup, pan-fried chicken, sugar-cured ham, mac ‘n’ cheese, and a peach turnover. It’s theatrical, thrilling, and a total crowd-pleaser—especially for the little ones.

Where Can You Find the Best Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving Dinner Experiences?

Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving dinner options in 2025 range from hearty Southern buffets to cozy cabin meals—discover where to feast without the stress.

Whether you’re craving the classic turkey-stuffing-sweet potato trifecta or you’re more of a BBQ-and-biscuits kind of crew, this town’s got you covered with a mix of nostalgic comfort food and fun twists on the holiday plate.

Mama’s Farmhouse

208 Pickel Street, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

This place feels like stepping into grandma’s dining room—if grandma had a waitstaff and served bottomless sweet tea. Mama’s Farmhouse serves a family-style special Thanksgiving meal with roasted turkey, country ham, fried chicken, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, green beans, and more.

Oh, and don’t skip the banana pudding. Trust us.

The Old Mill Restaurant

164 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Thanksgiving here is basically a Smoky Mountain rite of passage. This riverside spot serves a traditional holiday meal with carved turkey breast, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and hot-from-the-oven pecan pie.

The setting? A historic mill decked out in fall flair. Instagram-ready and appetite-approved!

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Y’all ready for a buttery, family style feast with major Southern flair? Paula’s menu features turkey and dressing, butternut squash, creamed potatoes, and green beans—plus a dessert trio because moderation doesn’t exist here. Located at The Island, it’s perfect for walking off your meal afterward with a spin on the Ferris wheel.

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que

2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Craving something smoky instead of roasted? Bennett’s serves up slow-cooked meats like smoked turkey, pulled pork, ribs, and all the Southern sides you didn’t know you needed for Thanksgiving. Bonus: they’re super kid-friendly, and their cornbread dressing deserves its own fan club.

Calhoun’s

2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Calhoun’s leans into Tennessee comfort food with a slightly upscale twist. Expect a Thanksgiving dinner plate with roasted turkey, gravy, and all the homestyle sides—or go rogue with hickory-smoked prime rib and a stack of buttery rolls. Either way, you’ll leave full and happy.

What Are the Best Tips for Visiting Pigeon Forge at Thanksgiving?

Our tips for visiting Pigeon Forge during Thanksgiving help you beat the crowds, book early, and enjoy cozy holiday fun, so plan your trip now.

Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving weekend draws big crowds and big energy, so a little prep goes a long way—especially if you want the best views, meals, and cabin vibes.

• Book Early (Like, Now): Hotels, cabins, and restaurants fill up faster than a plate of sweet potato casserole. Lock in your stay and dinner plans ASAP to avoid holiday hangry energy.
• Double-Check Holiday Hours: Not everything runs on normal schedules during Thanksgiving, so confirm showtimes, restaurant hours, and attraction availability before showing up in your stretchy pants.
• Mentally Prepare for Traffic (and Be Chill About It): It’s a holiday hotspot, so yes, it will be busy. Bring patience, snacks, and maybe a scenic podcast for those Parkway slowdowns.
• Go Cozy With a Cabin: Want space, mountain views, and maybe a fireplace for post-dinner naps? Cabins are perfect for families and groups looking for more room and fewer hotel hallway noises.
• Hop Over to Gatlinburg: Just a short drive away, Gatlinburg brings bonus Winterfest lights, moonshine tastings, mountaintop views, and extra activities if you’re looking to stretch the fun.

Planning ahead = maximum cozy with minimal chaos. Let the good vibes roll!

Are There Any Thanksgiving Pigeon Forge Hotel Packages Worth Booking?

Thanksgiving Pigeon Forge hotel packages on Tripster make it easy to save on cozy stays while staying close to attractions, shows, and festive events.

Planning a Thanksgiving escape that doesn’t involve wrestling a frozen turkey? These Pigeon Forge hotel packages do the heavy lifting for you—pairing cozy cabin vibes or mountain-view rooms with savings on must-dos like Dollywood, dinner shows, and holiday fun.

Think: fireplaces, hot tubs, and twinkle-light views while you sip cocoa in stretchy pants!

Where Can You Find the Best Thanksgiving Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages?

Thanksgiving Pigeon Forge vacation packages on Tripster let you save up to 33% off while bundling festive fun, cozy stays, and family-friendly adventures.

If you’re craving a holiday that includes log cabin vibes, jaw-dropping shows, and maybe a pirate or two—without blowing your entire pie budget—these Pigeon Forge vacation packages are your ticket to stress-free seasonal magic.

Whether you’re into twinkle lights, treetop adventures, or Titanic trivia, our bundles pack in the fun and the savings!

Dolly Parton’s Stampede + Anakeesta: Save up to 6%

Chow down on a four-course feast while horses backflip (seriously), then ride the chondola to Anakeesta’s mountaintop village for zip lines, treehouses, and panoramic Smoky Mountain views. This bundle blends high-flying fun with holiday sparkle.

Pirates Voyage + Ripley’s Aquarium: Save up to 5%

Swashbuckling dinner show meets underwater wonderland. Start with pirates battling on a full-size indoor ship, then wander Shark Lagoon and Penguin Playhouse with the whole fam.

Titanic Museum + WonderWorks: Save up to 7%

This combo is educational and electrifying. Explore the Titanic’s iconic Grand Staircase and get hands-on at WonderWorks’ upside-down house filled with science zones, laser tag, and a ropes course.

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Ready to Make Your Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving Plans?

Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving is the ultimate way to trade kitchen chaos for cozy cabins, light displays, and unforgettable dinner shows in 2025.

From Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge events to epic savings on hotels near Pigeon Forge, you’ve got everything you need to build a stress-free holiday escape.

Whether you’re eyeing Dollywood festivities, Winterfest lights, or a Southern-style feast, we’ve got your back with curated hotels, attractions, shows, vacation packages, and our full Pigeon Forge travel guide.

Make this year’s holiday one to remember—and one you don’t have to clean up after!

Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving FAQs