Christmas in Pigeon Forge: 11 Must-See Holiday Festivities

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Revel in soft falling snowflakes, Santa encounters, and candy canes galore when you do Christmas in Pigeon Forge. A far cry from the frigid North Pole, visiting the Smoky Mountains from early November through the new year guarantees a hearty helping of holiday spirit.

Follow along to discover the 11 best things to do at Christmas in Pigeon Forge.

From twinkling Christmas lights to the crazy Hatfield & McCoy and Stampede holiday shows, this Tennessee city pulls out all the stops.

Sip cocoa and sing carols at Dollywood, or seek out the icy blue light creations of Glacier Ridge. Get a jump on your gift-giving when you stock up on stocking stuffers at the Christmas Place. Or enjoy a romantic soak in your mountain cabin’s hot tub.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack up those sweaters and mittens because it’s never too late to experience the magic of Pigeon Forge at Christmas time. 

Christmas Activities in Pigeon Forge

Things to Do in Pigeon Forge During Christmas

Rousing winter hikes, discovering Santa’s Village, and the spicy aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. Nestled into the rugged ridges of the Smoky Mountains, it doesn’t take long to discover the endless array of Christmas things to do in Pigeon Forge. Read on to find the very best things to do in Pigeon Forge for Christmas:

Want to add an extra sprinkle of sugar and spice to your holiday schedule? Surprise the ones you love by staying in any of our premier Pigeon Forge hotels. From luxurious resorts featuring saunas, hot tubs, and pools to tranquil mountain-top cabins, we have oodles of accommodations to choose from. 

*Please note that this is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do in Pigeon Forge at Christmas. 

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

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

No Christmas time in Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to Dollywood. Welcome in sweater season with plenty of Appalachian charm. When you make a plan to see the dazzling Dollywood Christmas lights, in addition, visit favorite rides such as Wild Eagle and Blazing Fury. November 4 marks the return of Dollywood’s award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas.

From charming Dollywood Christmas ornaments to more than 5 million twinkling lights. There’s no denying the appeal of this enchanting holiday homage. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of furry friends, 12 ft tall Christmas trees, and live caroling excitement.

Savor sweet seasonal treats, 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. 

Dolly parton in a red santa outfit standing in line with other people holding raised hands
photo credit: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol via Facebook

Titanic Museum

Iceberg ahead! Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about meeting the same grim fate as Kate and Leo when you visit the Titanic Museum this holiday season. Instead, dive into the history and legacy of this tragic event when you spend hours uncovering artifacts, galleries, and more. Step into a real lifeboat, try to shovel coal into a furnace, or pose on top of the expertly recreated Grand Staircase.

Visitors during the holiday season will be treated to over $100,000 of Christmas decorations and trimmings. Feast your eyes on wreaths, trees, and twinkling lights as you exchange pleasantries with the costumed crew. Or stock up on collectibles and seasonal presents in the gift shop.

There is nothing like the grandeur of an Edwardian Christmas, and guests of all ages will be mesmerized by the piles of presents and ribbon-adorned trees. Gather round to partake in merry-making, carols, and more as you create unforgettable memories at ‘sea.’

Can’t get enough of this luxury liner? Soak in more savings and Pigeon Forge sights when you bundle your Titanic Tickets with a special package. 

Close up photo of an old rocking chair in a glass case at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USAGatlinburg’s Christmas Parade

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells all the way home! Listen up, as you won’t want to miss the big debut of the giant man in red at Gatlinburg’s annual Christmas Parade. Located just a quick 30 min drive from Pigeon Forge, this heartwarming holiday extravaganza signifies the commencement of the Christmas season.

Bundle up on December 1st at 7:30 p.m., and prepare for marching bands, giant balloons, dancers, musicians, and more. Bring your favorite Santa or elf hat, and cheer along with parade goers from all over. 

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

Christmas Inn Pigeon Forge TN

Cozy Smoky Mountain ambiance, resort luxuries, and singing Santas, oh my! Give your family a Christmas they’ll never forget when you book a stay at the Christmas Inn Pigeon Forge. Awash in red and green, this oasis of Yuletide cheer features stunning Bavarian architecture, lushly landscaped grounds, and North Pole-worthy accommodations.

Enjoy special touches such as in-room whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces. Or, reserve a spacious mini-suite complete with your own Christmas tree. Munch away on a freshly prepared breakfast, or get your sweat on in the on-site fitness center. Little Santa’s helpers will have their hands full, participating in scavenger hunts and scheduled activities.

Conclude your fantastical stay at the best Christmas hotel Pigeon Forge with a visit and keepsake snapshot from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 

Psst…on the prowl for lodgings close to Dollywood? Make even more Smoky Mountain Christmas memories when you stay in any of our Hotels Near Dollywood.

exterior of Christmas Inn with pond with sprouting fountain in foreground surrounded by plants during day with blue sky in Pigeon Forge, Tennesee, USA
photo credit: The Inn at Christmas Place via Facebook

Christmas Place Pigeon Forge

Sometimes even Santa needs a hand with Christmas shopping. Enter the South’s Largest Christmas Store. Lovers of all things tinsel, mistletoe, and holly will be in heaven as they browse through this Christmas Store Pigeon Forge. This empire of holiday spirit is your one-stop shop for lights, trees, ornaments, and more.

Pick the perfect nutcracker or reindeer stocking and have it personalized, or load up on Pine Spray and Crab apple spray to outfit your mountain cabin. More than just a premier retail destination, this Christmas Shop Pigeon Forge also allows you to book a visit with Santa. Join the virtual waitlist queue and shop till you drop before sharing your wishlist with Mr. Claus. 

santa opening gift while seated with children at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: The Christmas Place via Facebook

Christmas Shows and Theaters

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

No one loves Christmas as much as Dolly! Let the Christmas spirit of Country’s most beloved blonde 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.

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

From comedy to Motown to musical theater, our wide array of Pigeon Forge Shows cover it all!

Performer Riding a Horse at Dolly Parton's Stampede - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USAHatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud

Switch up your traditional holiday plans when you plan to break bread with the rabble-rousing crew at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. This gang of squabbling cousins is here to entertain with loads of Bluegrass music, dancing, and side-splitting comedy.

Tuck into a hearty serving of fried chicken and mashed taters as you watch these wacky brethren wrestle, tumble, and twirl. Clap along to holiday tunes. Or watch the Christmas lights twinkle as you savor the last bites of Granny’s home cooking and special surprise dessert. 

‘Tis the Season

All holidays, all the time! Grab your Santa hat and warm up those vocal cords because the Majestic Theater is bringing you a special Christmas extravaganza. ‘Tis the Season is the only all-holiday show in the Smoky Mountains. Enter a wonderland of sugar plums, candy canes, and stunning costumes as you sing along to classic carols and contemporary hits.

This 1.5-hour performance features musical numbers from Elvis to serene gospel hymns. Be sure to come early and sample the theater’s tasty dine-in meals, appetizers, and cocktails available for additional purchase. 

Singers preforming at the Grand Majestic Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: The Grand Majestic Theater via Facebook

Pigeon Forge Christmas Lights

Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail

Wondrous hues of green, red, and blue sparkle in the night sky as you meander through more than 20 displays of glittering LED lights. Let yourself be awed by the glowing light tunnels, polar bears, and reindeer of the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail.

Kicking off on November 9th, this explosion of color and light is shining brighter than ever, thanks to a $1.5 million investment. Visitors can now enjoy the trail as it extends off the Parkway and along the Riverwalk Nature Trail. From furry mountain creatures that tower over 25 feet tall to dancing snowflakes, this is a must-see for any Pigeon Forge holiday light tour. 

Savings that shine as bright as Winterfest? Yes, please! Pocket that cash for more Christmas gifts when you take advantage of our Pigeon Forge deals

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

Prefer to stay warm and toasty in your car while you let the ambiance of the holiday wash over you? Then, pack up some snacks and cruise past more than 5 million shining lights in Pigeon Forge when you participate in the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights.

From November 9 through February 18, 2024, visitors and locals alike can marvel at a winter world of illumination. Make the journey from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as you savor the festive lights displayed at this annual Winterfest celebration.

building covered in colorful lights at night for Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: My Pigeon Forge via Facebook

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Looking for a larger-than-life Christmas experience? Prime your peepers for an overflow of Christmas passion when you participate in Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. This epic drive-through performance 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. 

Cue up that Bing Crosby because it’s time to set the mood for a Pigeon Forge Christmas. Families of all shapes and sizes will fall head over heels for the dazzling lights and down-home charm of Christmas in the Smoky Mountains.

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

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.

Staying past Christmas and ringing in the New Year? Check out our guide to New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg.

Gobble down freshly baked cookies and sit on Santa’s lap at the Christmas Inn. Or bundle up to cheer on the marching bands and dancers at the yearly parade.

Inject your Yuletide getaway with some gravitas and history when you visit the Titanic Museum’s stunning displays and LEGO model ships. Or, capture unforgettable illuminated creations as you stroll through the Winterfest walking trail. 

Ready to join Rudolph, St. Nick, and Frosty for your best Christmas yet? Don’t wait; plan your Pigeon Forge holiday today!

Tell us, What Other Things to do in Pigeon Forge Christmas Did We Miss?

What things to do in Pigeon Forge around Christmas would you add to our list?

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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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