Winterfest Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Holiday Fun
Step into a scene straight from a snow globe this season at Winterfest at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg! Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Village transforms into a cozy alpine escape glowing with twinkling lights, festive storefronts, and charming Smoky Mountain holiday décor. It’s the perfect place to snap your Gatlinburg vacation photo amid holiday displays and vintage-style lampposts, then browse the boutique shops for holiday shopping deals and one-of-a-kind gifts for back home. From home decor, apparel and gifts to warm drinks and cozy treats, Winterfest at The Village offers the ultimate blend of Christmas cheer and Smoky Mountain magic.
Plan to visit these Winterfest in the Smokies events this November!
November 1 – January 4 | Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Experience one of the most enchanting Winterfest events in Pigeon Forge at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Wander through over six million sparkling holiday lights, enjoy award-winning shows, and savor festive holiday treats throughout the park. Step into Glacier Ridge, a magical winter wonderland filled with shimmering displays, and be amazed by the new Joyful Drone Show, lighting up the night sky in dazzling color. It’s a must-see holiday tradition for families celebrating Christmas in the Smoky Mountains.
November 6 | Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
Get ready for one of the most iconic Winterfest events in Gatlinburg! The 36th Annual Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff lights up downtown with more than a million sparkling LED lights, live music, and delicious homemade chili. Enjoy the magic of the Gatlinburg Parkway as it transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with festive entertainment, ice skating, and a whimsical inflatable maze. Visit the Christmas Tree Farm, snap photos with Santa, and explore fun photo ops like the giant snow globe. This free event is one of the top winter things to do in Gatlinburg, perfect for families and holiday lovers alike.
November 6 | Winterfest Kickoff & Salute to Veterans
Join the celebration as Pigeon Forge Winterfest officially begins with the Winterfest Kickoff and Salute to Our Veterans at Patriot Park. This free, family-friendly event features live performances, a heartfelt veterans tribute by the 101st Airborne U.S. Army Band, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Watch as more than six million Winterfest lights illuminate the city for the season. Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and the patriotic spirit that makes Winterfest in Pigeon Forge such a special time of year.
November 6–29 | Wonders of Light Christmas Village
Stroll through the Wonders of Light Christmas Village at Patriot Park—one of the most magical things to do during Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Browse 35+ artisan booths featuring handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats. Don’t miss the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, glowing with over one million LED lights and whimsical displays like a 52-foot caterpillar, giant flowers, and Old Man Winter himself. Open daily 11 a.m.–8 p.m., this festive village is a perfect stop for holiday shopping and family fun.
November 6 – February 8 | Gatlinburg Winter Magic Christmas Lights
Experience the heart of Winterfest in Gatlinburg with millions of twinkling lights adorning the city from early November through February. Take a self-guided Winter Magic Lights tour using the Visit Gatlinburg app to discover dazzling displays and photo-worthy stops along the Parkway. Kids will love the Snowpeople Scavenger Hunt, featuring over 40 life-sized, 3D snowpeople scattered throughout downtown. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award for the best winter decorations in Gatlinburg. This annual celebration of lights makes every evening a magical mountain moment.
November 11 | Veterans Day Celebration
Join the community for Gatlinburg’s 25th Annual Veterans Day Celebration, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of America’s heroes. This heartfelt event at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza features live patriotic music, special presentations, and inspiring speeches. Open and free to the public, it’s a meaningful way to pause and honor those who have served while enjoying one of Gatlinburg’s most respected fall-to-winter traditions.
November 22 – January 4 | Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Step into the sparkle of Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge, where millions of lights and over a mile of garland create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. Kick off the celebration at the Winterfest Opening Concert on November 22 with Santa’s arrival, live music, and the lighting of The Island’s towering 40-foot walk-through Christmas Tree. Each evening, watch the Island’s Show Fountain Courtyard come alive with choreographed light and water performances at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. This dazzling Winterfest light show has become one of the Smoky Mountains’ favorite Christmas traditions and is a must-see for families visiting Pigeon Forge during Winterfest.
November 25–30 | Gatlinburg Festival of Trees
Step into a winter wonderland at the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees, a beloved holiday tradition supporting the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Wander through beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive displays, and holiday music at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The event kicks off with the Candy Canes and Cocktails reception and continues all week, offering one of the most festive family-friendly winter activities in Gatlinburg.
November 25–30 | Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
Shop local this season at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show, one of the most popular winter events in Gatlinburg. Browse handcrafted gifts, pottery, jewelry, candles, quilts, and woodwork made by artisans from the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community — the largest group of independent craftspeople in the nation. It’s the perfect place to find unique Smoky Mountain gifts while experiencing Appalachian tradition at its finest.
November 29 | Santa in the Smokies at NOC Gatlinburg
Meet Santa by the fireplace at NOC Gatlinburg’s Santa in the Smokies, a cozy family favorite during Gatlinburg Winterfest. Enjoy free photos with Santa, ornament decorating, hot cider, and a heartwarming Christmas storytime. Browse outdoor gear, toys, and local crafts for holiday gifts while soaking up the joyful mountain spirit. This free Gatlinburg holiday event brings together everything you love about Christmas in the Smokies — warmth, wonder, and family fun.