pigeon forge winterfest lights

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays, Pigeon Forge should be on your bucket list as a place to visit in November and December. Whether you want to see lights, shows, or a unique holiday experience, Pigeon Forge has something for any type of visitor. Keep reading and make these items in our list a part of yours!

Winterfest

November 6, 2018–February 18, 2019
Pigeon Forge loves decorating its city in a brilliant lit splendor every year, and this year is no different. With over five million lights and two months invested in set up, the spectacle is sure to amazing and bring joy. You can get a driving tour map here. Some of the light displays include wildlife, decorated buildings, and snowflakes. Pair up your visit to Pigeon Forge with another activity on the list or a show.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

November 10, 2018–January 5, 2019
You’ll never find a Christmas celebration at a theme park better than this one. Over five million lights adorn Dollywood, and there are plenty of activities, shows, and sweets to keep you occupied. Check out the 50-foot video motion Christmas tree, listen to holiday music from one of several on-site shows, visit Rudolph and Santa, and cradle a mug of hot chocolate. Make sure you set aside time to watch the Parade of Many Colors on Showstreet, which starts at 8:15 p.m. nightly during the celebration.

Thanksgiving Fireworks and Christmas at the Titanic

November 10–December 31, 2018
Take a step back in time to celebrate Christmas Edwardian-style and imagine how the ship would have appeared over 100 years ago for Christmas! There will be lovely lights and decorations for the season, reindeer at the museum near the entrance, and plenty of photo opportunities. Special discounts apply to past or present members of the military visiting in November. On the 22nd of November, Titanic will have comic book superheroes and superstars (including Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and more!), a fireworks parade starting at 7 p.m., and then a spectacular fireworks display. Advanced reservations are recommended for Thanksgiving Day tours.

Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival

December 5–December 8, 2018
Check out the Smoky Mountain Convention Center and enjoy the sounds of the festival. Hosted by “Lady of Tradition” Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, winner of the 2015 SPBGMA Song of the Year for “That’s Kentucky.” Over 20 musicians in total will be entertaining visitors. You can either purchase a one-day ticket or a four-day ticket.

Breakfast/Brunch With Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 1, 2018
The Pottery House Café and Grille at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge offers two ways to see Santa. Breakfast starts at 8:15 a.m., and brunch is at 10 a.m. Kids can also enjoy the craft tent that starts at 10 in the morning. You’ll need to make reservations by calling (865) 406-6558.

Christmas Shows

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

The North Pole and South Pole elves participate in a friendly competition alongside a cast of characters and 32 horses. Witness a living nativity scene and dramatic performances while you indulge in a four-course feast. Make sure you make time before the show to listen to bluegrass and country music in the saloon. Mountain Ruckus starts up 50 minutes before the Stampede.

Smoky Mountain Opry

The Christmas show is a multi-million dollar production with the largest living nativity scene in the area. This year features “The Voice” winner (season 12) Chris Blue. Magic Beyond Belief at the Opry has a unique Christmas magic show starring Siegfried and Roy protégé, Darren Romeo, and features illusions and special effects.


That’s it for activities in Pigeon Forge! If you would like more information about other events and festivities in the area, check out our blog post covering Gatlinburg.

Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.

About April Sadowski

April Sadowski is a wife, mother of a toddler, and a travel junkie. She's a content author for the Smoky Mountain region and is always looking for the latest tip for making a vacation a memorable one.

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