Christmas in the Smokies
Gatlinburg aglow for Christmas. (Credit: Adobe Stock)
The Smokies seem made for Christmas.
The cozy shops of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge gleam with holiday lights, the crisp air is alive with Christmas music and aromas of cinnamon spice, there’s hustle and bustle (and shopping) aplenty, and a million ways to enjoy the season from shows, to views, and tastes. All of it makes for a uniquely Tennessee way to spend the holiday season. Here are a few of our favorites:
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Celebration
Daily through February 12, 2025
For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winter Magic with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle or by taking a stroll along the streets of Gatlinburg for the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights tour. Use the Visit Gatlinburg app to take the self-guided tour and go on a Snowpeople scavenger hunt. You can also see which businesses have decorated for Winter Magic and vote for your favorite display decorations.
Lights Over Gatlinburg
Through December 31st
View the Winter Magic Lights from above!
The Gatlinburg Skypark calls Lights Over Gatlinburg “the most popular holiday lights event in Tennessee,” attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Just taking the trusty yellow chairlift in the cool mountains air is its own holiday thrill. But even more awaits at the top of Crockett Mountain. The Skypark is covered with thousands of lights, photo ops for the entire family, a 30-foot Christmas tree, and lights that span the entire length of massive SkyBridge. Walk the bridge for one-of-a-kind views of Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights below.
Credit: Tennessee Department of Tourism Development
The Incredible Christmas Place
Ongoing
The Incredible Christmas Place is an incredible Christmas place even when it’s not Christmas. Since 1986, they’ve done Christmas all day every day.
Its Bell Tower Square location in Pigeon Forge looks like a classic European Christmas village with a spire, a thatched-roof gazebo, high-roofed buildings, and courtyard. Each year it is transformed in a Christmas wonderland — maybe the capital of Christmastime, Tennessee.
Inside, you’ll find everything to make the season bright from ornaments and stockings, to trees and lights. Bring the kids to visit Santa in the New Santa Haus. Then, stroll for a treat next door at Mrs. Claus' Sweet Shoppe.
Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area
Daily until March
Looking for something a bit more daring that sweets and carols?
Ober Mountain opens its ski slopes in mid-December for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Never done it? The staff has you covered with lessons at the Ober Mountain Snowsports School.
If you’re not feeling that adventurous, ride Ober’s classic tramline of chairlift up the mountain for amazing views. There’s also ice skating, ice bumper cars, the Snow Zone for snowballs, snowmen, and more, the Cloud Catcher zipline, carousel, and more.
Smoky Mountain National Park
Ongoing
We’ll let you in on a little secret. The country’s most-visited national park is at its least-visited time in the winter. That makes it a perfect time to bundle up, and hit the trail. Head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center for advice on winter hiking and recommendations on hikes.
