Winter is a magical time in the Great Smoky Mountains. There’s a glittering display of celebration and festive fun for the holiday season that lasts from November all the way through January. Then after Christmas is over, you can keep the post-holiday blues at bay with fun winter activities like arts & crafts festivals, skiing, snowboarding, tubing and so much more!
There are so many incredible Smoky Mountains events throughout the winter season, that it’s tough to keep track of them all. Keep reading for a list of some of the most popular events that both locals and travelers look forward to every year. The dates may vary each year, but the fun local vibes stay the same.
COVID-19 Disclaimer: Please check with each venue before visiting to find out the latest details on times or closures.
Winterfest
Mid-November to mid-February
The neighboring towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville come together to create a true holiday winter wonderland that carries on well beyond Christmas day. From live Appalachian music to delicious treats to thousands of colorful lights, Winterfest takes pride in reflecting the local culture of the Smoky Mountains in its festive displays.
H2: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
November to January
Dollywood kicks off its holiday festivities with phenomenal light shows that include over 4 million dazzling lights. The famous amusement park has its own winter calendar of events that include live musical shows, nightly parades, and stunning fireworks displays, plus costumed and animated characters that keep kids of all ages entertained.
Ice Skating at Wilderness at the Smokies
November to January
Over in Sevierville, TN, Wilderness at the Smokies turns a 3,200 square foot portion of their outdoor wave pool into a real ice skating rink. Both hotel guests and the general public are welcome to venture out into the invigorating winter air amid a magical atmosphere filled with music and festive lights.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Chili Cookoff
November
A favorite event for local foodies, Gatlinburg hosts its annual Chili Cookoff as part of the Winter Magic festivities. Live entertainment and holiday light displays up to 40 feet tall create a delightful ambiance for chili tasting. For a small fee you can sample as many mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili as your heart desires. And while you’re there, be sure to cast your vote for the People’s Choice award for best chili!
Winterfest Trolley Ride of Lights
November to January
Winterfest trolley tours are the best way to experience the one-of-a-kind light displays in the area. Skip the traffic and crowds when you climb aboard an enclosed trolley and get ready for a magical ride through some of the most breathtaking light shows you’ll see in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Burn’s Night
January 21
Robert Burns is the national poet of Scotland and is one of the most widely read Scottish poets both in Scotland and around the world. His works represent the rich local Scottish heritage in the western North Carolina Smoky Mountains, and you’ll find people honoring his birthday all across the area. The Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, NC hosts an annual event that includes traditional Scottish food, bagpipe players, and storytellers reading Burn’s iconic works.
Smoky Mountain Gospel Jubilee
February
Fans of gospel music and people of faith will enjoy multiple days of inspiring music and powerful teaching at the annual Jubilee at The LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Winter Arts Smokies Style
February 13 & March 13, 2021
Winter Arts Smokies Style is a monthly event in Waynesville, NC that celebrates the local art and music of the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy live music, art demonstrations from local artisans and makers, and taste delicious homegrown food that reflects the flavors of the mountains.
Winter Heritage Festival
January 23, 2021
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Smokies with an exciting display of arts & crafts, storytelling, and live music in their historic village in Townsend, TN. Stroll among live demonstrations of traditional Smoky Mountain vocations like open-hearth cooking, weaving, spinning, and blacksmithing.
Wilderness Wildlife Week
February
Every year, Pigeon Forge, TN hosts the family-friendly Wilderness Wildlife Week to encourage outdoor fun in the Smoky Mountains. Discover educational programs designed specifically for the kids, and if you’re feeling especially adventurous, join a guided hike into the woods. There’s something for every member of the family during this exciting week of outdoor winter activities in the Great Smoky Mountains.
