Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
5 Must-Visit Holiday Stops In The Smokies
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on November 29, 2022
This year, you could celebrate the Christmas holiday in the same old places and in the same old ways if you choose. You could go to those same boring parties and play Dirty Santa for the 100th time. Or perhaps you could watch A Christmas Story on TBS for the billionth time.
Or maybe this season, you could amp up your holiday game with a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. From Sevierville to Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, we could point you in the direction of dozens of places that would make this year's Christmas celebration more special than it already is. This week, we'll get you started with five must-visit destinations in the Smokies if you visit this season, whether it's just for the day or even a whole holiday week.
The Christmas Place
How can you not at least pay a visit to a year-round business with word “Christmas” in its name? The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge is a no-brainer when it comes to buying regalia like trees and ornaments, not to mention décor for the whole house. Whether you're looking for Christmas lights or holiday collectibles, themed merchandise or personalized items, there's something around every corner that's guaranteed to conjure up that Christmas spirit. While you're there, the kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus every day of the week except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If The Christmas Place doesn't get you in the mood for the biggest of all holidays, nothing will.
Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
For nearly 50 years now, the city of Gatlinburg has been hosting a nighttime Christmas parade that turns the downtown Parkway into a festive avenue of celebration. Some 60,000 visitors typically show up to witness this procession of lighted floats, marching bands, giant balloons, Santa Claus and more. All of this takes place against the backdrop of Gatlinburg's downtown Winterfest lights, which make the night skies glow and twinkle with holiday magic.
Dollywood
Through the end of the year, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge hosts its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. The theme park boasts millions and millions of colorful lights throughout all sections of the park. In fact, each section has its own color-coordinated theme, and visitors can get a front-row seat to it all by taking a train ride on the Dollywood Express. Glacier Ridge, located in Wilderness Pass and Timber Canyon, showcases lighted holiday bears, while the Merry & Bright, Holiday Light! fireworks show explodes in the skies above Dollywood to the tune of classic holiday songs. And as always, most of Dollywood's shows take on seasonal themes, with songs, dances, sets and costumes that reflect the merriment and joy of the season. And while you're there, don't forget to taste special Christmas foods like gingerbread funnel cakes and holiday limeade.
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
Sure, you'll see millions and millions of Winterfest lights from one end of the county to the other. But if you head to Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, you'll witness the spectacle of Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland. This is a drive-through tour of some of the biggest and most colorful animated light displays in the region. Each scene tells a different story, and the entire experience is choreographed to synch up with your favorite holiday tunes, which you can play via your car's sound system. It's a treat for all ages.
Biblical Times Dinner Theater
If you want to really get to the heart of the Christmas season, you might visit this dinner theater in Pigeon Forge, which hosts live Biblically based theatrical productions all year long. During the holidays, look for special seasonal shows that tell the greatest story ever told.
These are just a few of the ideas that all of us at Smoky Mountain Ziplines wanted to share with you this year. Believe it or not, that's just a taste of what lies in store when you visit the Smokies during Christmas. And if you like, you can even get in on our Pigeon Forge zip line adventure through the end of the year. We're operating on a limited schedule right now, so be sure to call us first to book your tour.
