Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Seasonal Santa Sightings
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on November 15, 2023
Yikes, we're only a little more than a month from Christmas. Those who haven't gotten much shopping done yet may be feeling a sense of urgency right now. But gift buying isn't the only component of the runup to the Christmas holiday. There are lots of fun things to do to celebrate the season and enjoy this magical time of year, especially if you get a chance to visit the Smokies in the next few weeks. Whether it's touring the Winterfest lights, seeing a holiday show at a music theater or visiting your favorite attraction, Christmas outings are always more fun in the mountains.
And if you have younger children in the family, your trip to the Smokies might also involve getting an early visit in with Santa Claus. Of course, he has to spend a lot of time at the North Pole this time of year to get all the toys ready for distribution on December 24. But he has also found time in his schedule to visit a number of different businesses and events in the Smokies. So if your kids would like to get in some last-minute gift requests with Saint Nick or just pose for a photo, there are multiple opportunities to do so between now and Christmas day. Continue reading for a few of our suggestions for where you can get in some one-on-one time with the big guy.
The Island, Pigeon Forge – This multiuse development will stage its annual tree lighting on November 18 at 5 p.m., and Santa will be there for meet-and-greet time. You can also visit Santa at his workshop (located in the breezeway at The Island) from 3 to 8 p.m. on select Fridays and Saturdays between now and Christmas.
The Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge – This Christmas-themed retail destination has been hosting Santa visits for decades, and this year is no exception. Look for Santa's Haus inside the store. It's a beautifully themed area, great for family photos that you could use for your Christmas cards this year. Signups are required.
The Mountain Mile, Pigeon Forge – Santa will be on the front lawn of this retail shopping center on select dates - December 3, 10 and 17 from 1 to 3 p.m., December 2 and 16 from 12 to 3 p.m. and December 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pose for photos with Santa in front of the jumbo ornament lights.
Anakeesta, Gatlinburg – Mr. and Mrs. Claus will both be at the Anakeesta attraction in downtown Gatlinburg on select dates in November and December. This requires purchasing advance tickets for your visit to the theme park, which includes early access to seasonal activities like caroling and photos with Santa.
Lumberjack Feud, Pigeon Forge – Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud show is holiday themed for the season, and from November 27 to December 22, visitors can have their photo taken with Santa for free in Lumberjack Square.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg – Santa will be at this downtown attraction daily through December 23. Bring the family to meet him, tell him what you want for Christmas and have your photo taken. You can also bring your pets in for photo opps on select dates, and 10 percent of the proceeds of pet pics will benefit Sevier County animal shelters.
The Inn at Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge – Beginning November 24, registered guests can take advantage of photo opps, story time, s'mores, a singing Santa concert, decorating cookies and gingerbread houses, and a character meet and greet.
Other area businesses hosting Santa include Crave Golf Club, Toy Box Mini Golf and Beyond the Lens: Polar Express, all located in Pigeon Forge.
While Smoky Mountain Ziplines won't be hosting any events where you can meet Santa, we're still open through the end of the year, so there are lots more opportunities to enjoy ziplining Pigeon Forge before our season ends.
