Pigeon Forge Winterfest: 2024 In-Depth Guide

Welcome to Pigeon Forge Winterfest 2024, the ultimate winter wonderland in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! Experience the magic as millions of lights illuminate the town, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for holiday adventures.

From the breathtaking Winterfest Lights in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to exciting holiday shows and the much-anticipated Winterfest Kickoff Event, there’s something for everyone.

Ready to create unforgettable memories? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this enchanting celebration.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff Schedule

Wonder when does Winterfest start in Pigeon Forge? Last year, Pigeon Forge’s annual Winterfest celebration, which includes millions of holiday lights, ran from November 9, 2023 to February 18, 2024.

Mark your calendars this year! On November 7, 2024, Winterfest in Pigeon Forge kicks off with an unforgettable celebration at Patriot Park. Starting at 5:00 PM and extending until 9:00 PM, this magical evening is packed with festive activities and heartwarming cheer.

As the night falls, watch in awe as Pigeon Forge transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, illuminated by over 6 million sparkling holiday lights. To top it all off, a breathtaking fireworks display will light up the sky, ensuring a grand finale you won’t want to miss!

Location

Head over to Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

Winterfest 2024 Pigeon Forge Tickets

Get ready to join the excitement at the kickoff event, where all activities are free for everyone, including the Pigeon Forge Winterfest lights drive-through! Savor mouthwatering delights from numerous food trucks and explore an array of festive holiday vendors that will add extra sparkle to your Winterfest experience.

Pigeon Forge Christmas Packages: Plan Your Stay

Want to make your winter wonderland experience even more magical? 📅🎄

With Tripster’s Pigeon Forge Christmas packages, you can plan a hassle-free Smoky Mountain holiday trip! Bundle attraction tickets together, and even enjoy a stay in a hotel of your choice, all for one low price. Grab the very best holiday discounts while they last!

Annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Highlights

Winterfest Driving Tour Of Lights: November 7, 2024 – February 16, 2025, at Pigeon Forge Parkway – Get ready to be dazzled by over 5 million shimmering Winterfest lights Pigeon Forge! Hop in your car for the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights and experience the holiday season in all its illuminated glory. One highlight you won’t want to miss is the mesmerizing “12 Days of Christmas” display.

Each enchanting night, the beloved verses of this classic carol come to life, showcasing everything from partridges in pear trees to drummers drumming. It’s a visual feast that captures the magic of the season.

Next on this amazing light driving tour, step into the pages of your favorite nursery rhymes with the enchanting Fairytale Fantasy display. Classic characters and scenes twinkle and glow, bringing timeless tales to life.

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Admire Humpty Dumpty perched on a wall or watch the mischievous antics of Hickory Hickory Dock, all lit up with the spirit of the season. This storybook landscape is sure to captivate hearts of all ages.

This Smoky Mountain Christmas light ride is a self-guided adventure, perfect for exploring at your own pace. Turn on your favorite holiday tunes, sip some hot cocoa, and let the music add to your joy as you take in the spectacular light displays. If you prefer, there are also guided Winterfest tours available with a variety of tour guides ready to enhance your festive experience.

Psst… Don’t have a car? Plan a trip to the Pigeon Forge Winterfest walking trail instead. More details are coming for this year’s Winterfest Wonders of Light walking trail, so check back for updates!

Parades and Festivals

Townsend Christmas Parade: December 1, 2024, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Townsend Visitors Center – Kick off the holiday season with an enchanting Christmas Parade that’s perfect for the whole family. Starting at the Townsend Visitor Center and ending near the former Nawger Nob Village (7321 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy), this parade promises to be a highlight of the season.

As festive decorations light up the town and the sweet scent of hot cocoa fills the air, families can gather against the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. Experience a delightful procession of beautifully adorned floats, lively marching bands, and cheerful performers spreading yuletide joy.

The Townsend Christmas Parade is all about creating cherished memories and fostering a sense of community warmth that truly embodies the holiday spirit.

HOT TIP: Don’t miss the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade and Sevierville Christmas Parade! Visit the Pigeon Forge Winterfest official site for updated dates and times.

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Gatlinburg also celebrates Winterfest with more major events: Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Winterfest Gatlinburg’s Festival Of Trees. Meanwhile, Winterfest Pigeon Forge Church of God is planning more shows and activities.

Bluegrass Christmas In The Smokies Music Festival: November 14 – 16, 2024 at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Get ready for a toe-tapping good time at the Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies Music Festival! This annual event brings together some of the best bluegrass musicians for three days of lively performances and festive fun.

You’ll find the Gatlinburg Convention Center transformed into a musical winter wonderland, perfect for both bluegrass aficionados and newcomers alike. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the unique blend of Christmas spirit and authentic bluegrass tunes during your Winterfest adventure.

Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival: Step into a magical holiday atmosphere at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Here, the renowned Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community showcases exclusive handcrafted treasures during their eagerly awaited annual holiday show. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, this vibrant community boasts the largest collection of independent artisans in the country.

• Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show: Tuesday, November 26 – Sunday, December 5, 2024
• Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: Monday, December 2 – Sunday, December 8, 2024

The craft show opens its doors at 10:00 AM daily, closing at 5:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 4:00 PM on Sundays. Be enchanted by a diverse array of handcrafted goods, including intricately designed quilts, skillfully carved straw brooms, finely woven baskets, aromatic hand-dipped candles, elegant Victorian ceramic pitchers, and charming pottery pieces.

Shows and Theatres

Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede: October 30, 2024 – January 4, 2025, at Dolly Parton’s Stampede – Witness an enchanting holiday spectacle featuring 32 magnificent horses and a talented cast, transporting you to the nostalgic North Pole – South Pole rivalry. Marvel at the Sugar Plum Fairy as she magically brings toys to life.

Feel the spirit of Christmas come alive with a breathtaking live nativity scene, complete with three kings arriving on real camels. And of course, Santa makes a grand entrance in a charming horse-drawn sleigh.

While you’re entertained, savor Stampede’s famous four-course meal. Indulge in the original creamy vegetable soup, hot homemade biscuits, tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, flaky apple pastry, and enjoy unlimited tea, coffee, or Coca-Cola products.

Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster: October 31, 2024 – January 4, 2025, at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud – There’s nothing like the holidays to bring family together… for a feudin’ good time! Join Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy in a spirited attempt to mend their famous feud in true holiday fashion. Get ready for a night of fun, food, and entertainment that’ll make you appreciate your own family gatherings even more.

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Whether you’re a city-slicker or a country cousin, you’ll enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday singing, dancing, incredible feats of strength, jaw-dropping stunts, and side-splitting comedy.

And don’t miss out on Granny’s special holiday dinner! She’s serving up a feast with fried chicken, country pulled pork shoulder barbecue, smashed taters, creamy cole slaw, fluffy biscuits, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup, and a special dessert that’s sure to make you loosen your belt. It’s the best dinner in town—Granny guarantees it!

Christmas At The Comedy Barn: November 18, 2024 – January 4, 2025, at The Comedy Barn Theater – It’s Christmas time in the Smokies, and The Comedy Barn is ready to fill you with holiday cheer! Experience a one-of-a-kind Christmas show that only The Comedy Barn can deliver. Enjoy festive music, dazzling Christmas costumes, and hilarious Christmas acts that are unique to Barn’s stage.

Get ready for the most delightful laugh workout you’ve ever had! The show features brand-new performances alongside fan-favorite acts from past years, making it the funniest Christmas show in the Smokies. Discover what has everyone laughing—come join the fun at The Comedy Barn!

The Island Tree Lighting & Winterfest Show: November 16, 2024, at The Island – Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is a holiday spectacle you can’t afford to miss! Picture millions of lights illuminating the 23-acre property as the sun sets, transforming it into a dazzling winter wonderland you’ll absolutely adore.

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Besides the magical tree lighting and live entertainment, guests at The Island can catch a photo with Santa from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Santa’s workshop will also be available for photo opportunities on select dates in November and December. The best part? Parking is free, with convenient tram service from The Island Drive parking lot running at regular intervals. And there’s no admission fee!

Adding to the festive spirit, the multi-million dollar fountain at The Island features a captivating show with three 40-foot high, LED Christmas Trees. This choreographed display is bound to take your breath away! The mesmerizing Winterfest at The Island Show happens every evening at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 9:00 pm, continuing through Friday, January 5, 2024. Don’t miss this exceptional Winterfest event at The Island in Pigeon Forge.

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Polar Express Train Ride: November 7 – December 31, 2024, at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with a ride aboard The Polar Express! Set to the enchanting sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests will enjoy warm cocoa and a delicious treat while listening and reading along with the beloved holiday story. Watch children’s faces light up with joy as the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus awaits their arrival.

Once aboard, Santa will greet each child and present them with a special gift inspired by the story—a silver sleigh bell. As the journey continues back to the Bryson City Depot, families will join in singing cheerful Christmas carols, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to experience this magical adventure? Purchase your tickets online or call the reservations department at (800) 872-4681.

New Year’s Celebration At The Island: December 31, 2024, at The Island – Ring in 2025 with an extraordinary midnight fireworks display on December 31! Enjoy a full day of family fun and top it off with spectacular fireworks to kick off the new year with a bang!

Nearby Attractions and Experiences

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas: Dive into the enchantment of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas 2024, a festive extravaganza named America’s Best Christmas Event for over ten years. Bring your loved ones for an unforgettable holiday adventure featuring more than six million sparkling lights and grand Christmas trees.

Relish the season’s sights, sounds, and flavors as you wander through a breathtaking winter wonderland nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy heartwarming holiday shows, indulge in festive shopping, and soak up the holiday spirit.

As the evening sets in, be mesmerized by a spectacular Christmas drone show that lights up the night sky with hundreds of festive drones. Discover why Dollywood is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer!

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Christmas Experience at Anakeesta: As the sun sets over the Smokies, Anakeesta Mountain transforms into a dazzling wonderland of holiday lights. Picture yourself gathered around a crackling fire, sipping on hot cocoa or your favorite hot toddy, surrounded by loved ones. Take a leisurely stroll through enchanting villages, revel in delicious dining options, and marvel at the stunning light displays that promise to fill your heart with winter cheer.

The Christmas Experience at Anakeesta is a spectacular celebration featuring tens of thousands of twinkling lights. Wander through Firefly Village, resplendent with festive holiday lighting, and enjoy shopping for that perfect holiday gift amid the seasonal magic.

Tips and Parking

Where to Stay: Looking for a cozy place to stay during your Winterfest adventure? Take advantage of Tripster’s fantastic holiday deals for hotels, resorts, and cabins in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding areas.

Whether you prefer the charm of a rustic cabin or the convenience of a modern resort, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the festivities.

What to Bring: To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Winterfest Pigeon Forge, consider bringing cash and cards for purchases as well as a valid ID, as there may be discounts available onsite. This will help you make the most of the holiday shows, delicious food trucks, and other festive offerings.

Parking: During the holiday season, finding free parking in Pigeon Forge is a breeze! The Island offers free parking, as well as Patriot Park, conveniently located near the Pigeon Forge trolley office. This makes it super easy for you to hop on a trolley and get to all your favorite attractions.

Purchasing a $3 all-day wristband allows you unlimited trolley rides to popular destinations. Whether you want to visit The Island, Dollywood, Splash Country, or The Historic Old Mill, the trolley has got you covered. Make sure to check the updated Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Trolley schedule!

Experience the Smoky Mountains During Winterfest

As the magic of Winterfest in Pigeon Forge envelops the Smoky Mountains in twinkling lights and holiday cheer, you’ll find a winter wonderland unlike any other. Embrace the warmth of festive traditions and create memories that will last a lifetime, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the season’s million lights.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, wonder, and the enchanting charm of Pigeon Forge Winterfest!