What: Annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration
When: When: November 6, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Winterfest is one of the most magical times of the year in Pigeon Forge. The Winterfest holiday lights shine bright from early November through the middle of February.
Each year, locals and guests alike are delighted to see the twinkling holiday lights in Pigeon Forge, that literally set the town aglow. If you haven’t yet made it to see the spectacular lights of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, now is the time. Here are a few of the holiday lights in Pigeon Forge you won’t want to miss out on!
Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
One of the best ways to see the spectacular holiday light displays in Pigeon Forge is on the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail.
The dazzling trail now showcases over 45 nature-themed light displays along the Riverwalk. Walk through glowing arches and encounter whimsical scenes like a colorful 52-foot caterpillar, towering wildflowers, and a majestic 20-foot-tall ice fountain. Frolicking deer, bears, and squirrels, some reaching up to 19 feet tall, guide your path as sparkling fireflies and butterflies dance in the trees overhead.
Visitors can stroll this free, pet- and wheelchair-friendly attraction from the city’s Municipal Parking Lot to near Old Mill Avenue and Butler Street.
@mypigeonforge Pigeon Forge Winterfest is bigger and brighter than ever. #mypigeonforge #pigeonforge #winterfest #holidaylights #holidaytravel ♬ original sound – My Pigeon Forge
Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
The best way to take in the beauty and splendor of all the holiday light displays throughout Pigeon Forge is on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, which begins at the north end of the Parkway.
Along your driving tour, you’ll see bears, deer, foxes, and other critters native to the Smoky Mountains “wandering” through Pigeon Forge. Sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and tall, tall trees are seen on Island Drive and throughout the Island in Pigeon Forge. Even the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel shows off the holiday spirit with red, green and white lights.
Wonders of Light Christmas Village
Explore animated light displays and festive scenes throughout the village during the Wonders of Light Christmas Village event at Patriot Park. Attendees can also visit Santa Claus and enjoy live entertainment, a cup of hot chocolate, and more!
Dollywood
More than 5 million lights shine bright during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. The park is filled with holiday music, great rides, incredible fireworks display and more to celebrate the season.
Old Mill
With more than 6,000 sparkling lights, a spinning waterwheel and a flowing river, it’s easy to see why this display is a long-time favorite of our Winterfest guests. The scene was designed to reflect the city’s own Old Mill, one of Pigeon Forge’s earliest and most iconic businesses.
Winter Wonderland Bridges
Travel through the bridges of Pigeon Forge, located on Jake Thomas Road and East Wears Valley Road. Twinkling icicles “drip” from the top of the bridges, which are surrounded by towering 35-foot-tall trees.
Patriot Park
Patriot Park is home to the largest collection of Winterfest light displays, all with a distinctly Americana theme. This grouping includes a paddlewheel-driven riverboat, the rolling waves From Sea to Shining Sea, and a multi-display salute to America’s Armed Forces. The display depicting the flag being raised at Iwo Jima stands 40 feet tall.
Old Mill Square Bridge
Pigeon Forge welcomes you to Old Mill Square, with its own version of a covered bridge, one made of thousands of twinkling lights that lead to one of the most historic areas of Pigeon Forge. Old Mill Square is home to one of the oldest businesses in Pigeon Forge. The Mill, built in 1830, still grinds corn and wheat used in today’s recipes at Old Mill Restaurant and Pottery House Café & Grille.
Fairytale Characters Along the Parkway
Nothing stirs up precious childhood memories like the magic of a fairytale, so look for some of your favorite characters as they light up the Pigeon Forge Parkway. You’ll find Mother Goose, the giant clock from Hickory Dickory Dock, the cat and fiddle of Hey Diddle Diddle fame, and Humpty Dumpty, complete with all the king’s horses and all the king’s men. Animation adds to the charm of these displays, so take a moment to watch the stories come to life.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Stampede pulls out all the stops when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Each November, the 35,000-square-foot arena is transformed into a breathtaking holiday wonderland. Decorated with evergreens, poinsettias, classic Christmas accents, and twinkling lights, the space surrounds guests with the warmth and wonder of the season. As you soak in the festive atmosphere, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the peaceful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, gazing up at a starry sky reminiscent of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and tall, tall trees are seen on Island Drive and throughout The Island in Pigeon Forge. Even the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel shows off the holiday spirit with red, green and white lights. You will find restaurants, attractions, shopping and entertainment for the whole family at The Island in Pigeon Forge this holiday season.
Winterfest Express
This delightful and colorful Winterfest train is ready to leave its three-dimensional station for a scenic winter excursion through the Smoky Mountains. Nothing beats the scenic drive through town to see all the magical holiday lights that abound in Pigeon Forge.
Inn at Christmas Place & Christmas Place
No place takes Christmas as seriously as they do at the Incredible Christmas Place and The Inn at Christmas Place. At these unique places, visitors can celebrate Christmas every day! From shopping for your favorite Christmas collectibles at the Christmas Place to visits from Santa when you stay in one of the beautifully decorated suites at the Inn at Christmas Place, the memories you make here will last a lifetime!
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Welcome Sign
The welcome sign is always out in Pigeon Forge, and Winterfest is no exception. This display welcomes friends, neighbors and guests to our celebration of winter in the Smokies.
Winterfest offers the perfect occasion to make precious memories with your family and friends. Make plans now to come see all of the amazing holiday lights in Pigeon Forge!
View this post on Instagram
You May Also Like:
Things to Do During the Holidays in Pigeon Forge
