In the wintertime, Pigeon Forge comes alive with holiday magic. From towering trees to millions of sparkling lights, it’s a winter wonderland like no other, and the perfect place to take your family’s Christmas card photo. If you’re hoping to snap that one-in-a-million shot over your holiday vacation, here are 10 great places for Christmas card photos in Pigeon Forge.
Where: spans the Riverwalk from the access point in the city’s Municipal Parking Lot (located at 2936 Teaster Lane between the LeConte Event Center and The Island in Pigeon Forge) to the approximate intersection of Old Mill Avenue and Butler Street (near the Old Mill Historic Square)
The Wonders of Light Walking Trail lets you explore the lights of Pigeon Forge on foot, and it’s full of prime photo opportunities. Head down the Riverwalk, starting from the Municipal Parking Lot, and wander past delightful, nature-themed holiday displays all the way to the Old Mill Historic Square. With 45 different scenes—from glowing flowers to a 52-foot-long caterpillar—you can take photos with several and pick your favorite. Download the Wonders of Light Walking Trail map to start exploring.
A Smoky Mountain backdrop is exactly what you’ll get when visiting The Mountain Mile. During the holiday season, they’re fully decorated with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and tons of photo ops. Don’t miss their annual Christmas market which runs each Friday & Saturday through December for more festive photos with seasonal treats, Christmas gifts, and Santa appearances that make your pictures feel extra “storybook.”
Where: 131 The Island Dr.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is especially magical during Winterfest when holiday trees, lights, and displays transform it into a winter wonderland. Photo opportunities abound, whether you’re snapping a shot in front of the 200-foot-tall Observation Wheel, capturing a candid moment on the carousel, or posing in front of The Island Show Fountains, which dazzle visitors every 30 minutes with a spectacular Christmas presentation.
Where: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is pure photo magic every single year. Millions of lights and glowing displays will make even a quick phone pic look professionally staged. Add in the old-fashioned Smoky Mountain charm of the park’s streets, the cheerful seasonal décor, and that warm, golden evening glow once the lights come on, and you’ve got a place where you can snap a whole album’s worth of Christmas portraits in one day.
Imagine snapping your Christmas card photo on the grand staircase of the Titanic. During Christmas at the TITANIC, you can do just that. Since the staircase gets all decked out for the holidays, it’s the perfect spot for a Christmas photo. Once inside the museum, you’ll also get to explore an immersive recreation of the famous ship, see 400 authentic Titanic artifacts, and discover the real stories of the steamer’s 2,208 passengers and crew.
The Incredible Christmas Place celebrates Christmas all year round, so it’s hard to think of a better spot for your holiday photo. After snapping a shot in the courtyard near the bright lights and giant Christmas trees, head into the store to browse ornaments, nativity displays, fudge, and everything holiday-related.
Crave Golf Club rates as the #1 mini golf attraction in the U.S. Featuring indoor and outdoor mini-golf, mini-bowling, escape rooms, and more, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon. Plan a visit during the annual Candy Christmas at Crave celebration to check out the stunning holiday decorations and scope out a spot for your family Christmas card photo.
8. Patriot Park
Where: 186 Old Mill Avenue
Pigeon Forge’s three-month-long Winterfest celebration features more than six million lights, making it one of the country’s largest free outdoor light festivals. For a patriotic Christmas card, check out the lights at Patriot Park. Now through mid-February, the park comes alive with spectacular light displays paying tribute to each branch of the military, plus a dazzling Statue of Liberty, massive “Old Glory” flag, and “Sea to Shining Sea” bridge.
Where: Parkway (north to south end)
Take in even more festive light displays on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights. Just drive down Parkway to see Smoky Mountain critters, nursery rhyme characters, and a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree topped with a sparkling star. Park at your favorite spots and snap a quick photo before continuing your tour of holiday magic. Download the Winterfest Driving Tour map to plan your route!
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede serves up all the joy, beauty, and wonder of Christmas in a stunning show filled with music, acrobatics, and equestrian feats. Arrive early to explore the stables, enjoy pre-show bluegrass and country music, and pose for a family photo in front of breathtaking Christmas decorations.
Capture Holiday Magic in Pigeon Forge
The holidays are more fun at Pigeon Forge, where there’s a magical photo opportunity everywhere you look. Join us this winter for festive family fun, sparkling light displays, and the true spirit of the season.