Thinking about planning a holiday getaway to Pigeon Forge? You’ll find this Smoky Mountain town looking its most festive, with millions of lights, holiday shows, special events, and countless ways to get into the spirit of the season. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or making a longer holiday escape, there’s plenty happening throughout the area to fill your itinerary.
Spend a day at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, then stroll the free Winterfest trail of lights. Settle in for a Christmas show over dinner, browse seasonal markets for handmade gifts, visit with Santa, and ring in the new year under fireworks at The Island.
Below, you will find the dates, times, and locations you need to plan a seasonal trip around fun things to do during the holidays in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Winterfest Christmas Lights in Pigeon Forge
Holiday lights are one of the easiest ways to enjoy the season in Pigeon Forge, and they’re open to everyone, every night, at no cost. The city’s Winterfest displays include a free walking trail and a free driving tour, giving you two different ways to see the lights.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration
Nov. 13, 2026, 4-8 pm | Patriot Park
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration, a free event filled with festival fun for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment by Jimbo Whaley, family-friendly activities including live reindeer, ice skating, bounce houses, and more. Discover the new Taste of Town, featuring local Pigeon Forge businesses sharing their signature food and treats. Explore the Winterfest Christmas Village at Patriot Park, where you can show for handmade crafts, Christmas decor, permanent jewelry, unique gifts, and delicious holiday treats.
Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
Nov. 6, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027 | Pigeon Forge Greenway
Wander past more than 45 nature-themed light displays along the Riverwalk at Patriot Park. This free walking trail lets you go at your own pace, so you can stop for photos, take a closer look at your favorite displays, and enjoy a peaceful holiday walk under the twinkling lights.
Parking will be available in the Pigeon Forge Municipal parking lot.
Insider tip: Use the Wonders of Light Walking Trail Map to plan your route.
Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
Nov. 6, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027 | Throughout Pigeon Forge
Experience the magic of the season at your own pace on a Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights throughout Pigeon Forge featuring more than 6 million dazzling Winterfest lights – all from the comfort of your own car! Enjoy spectacular displays of the 12 Days of Christmas, beloved Mother Goose storybook characters, Smoky Mountain wildlife scenes, falling snowflakes, and so much more. The festive driving tour is the perfect way for families to take in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.
City of Pigeon Forge Winterfest 5K & Kids Fun Run
Dec. 5, 2026 | Patriot Park
NEW: Lace up for the first-ever City of Pigeon Forge Winterfest 5K & Kids Fun Run. The flat, paved course follows the Riverwalk beneath the Wonders of Light displays, and every finisher takes home a T-shirt and a medal. Kids 12 and under run two laps in the Fun Run, and parents can run alongside them before the 5K starts. The race supports the Pigeon Forge High School Foundation.
Winterfest at The Island
Nov. 21, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027 | The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge celebrates the season with its own Winterfest at The Island. The fun begins November 21 when Santa arrives at 5 pm, followed by a free holiday concert at 7 pm and the lighting of the 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree at 8 pm.
All season long, The Island Show Fountain comes to light nightly with a choreographed 40 ft. LED Christmas tree at 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm. It’s an easy stop to work in between shopping, dining, and rides.
Insider tip: Santa visits The Island on select dates throughout the season, so check the schedule if a visit with Santa is on your list.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Nov. 6, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 | Dollywood
Spend a full day exploring seasonal shows, food, and attractions at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, then watch the park glow with more than six million lights after the sun goes down. Recognized as the Best Christmas Event at any theme park for multiple years running, this is a great choice for families who want to build their trip around an unforgettable holiday experience.
Indoor shows like Christmas in the Smokies and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas get you into the holiday spirit, while outdoor performances of Appalachian Christmas, Holiday Wild Roots, and O Holy Night immerse you in Christmas cheer amid the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Have your camera ready at Santa’s cabin, where kids can peek through the window at the naughty and nice list before getting a photo with Santa himself. After dark, head to Glacier Ridge for more than a million lights, then catch the Wonderful Christmas! tree show at Wilderness Pass Plaza, where a 50-foot animated tree comes to life with synchronized lights.
Christmas Shopping and Holiday Markets in Pigeon Forge
You can go Christmas shopping in Pigeon Forge any time of year, but the holiday season adds even more ways to browse gifts and decorations, pick up seasonal treats, and bring home a souvenir from your Christmas in Pigeon Forge.
Winterfest Christmas Market
Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 20-28, 2026 | 11 am – 8pm | Patriot Park
The outdoor Winterfest Christmas Market fills Patriot Park with 25 booths from artisans and crafters. Browse for handmade gifts, Christmas decor, permanent jewelry, unique gifts and holiday goodies, then finish your evening on the nearby Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail.
The Mountain Mile Christmas Market
Nov. 27-Dec. 31, 2026 | Fridays 4-8 pm, Saturdays 10 am-8 pm | Mountain Mile & Tower Shops
Every Friday and Saturday, the Mountain Mile Christmas Market brings together local vendors, s’mores kits, gourmet hot chocolate, and twinkling Christmas lights, with plenty of spots for holiday photos. Keep an eye out for Santa, who stops by from time to time to see who’s been naughty or nice.
The Incredible Christmas Place
Open year-round | The Incredible Christmas Place
The Incredible Christmas Place keeps the holiday spirit going all year, making it a favorite stop for anyone who loves Christmas. From ornaments and nativity scenes to fudge and holiday-themed collectibles, you’re sure to find a keepsake to bring home.
Christmastime at The Old Mill
November – December | The Old Mill
The annual Christmastime at The Old Mill returns again this year. Experience beautiful holiday décor throughout Old Mill Square to exciting activities and events for visitors of all ages to the best holiday flavors at Old Mill shops and restaurants, Christmas at The Old Mill offers something for everyone. You can even book your own igloo at Pottery House Cafe!
Holiday Shows in Pigeon Forge
A Christmas show is a great way to get the whole family laughing, clapping, and singing along. Pigeon Forge’s holiday lineup ranges from dinner shows to comedy, country music, and magic. Check out a few of our favorites below or browse all the holiday shows in Pigeon Forge.
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Oct. 28, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 | Dolly Parton’s Stampede
At Christmastime, Dolly Parton’s Stampede wraps its family-friendly show in holiday cheer. Settle in for a four-course meal and a show featuring 32 horses, a live Nativity, and a special appearance by Santa in a horse-drawn sleigh.
Christmas Show at Country Tonite
Nov. 3-Dec. 31, 2026 | Country Tonite Theatre
Country Tonite’s Christmas show transforms its Pigeon Forge stage into a glittering holiday wonderland. Dazzling performances, timeless Christmas classics, elaborate sets, and seasonal characters come together to create a show that captures the spirit of the season. With young performers and a family-friendly feel, it’s a great pick for multi-generational groups, especially those with country music fans.
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Christmas Supper Show
Nov. 7, 2026-Jan. 4, 2027 | Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show
The holiday edition of Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud adds a dash of Christmas cheer to its comedic, all-ages show. The rival Dawson and McGraw families go head-to-head in over a dozen holiday-themed timbersport events. With an all-you-can-eat Southern-inspired meal, this is a good choice for groups looking to enjoy a lively, competitive show over dinner.
Illusionation, Believe in Magic
Nov. 16-30, 2026 (Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.) and Dec. 4, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027 (Mon.-Wed., Fri., Sat.) | The Mountain of Entertainment Theater
Join internationally acclaimed magician Jason Hudy, along with his assistant Elly Rebeka and comic magician Ray Adams, at Illusionation: Believe in Magic, where large-scale illusions, classic sleight of hand tricks, and dazzling Christmas costumes create an enchanting show the whole family can enjoy.
Christmas at Array
Nov. 3-Dec. 31, 2026 | Array Variety Show
Christmas at Array turns the whole theater into a holiday spectacle with festive lights, music, and costumes. This show gives families a chance to sit back and enjoy a night of Christmas-themed entertainment, from comedy and dancing to a moving nativity scene.
Hatfield & McCoy’s Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud
Nov. 6, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 | Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
It may be Christmas, but the Hatfields and McCoys still can’t quite settle their feud. The Hatfield & McCoy’s Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud combines singing, dancing, comedy, and stunts as the two families carry on their famous rivalry, all served with an all-you-can-eat Southern feast. This Christmas escapade is a holly hodgepodge of food and festive fun, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
Comedy Barn Christmas Show
Nov. 16, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027 | Comedy Barn Theater
For a night of family laughs, catch the Comedy Barn Christmas Show. This holiday production brings together comedy, cloggers, and canines along with classic Christmas music & costumes, with special Christmas acts and plenty of down-home charm.
New Year’s Eve in Pigeon Forge
Your holiday fun doesn’t have to end after Christmas. The Winterfest lights keep shining through January 31, 2027, and New Year’s Eve in Pigeon Forge gives you a festive reason to stay a little longer.
Noon and New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island
Dec. 31, 2026 | 10 am-midnight | The Island in Pigeon Forge
For New Year’s Eve, The Island hosts an all-day celebration. Fill your day with rides, shopping, and dining, then gather for a free concert headlined by American Idol winner Hannah Harper. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky over The Island, synchronized to a live radio soundtrack. New this year is the Noon Year’s Event Celebration, giving families along with little ones the excitement of ringing in the new year without staying up late. Beginning at 11am is a free concert and kids countdown featuring Sol Driven Train.
The Mountain Mile New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31, 2026 | 4 pm-10 pm | Mountain Mile & Tower Shops
The Mountain Mile’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration makes it easy to ring in the new year with little ones. Enjoy holiday treats, performances, and giveaways, then stay for the fireworks finale at 10 pm, so the kids don’t have to stay up until midnight.
Plan Your Holiday Trip to Pigeon Forge
In Pigeon Forge, the holidays stretch from November through January, giving you plenty of time to experience the lights of Winterfest, the holiday charm of Dollywood, and all the shopping, attractions, and shows you want.
Whether you’re planning a December weekend of dinner shows and lights or staying through New Year’s Eve to watch fireworks over The Island, start by picking your dates. Then book your shows and lodging, and fill in the rest of your days with a drive through the lights, a stroll along the Riverwalk, or a stop at a Christmas shop.
Ready to start planning? Explore Winterfest and start planning your holiday getaway. And don’t forget to check the Passport to Savings for special deals on holiday fun.
