The night skies light up each year during the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration. The three-month-long event features more than six million holiday lights and is one of the country’s largest free outdoor lights festivals.
Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
A spectacular free outdoor walk-thru holiday lights experience
On November 20, 2024
Millions of visitors’ flock to the Great Smoky Mountains to experience Winterfest. The Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail expansion brings the total number of holiday light displays to 45 located along or near the city’s Parkway, Pigeon Forge’s major thoroughfare. The Winterfest celebration kicked off on Nov. 7 and will continue through Feb. 16.
What to See Along the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
The Wonders of Light Walking Trail invites you to experience a dazzling holiday spectacle like no other! This free, pet-friendly trail offers over 45 nature-inspired, musical light displays, including vibrant butterflies, towering wildflowers, and a majestic 20-foot ice fountain.
Along the flat, paved pathway, frolicking deer, bears, and squirrels—some up to 19 feet tall—guide your journey, while sparkling fireflies and dancing butterflies light up the treetops for an enchanting winter adventure.
Since opening in 2022, the trail has grown into a must-see holiday destination with whimsical displays such as a colorful 52-foot caterpillar, joined by large-scale inchworms, ladybugs, and mushrooms amid blades of grass. You’ll see a fun fly fisherman with leaping trout, a span of glowing woodland creatures, and additional fireflies, in addition to six radiant deciduous trees that add even more brilliance to the walk.
Come discover the magic of Winterfest and create lasting memories on this extraordinary, illuminated trail!
Getting to the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
The Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail will span the Riverwalk from the access point in the city’s Municipal Parking Lot (located at 2936 Teaster Lane between the LeConte Center and The Island in Pigeon Forge) to the approximate intersection of Old Mill Avenue and Butler Street (near the Old Mill Historic Square).
Visitors can access the light displays via the six-mile out-and-back Riverwalk which has several access points, including one at the city’s Patriot Park, the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill and the city’s Municipal Parking Lot, the latter of which also offers free parking for trail guests.
The Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail is paved and mostly flat. It is pet- (leashes required) and wheelchair-friendly.
See More Holiday Lights on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, featuring enchanting displays like Snowflake Lane, Fairytale Fantasy, Winter Wonderland Bridges, Winter’s Waterfall, and Pigeons in Flight. Experience the wonder and beauty of these dazzling holiday scenes from the comfort of your vehicle.
Discover More Pigeon Forge Winterfest Events and Holiday Celebrations
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
You’ll find plenty of other holiday celebrations taking place throughout the season. Delight in the spectacular holiday performances, five million twinkling lights and Christmas-themed menus at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is unlike any experience with millions of lights, a spectacular walk-through Christmas tree and more. The Island’s Show Fountain comes to life nightly, along with a choreographed, 40-foot-high, Christmas tree.
Heartwarming Holiday Shows
Another highlight of this magical time of year are the holiday shows in Pigeon Forge. These captivating shows feature everything from traditional holiday performances to crazy Christmas fun and everything in between.
Celebrate the season in Pigeon Forge with everything from dazzling holiday decor to memorable photos with Santa and more. Explore more fun things to do during the holidays.
Plan Your Pigeon Forge Winterfest Getaway Today
There’s no better place to get into the Christmas spirit than in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains! Search Pigeon Forge lodging options to find the perfect place to stay and make your holidays shine bright with a Pigeon Forge Winterfest getaway!
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