If you’ve never experienced Winterfest in the Smokies, you won’t want to miss out on it this year! You’ll find all kinds of amazing lights along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and the Strip in Gatlinburg. There are special holiday shows you can enjoy watching, and you will definitely want to watch are the parades! Keep reading to find out more about the Christmas parades in the Smokies:
Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
The biggest parade in the area is the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This event takes place at some point during the month of December. People come from all over to experience the floats that go down the Strip. Several local businesses put floats in the parade, and it is usually televised or live streamed so you can watch it even if you aren’t in Gatlinburg. If you plan on being in Gatlinburg, we suggest getting there early in the day to make sure you get a good spot and find parking. You can browse through shops, go to one of the attractions, and grab a bite to eat before the parade starts. Make a whole day of it! Be sure to bring something warm to wear when you watch the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade.
Sevierville Christmas Parade
Another holiday parade in the Smokies you can watch is the Sevierville Christmas Parade. It is usually sponsored by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Unlike the Gatlinburg parade, the Sevierville parade takes place during the day. You will still want to arrive early to grab a good seat, but you don’t have to worry about being out late! This parade also takes place in December
Other Winterfest Activities
You may be wondering what else you can enjoy during the holiday season in the Smokies. The Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is an amazing light display your whole family will love. It is set up in the parking lot of the Smokies stadium in Sevierville. You will pay per vehicle, set your radio to the designated station, and enjoy the lights sparkle and dance to the music. Everyone enjoys this event!
You can also watch a Christmas show at almost all of the shows in Pigeon Forge. Comedy Barn, Hatfield and McCoy’s, Country Tonite, and many others put on a special holiday version of their shows you won’t want to miss. You’ll get to enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs and the crazy comedy antics at many of these shows.
The Trolley Lights Tour will take you around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge so you can enjoy looking at the Winterfest Lights. These displays depict wildlife in the Smokies, the 12 Days of Christmas, and much more. You don’t have to ride around on the trolley to enjoy the lights, though! You can always hop in your own car and drive around to look at the lights!
You will love visiting the Smokies during Winterfest, watching the parades, and enjoying all the other fun holiday things to do. Are you excited to come this holiday season? Look through our Pigeon Forge cabins and book one for your holiday trip today!
