It should come as no surprise that the Smokies have quite a lot of things going on during Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend – when the best family-friendly vacation destination is joined to one of the biggest family get-togethers on the calendar, it’s to be expected there will be plenty of things to take the family to during the holiday.
And like so much of Thanksgiving’s appeal, there are traditions for how we do Thanksgiving weekend here in the Smokies. The events we’ll tell you about in this article have been going on for years in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and we definitely think you should put them on your itinerary for this year.
* Thanksgiving/Christmas Craftsmen Fair *
11/21/16 – 11/26/17 and 11/27/17 – 12/3/17
Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country and Bluegrass entertainment. www.craftsmenfair.com
* Winter Tunes and Tales *
Each weekend starting 11/21/17 – 12/16/17
Tunes and Tales is a big hit and one of Gatlinburg’s newest traditions, as far as traditions are structured in Appalachia. Previously a Summer-only event, Tunes and Tales is now entering its second year of a Winter edition complete with caroling, holiday themed storytelling and more. Come see it and get in the Christmas spirit! www.gatlinburg.com
* Festival of Trees *
11/22/17 – 11/26/17
The Gatlinburg Festival of Trees takes place at the W.L. Mills convention center and its also an excellent introduction to the coming Christmas season. This is a charity event sponsored by Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries and features dozens of exquisitely made Christmas trees to make a man-made Yuletide forest in the great convention center. All proceeds go to the ministry efforts of Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. www.smarm.org
* Titanic Museum Fireworks *
11/23/17
At 7:00PM on Thanksgiving day, the Titanic Museum on the parkway in Pigeon Forge will celebrate the occasion with a fireworks display. There aren’t too many places here in the US that choose this holiday for fireworks, so you’re definitely getting a Thanksgiving treat from Titanic with this event. www.titanicpigeonforge.com
All of these fine events can be found within just a short driving distance from many of our cabins in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley and in-between. If you’re coming to visit us for the Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll be able to hit these events and get back to enjoying our luxury amenities very quickly and conveniently.
