Pigeon Forge Winterfest Creates a Winter Wonderland

Pigeon Forge Winterfest has delighted visitors for more than 25 years. The event, which runs from November to February, offers four months of winter fun and lights for all ages. If heading to Pigeon Forge for a winter holiday, here are a few things to expect from this popular festival.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest: Events and Things to Do

Lights, Lights and More Lights

Area mountain towns come alive with creative light and festival displays. More than 5 million lights on houses, businesses and streets make these places scream holiday flare. See how creative residents build whole scenes large and small, and the best part is they all stay up until late February.

Take the Trolley

The Fun Time Trolleys are an easy – and warm – way to explore the town. Guides drive visitors around the town to see sites and learn about the area. Due to cold temps, each trolley is enclosed and heated, ensuring riders are comfortable while they hear stories, folk tales, and anecdotes.

Don’t Miss the Parades

Pigeon Forge Winterfest kicks off with a Veteran’s parade in November, and there are two others in December. The Fantasy of Lights Parade, which measures a mile long, draws thousands of people and features floats, marching bands, balloons, and Santa Claus. Nearby Sevierville hosts an annual Christmas parade with pageant winners, entertainers, as well as bands and floats.

Saddle Up

Cold weather doesn’t stop these cowboys and cowgirls from bringing the best of the American West to Pigeon Forge. This annual five-day event brings cook-offs, workshops, dances and more to Tennessee. Hats and boots welcome.

See A Show

From magic to Broadway, Pigeon Forge hosts many winter shows for the family. Country Tonight Theater and The Smoky Mountain Opry host live musical acts, while popular dinner-show spots include Dixie Stampede, Hatfield and McCoy, and The Lumberjack Fued. For family-friendly comedy, check out Comedy Barn Theater, which hosts fire-eaters, magicians and live music. During Winterfest, these places also host entertaining holiday shows.

Travel Tip: The Smoky Mountains can get pretty cold and snowy in winter, so pack warm clothes and check the weather forecast before traveling to your Pigeon Forge vacation rental.