Draped in more than 6 million holiday lights, the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration creates a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy. The lights of Winterfest shine bright from early November until February.
From winter light displays to captivating holiday shows and so much more, here are just a few of the fun ways you can experience the delightful Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration.
The holiday lights shine bright throughout Pigeon Forge. This year’s Winterfest celebration features even more spectacular holiday light displays to enjoy with your loved ones.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest keeps getting bigger and brighter! When the city-wide festival begins on Nov. 7, visitors will get to experience the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail. In all, more than one million LED lights were added to the city’s Winterfest displays.
The 20+ displays include walk-thru arches, a colorful 52-foot-long caterpillar, larger-than-life flowers, and Old Man Winter. Vibrant snowflakes, shooting stars, snow people, and a 20-foot-tall ice fountain will light the way as deer, bears, frogs, and squirrels—ranging in size from 13 to 19 feet tall—frolic alongside the path while lights that mimic fireflies and butterflies dance in the trees overhead.
Learn more about the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail.
The best way to take in the beauty and splendor of all the holiday light displays throughout Pigeon Forge is on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, which begins at the north end of the Parkway. Guests can enjoy returning light displays such as Snowflake Lane, Fairytale Fantasy, Winter Wonderland Bridges, Winter’s Waterfall, Pigeons in Flight and more.
The Winterfest events schedule is packed full of exciting holiday celebrations. Get into the spirit of the season with festive fun for everyone in Pigeon Forge!
The Winterfest Kickoff event takes place on Nov. 7 in the city’s Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Ave.), beginning at 3 p.m. with a special veteran’s tribute. The event will conclude with the activation of six million lights throughout the city followed by a show-stopping fireworks display.
Performances by the Pigeon Forge High School Choir, Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanderettes & Ensemble and Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier will precede the presentation of colors by the Veterans Military Honor Guard of Pigeon Forge.
The 101st Airborne (Air Assault) U.S. Army Band, an active-duty U.S. Army band stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, takes the stage at 6:15 p.m. for a free 45-minute tribute concert. Specializing in horn-driven funk and dance music, the band performs at formal events, festivals, and concert venues for service members and the public.
Quilts of Valor will honor three Sevier County veterans. Randal Underwood and Floyd Smith, both Vietnam veterans, and James Hood, a veteran of the Korean Conflict, each will be awarded a quilt handmade locally by the Smoky Mountain Patriotic Quilters of Sevier County. Quilts of Valor, a national organization founded in 2003, honors veterans and service members for service, sacrifice and valor by covering veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.
The Pigeon Forge Veterans Tribute will conclude with a special patriotic fireworks display.
All Winterfest kickoff event entertainment is free. Free parking is available in the city’s Municipal and Mountain parking lots located just off Teaster Lane. A variety of food trucks will offer guests dining options for purchase throughout the event.
Make plans to come out and explore the Wonders of Light Christmas Village with more than 35 booths featuring artisans and crafters selling a variety of seasonal and gift items. Admission is free and activities will take place November 7-10, 15-17 and 22-30.
Visit Dollywood to see more than 5 million lights sparkling around you during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. The park is filled with holiday music, plenty of rides, and for the first time ever, fireworks that light up the winter night skies. Make Dollywood your family’s Christmas tradition and enjoy award-winning holiday shows, scrumptious cuisine and seasonal shopping.
Another must-see is Winterfest at The Island with thousands of ornaments, millions of lights and over a mile of garland. Guests are treated to three different Christmas trees, including one that stands 40 feet tall and allows guests to walk through. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at their workshop while roving carolers fill the air with Christmas music.
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.
A favorite of locals and visitors alike is Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, where all the stops are pulled out when it comes to decorating for the holidays. The arena is transformed into a winter wonderland with a special appearance from Santa himself. Another highlight is their 60-foot-tall tree, adorned with colorful lights, ribbons and sparkling ornaments from the very bottom to the twinkling star on top.
Discover more spectacular holiday shows in Pigeon Forge.
Whether this is your first time to visit Pigeon Forge, or you’re making a return trip, Winterfest is the perfect occasion to share special memories with family and friends. Explore even more things to do during Christmas and the winter holidays in Pigeon Forge!
