Are you looking for a peaceful getaway before the busy holiday season starts? Escape to Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving with a Smoky Mountain backdrop. With stunning views, hearty Southern cuisine, and a variety of entertaining activities, you’ll come back feeling refreshed and full of appreciation. Here’s a lineup of suggestions to ensure your Thanksgiving Weekend is memorable.
For a truly intimate Thanksgiving experience, consider retreating to one of Pigeon Forge’s quaint cabins. These rustic havens offer the perfect setting for a family gathering away from the bustle of everyday life. Envision preparing a heartfelt Thanksgiving feast in a fully equipped kitchen, the aroma of turkey and pumpkin pie mingling with the cabin’s woodsy scent. As you sit down to dine, the warm embrace of gratitude surrounds the table. Post-meal, engage in laughter-filled board games or sink into plush sofas with a favorite film flickering in the glow of a stone fireplace. End each evening with a relaxing soak in the hot tub, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Several restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day if you prefer no prepping, no cooking, and no dish washing! Alamo Steakhouse, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, Hard Rock Cafe, and J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen will all be open, and are great places for a non-traditional feast. Mama’s Farmhouse will serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal (family style, of course). Margaritaville, Old Mill Restaurant, and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen are also cooking up some specialty menus and it is sure to be delicious.
SEE RESTAURANTS OPEN ON THANKSGIVING
As we wave goodbye to the vibrant foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains, Thanksgiving weekend is a time for gratitude and wonder. The park’s scenic overlooks are invitations to pause and reflect on the majesty of nature. From sunrise to sunset, each overlook provides a peaceful space to savor the landscape, with nighttime views that twinkle with the lights of Pigeon Forge. The peaks, like Kuwohi, reward the adventurous with panoramic views that are as unforgettable as the holiday itself. And for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, scenic drives around the park are a perfect way to revel in the season’s splendor.
Catch the glow of over 6 million holiday lights at Pigeon Forge Winterfest, lighting up the city through February 16th. The Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail showcases holiday light displays that create an extraordinary winter ambiance. Vibrant snowflakes, shooting stars, frolicking animals, and a 20-foot-tall ice fountain illuminate the pathway. Overhead, lights resembling fireflies and butterflies dance, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Download the walking trail map here or pick one up from the Trolley office and weave through the festive streets on a driving tour that showcases an ever-brightening array of lights—a perfect family tradition for the holiday season.
Spend a day seeing the sights, riding the rides, and watching the holiday shows at the award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. Here, you can find out if you’ve made it on Santa’s naughty or nice list with a special visit to his Smoky Mountain cabin. The park’s Christmas menu offers an array of culinary surprises, including the yummy gingerbread funnel cake. Then, experience the all-new Joyful drone show, a luminous spectacle where drones illuminate the winter sky. This enchanting event, running from November 1 to January 5, 2025, is set to make your holiday season shine bright.
Pigeon Forge transforms into a hub of festive entertainment during the winter season, offering multiple holiday shows that capture the magic of the season with dazzling performances, joyful music, and family-friendly storytelling.. Feast and be merry at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, or enjoy the rib-tickling Comedy Barn Christmas Show. Be spellbound by the ‘Illusionation, Believe in Magic’ Christmas special, or get a country-style holiday boost at the Country Tonite Christmas Show. Adding to the seasonal spectacle, Christmas at Array features top-tier vocalists and dancers who bring to life both beloved carols and new holiday favorites. Each show promises a blend of merriment and memories, making Pigeon Forge the perfect place for holiday cheer.
In Pigeon Forge, holiday shopping becomes as joyful as the season. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at The Incredible Christmas Place, offering personalized ornaments and festive décor. Find unique and specialty items at one of the shops at The Mountain Mile. At The Island in Pigeon Forge, The Toy Chest offers unique toys for kids of all ages, and Old Mill Square offers exquisite handcrafted pottery and gourmet treats that are perfect for gifting. The Wonders of Light Christmas Village at Patriot Park also runs through November 30 and features 35+ booths from artisans and crafters selling a variety of seasonal and gift items, including scrumptious holiday goodies. Thanksgiving Day hours are from 2pm to 8pm, and 11am to 8pm on the remaining days. These shopping destinations in Pigeon Forge are sure to make your holiday gift-giving both memorable and merry!
As Thanksgiving unfolds, Pigeon Forge becomes a hub of holiday cheer, with the Smoky Mountains serving as a majestic backdrop. It’s a place where cozy gatherings, delectable meals, and twinkling lights craft an idyllic setting for creating lasting memories. In this festive town, the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive, blending the area’s natural beauty with a heartfelt celebration of togetherness.