Tennessee, known for its rich music history and picturesque landscapes, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Christmas villages in Tennessee, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, offer a magical experience that encapsulates the spirit of the season.
Every corner of Tennessee, from its bustling cities to quiet countryside, gets decked up with holiday cheer, inviting visitors to explore enchanting markets, breathtaking light displays, and heartwarming celebrations.
Christmas villages have been a popular holiday tradition for centuries, and Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful and festive Christmas villages in the country.
From the iconic Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood to the charming Christmas Village at Gatlinburg, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit in Tennessee.
What Is The Most Christmassy Town In Tennessee?
The most Christmassy town in Tennessee is undoubtedly Gatlinburg. This small town is nestled in the Smoky Mountains and is known for its beautiful scenery, quaint shops, and festive atmosphere.
Every year, Gatlinburg hosts a number of Christmas-themed events, including an annual Fantasy of Lights parade and a holiday Gatlinburg Christmas lights display.
Visitors to Gatlinburg can also enjoy Christmas shopping, dining, and entertainment at the many businesses and attractions in town.
Check out our top picks for the most spectacular Christmas villages in Tennessee that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Christmas Villages in Tennessee
The Incredible Christmas Place In Pigeon Forge, TN
If Christmas is your favorite holiday, then you'll be thrilled to know that it is celebrated at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge all year round.
The four stores–Mrs. Claus' Candy Kitchen, The Boutique, Christmas Place, and Christmas Place Home, are all spruced up with Christmas decorations that it's impossible for you not to get into the holiday spirit!
Santa Claus will start visiting Santa Haus in July. Here's Santa's schedule so you can plan accordingly.
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
When: November 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Voted as America's Best Holiday event for more than a decade, Dollywood's Smoky Mountains Christmas will not disappoint with how beautifully decorated the place is with thousands of lights and the variety of activities in store for you and your families like the Dollywood Christmas Parade and the Dollywood Christmas Lights.
Christmas in Olde Jonesborough
Saturdays, November 25, 2024- December 16, 2024
Tennessee's Oldest Town offers different activities such as gingerbread house making, caroling, visits with Santa, music, storytelling, and extended shopping hours! If you're a fur parent, you even get to have your fur babies' pictures taken with Santa!
Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta
When: November 10, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Check out the Firefly Village at the Enchanted Winter of Lights while taking in the view of the mountains, having delicious dinner, and just feeling the spirit of the holidays at the Anakeesta starting this November 10th.
Don't forget to go to the AnaVista Tower at night, where you'll have a view of the shimmering lights of Anakeesta and the city of Gatlinburg. Check it out!
Dickens of a Christmas Festival in Franklin, TN
Saturday, December 14, 2024- 10 am-6 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024- 11 am- 5 pm
Do you love literature? Are you a fan of Charles Dickens's works? If the answer to both questions is yes then you should definitely visit Franklin, TN for arts and crafts, live entertainment, food and drink, and of course, the Victorian Village with Holiday Dancers, Characters, and Carolers that we're sure you'll enjoy!
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort
When: November 8, 2024- January 4, 20245
Opryland Resort at the Marriot might just have all you need to get into the Holiday spirit! Explore a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive activities for all ages, holiday shows, and the breathtaking ICE! exhibit.
Christmas in the City in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN, is not only dressed up for the holiday season with glittering lights but is also Christmas-ready, with events and activities in store for the locals and even for tourists who want to spend their Christmas vacation in Knoxville.
Some of the popular events include:
- Picture-taking with Santa
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Live Band
- Ice-skating on an open-air skating rink
For dates and times of events, please refer to their website.
The Village at Gatlinburg, TN
The Village at Gatlinburg, TN, transforms into a Christmas Village during the holidays! The shops are decorated with different Christmas ornaments and will make you feel the festive celebration this season! Check it out!
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Download Our FREE Winter Packing List
Related Smoky Mountains Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Searching for Christmas gifts for your loved ones? If they’re into photography, you might want to check out this list of photography gift ideas from PhotoJeepers that will totally make them swoon!
If you’re looking for more events in Tennessee this Holiday season, it’s a must that you go and see this year’s Smoky Mountains Christmas Lights. The shows will surely be fantastic!
Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers
Monday 5th of December 2022
It sounds like *the* state to visit during the holiday is Tennessee! Lots of entertaining towns and cities to choose from. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty.