The season is upon us yet again and Christmas in the Smoky Mountains is just around the corner. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy some of the beauty and wonder of the Smoky Mountains Christmas lights for the 2023 season with our Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide.
In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to plan a wonderful Smoky Mountains Christmas holiday, including ideas for itineraries and attractions.
The Smokies are home to some of the most beautiful and festive Christmas lights in the country. Every year, visitors from all over come to see the amazing displays.
If you’re thinking about coming to see the Smoky Mountains Christmas lights this year, here’s a guide to help you out.
Is December A Good Time To Visit Smoky Mountains?
Yes, December is definitely a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains!
One of the best things about visiting the Smoky Mountains in December is that you get to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights.
The towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge go all out when it comes to decorating for the holidays, and it’s truly a sight to behold. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a Winter Wonderland when you see all of the lights and decorations!
In addition to the beautiful Christmas lights, there are also plenty of holiday events and activities to enjoy in the Smokies.
Before you head off and enjoy exciting things to do in the Smoky Mountains in December, make sure you have a winter packing checklist so you’re prepared for the colder temperatures.
How Long Are Christmas lights Up In Pigeon Forge And Gatlinburg?
Featuring more than 5 million twinkling lights, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg come alive with holiday cheer and turn into a winter wonderland for the locals and visitors to enjoy.
The Winterfest lights start to illuminate from early November through the end of February.
Smoky Mountains Christmas Lights
November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
*Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland 2023 has moved to its new location at the Sokay Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, TN.
It’s hard to believe before Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland moved to the Smoky Mountains, it actually began quite literally in my back door.
I can still remember taking my firstborn to see his “first Christmas lights” at Shadrack’s synchronized Christmas light display in Bristol, TN.
At six months old he was probably less than enthused, but his dad and I were mesmerized by the immersive drive-through Christmas light experience.
Viewing Christmas light displays in our pajamas with hot cocoa and candy canes has now become a family Christmas tradition.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland has since received national recognition and has moved a few hours down the road, but that just gives us another great excuse to head to the Smokies for the Christmas season.
The 2023 Christmas season in the Smokies kicks off with Winterfest all over the area on the second weekend of November.
Cars can enjoy the synchronized Christmas light display from 6pm-10pm nightly with some extended hours on weekends.
NEW attractions:
- Longer drive route
- 25-feet-tall trumpeting angels, a star-studded pathway, and more
- “Santa’s Safari” themed comical displays
- Snowy Mountain Village
Note: The lines can grow rather long on weekends and as the holidays approach. Visiting Monday-Thursday is advisable for shorter wait times.
Tickets can be purchased at Shandrack’s website or in person from your car with major credit cards or cash.
November 9, 2023 @ 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The 34th annual Chili Cook-off in downtown Gatlinburg will be held on November 9, 2023 at the Shade Tree Parking at 120 Historic Nature Trail.
Festivalgoers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.
December 1, 2023 @ 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM on the Parkway downtown
Expected to draw in more than 60, 000 spectators, The Gatlinburg Christmas parade is a can't-miss event while in town.
The route starts at Baskins Creek Bypass and ends at Traffic Light #10. This year’s parade will feature unique floats all glammed up with LED light displays, marching bands, dancers, large balloons, and fun holiday characters.
November 9, 2023- February 18, 2024
In years past, Gatlinburg would light the city on the night of the parade, however, in more recent years, the dates generally coincide with the beginning of the Pigeon Forge Christmas Light celebration.
We spent the first weekend in November 2019 at the Margaritaville Island Inn and enjoyed the very convenient access to the Island Pigeon Forge while there.
As a side note, it was a GREAT HOTEL and I definitely recommend it and would stay there again.
The lighting ceremony for Winterfest will be Thursday evening the 10th.
Winterfest at The Island starts with the Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m.
No list of Christmas lights in the Smokies would be complete without paying tribute to the queen of the Smokies and her park.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas certainly shine bright with more than 4 million Christmas lights in the park!
Our family has enjoyed many years of taking in the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights of Dollywood on many occasions.
In fact, my brother used to be one of the men responsible for the quick turn from the fall season to the winter wonderland that transforms Dollywood into a sparkling shimmer of Christmas illumination.
Of course, the lights are just a small part of what makes Dollywood special during the Christmas season.
There are award-winning shows and Christmas performances, great Christmas treats, and a nightly parade.
More than 20 of the rides are in operation as well, so bundle up the kids and don’t miss the beautiful Dollywood Christmas lights this year.
- The Dollywood Christmas Parade of Many Colors runs nightly at 8:00 pm
- A season pass purchased during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas provides unlimited admission not only to this year’s Christmas festival, but also for Dollywood’s entire 2023 season.
Christmas Light displays are a favorite part of our family tradition and the Smokies have more than enough to satisfy.
What are your favorite family Christmas traditions? Do they include a visit to the Smokies?
Where To Stay?
This year, instead of staying in a cramped hotel room, why not book a stay at our 5BR/5BA wooded cabin in Gatlinburg? With over 2600 square feet of finished living space, there’s plenty of room for you and your family to spread out and enjoy.
Plus, with two private balconies, a hot tub, and a game room, you’ll have everything you need to relax and have fun. So make this holiday season one to remember by booking your stay at our cabin in Gatlinburg today!
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
Get This FREE Winter Packing List For The Smoky Mountains!
Related Smoky Mountain 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
Planning to go on a winter getaway to the Smokies with the family? Make the most out of your stay with our list of the best Things To Do In the Smoky Mountains In Winter!
Don’t forget to pack a compact travel camera to capture all the magic with your own photos.