Start planning your winter getaway with this Pigeon Forge vacation guide, featuring the best things to do in Pigeon Forge in December!
With countless attractions to see, activities to do, and events happening throughout this Smoky Mountains town, one thing is for sure, your trip won’t be boring!
While Pigeon Forge is a great destination year-round, the town is a little extra special in the month of December during the holiday season!
Below we have listed all of our favorite things to do in Pigeon Forge in December. Enjoy!
Where To Stay In The Smoky Mountains?
Embark on a new adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bear’s Wilderness Lodge, exclusively offered by GSM Family Vacations.
Nestled amidst the serene wilderness, this charming cabin offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, inviting you to discover the true essence of mountain living.
Things To Do In Pigeon Forge In December
Celebrate the festive season with these wonderful things to do in Pigeon Forge in December!
Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
Visit Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas event for a festive experience like no other. The park is adorned with over 5 million lights, and there are daily shows and performances featuring holiday music and traditions.
Take a drive down the Pigeon Forge Parkway to see the hundreds of lit-up trees and displays.
This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
If you're looking for Christmas gifts and collectibles, designer-themed Christmas Trees, novelty and traditional Christmas Lights, hundreds of Personalized Ornaments then head to the best Christmas stores in Pigeon Forge.
One of which is the Incredible Christmas Place.
The store is one of the largest permanent Christmas retailers in the American South and boasts an impressive array of Holiday brands like Department 56, Lemax, Christopher Radko, and many more.
Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is a one-of-a-kind, 3 million light extravaganza that covers this 23 acres of property and creates a holiday atmosphere you and your family will love.
The show runs every evening at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm from Nov. 22, 2025, until January 31st, 2026.
Nov 7 - Dec 30, 2025
Get ready for a holly jolly ride with the Redneck Comedy Bus Christmas Lights Tour in Pigeon Forge! This festive adventure takes you through the town’s brightest holiday displays, all while keeping the laughs rolling with hilarious country-style comedy.
Attend a holiday show at one of the many theaters in Pigeon Forge. Shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede and The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show offer a festive twist on their regular performances.
The route through the park is especially pretty during winter, when the trees are dusted with snow and the air is crisp and clear. You're sure to spot some wildlife along the way! Driving is also a great way to see the festive lights around the area.
When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing more delightful than snuggling up in a cabin in Pigeon Forge.
Renting a cabin can be an especially magical experience during the winter months when the Smoky Mountains are blanketed in snow, and twinkling lights decorate the area.
If skiing or snowboarding is too challenging for you, then snow tubing is the perfect activity for you!
There are two places where you can enjoy this family-friendly winter activity in Pigeon Forge. One of which is the Pigeon Forge Snow which is open year round!
The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge turns into a winter wonderland each December during its Christmas & Winter Celebration. Twinkling lights and period-style decorations cover the massive ship replica, making it a breathtaking holiday stop.
Does Pigeon Forge Have Snow In December?
On average, there are less than 2 inches of snow that fall in Pigeon Forge in December and doesn’t stay on the ground for too long. You’re more likely to see snow if you go to higher elevations in the mountains.
And when you do plan to see the snow up the mountains, make sure you wear winter clothes that are warm enough to combat the cold.
Is It Crowded At Pigeon Forge In December?
Pigeon Forge can be quite crowded during the holiday season. However, this also means that there are lots of festive activities and events happening around town!
If you don’t mind crowds, then you’ll enjoy all that Pigeon Forge has to offer during this festive time of year.
What’s Going On In Pigeon Forge In December?
Here are different Festivals and Events to catch in Pigeon Forge in December.
- Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026) – This holiday season, Dollywood will offer a fun filled Christmas filled with twinkling lights and cheerful sounds! There’ll be a heartwarming holiday show, the chance to catch a festive ride on the Dollywood Express and more!
- Winterfest Lights In Pigeon Forge (Nov 6, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026)- Come see over 5 million lights during the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Winterfest celebration! This annual event runs from November through late February, so come enjoy a winter wonderland while you can.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration (December 31)- What better way to ring in the New Year than with a fun-filled celebration in Pigeon Forge? From live music and performances to a spectacular fireworks show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you’re in town for this exciting event!
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!
Recommended Pigeon Forge Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Discount Tickets
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Make the most out of your winter vacation and check out more ideas on our list of the best Things To Do In the Smoky Mountains In Winter.
And if you’re on the lookout for the best camera to bring on your trip, read on this post about the best compact travel cameras on the market from PhotoJeepers.