Kick off the new year with a visit to the Smoky Mountains. Here are some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in January that the whole family can enjoy.
Christmas is over and the winter has set in for the Smoky Mountains. Does that mean there’s no more fun to be had in these Appalachian mountains until the Spring? Absolutely not. In fact, winter in the Smoky Mountains can be one of the best times to break away from the winter doldrums and enjoy smaller crowds.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply want to experience some of the area’s best attractions and activities, there is something for everyone in this beautiful mountain range.
Check out these special things to do in the Smoky Mountains in January!
Does it snow in the Smoky Mountains in January?
Yes, it does indeed snow in the Smoky Mountains during the month of January. The weather in the Smoky Mountains in January is typically unpredictable, but most snowstorms occur during the winter months between December and February.
During these months, temperatures tend to be colder and precipitation levels are much higher than during any other time of year.
What Festivals Are Happening in The Smoky Mountains in January?
The Smoky Mountains and surrounding gateway towns, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, and Cherokee offer numerous festivals throughout the year.
While there aren’t as many festivals to visit in January, there are some really interesting one.
Winter Heritage Festival Townsend, TN ( Jan 28, 2023 @ Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center)
Enjoy a series of demonstrations, storytelling, and live music in their historic village located in Townsend, TN. Activities include Open Heart Cooking, Blacksmithing, Weaving, Spinning and Live Musicians.
Winterfest (Nov 11, 2022 – Feb 20, 2023)
The Christmas season kicks off with the Winterfest in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in late November and runs through early February most years.
If you don’t make it for Christmas, don’t worry. You have the whole month of January to still come out and enjoy the Smoky Mountains Christmas lights.
Wilderness Wildlife Week (Jan 24-28, 2023)
This exciting week is back for 2023! Join the Park Rangers and volunteers for a week-long festival celebrating what makes the Smoky Mountains truly special: The Wildlife.
This completely free event is open to the public and features talks, hikes, and hands-on sessions celebrating the abundance of wildlife, variety of plants, trees, and wildflowers, and rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
If you’re looking for more fun things to do while in the Smokies in January, be sure to check out our list of fun activities and attractions down below!
Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains in January
If you are looking for a few inspirational ideas for things to do in the Smoky Mountains in January, try these on for size.
Every winter, Anakeesta goes from an enchanted place to an even more enchanted winter wonderland. When night time comes this mountain village transforms into the stuff of which dreams are made.
You can gather around the fire with friends for some hot chocolate or a hot toddy or take a stroll through the village in search of a delicious meal or perfect snack.
If you know anything about the Smoky Mountains and “things NOT TO MISS in the Smoky Mountains”, you’ve know that Cades Cove Loop is on every single bucket list.
As you can imagine, that means that EVERYONE and THEIR BROTHER wants to head to Cades Cove when visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This can mean if you don’t get their super early, you may well be sitting for upwards of 4-6 hours in your car moving at a snails pace.
That is why January is a perfect time of year to visit Cades Cove. The crowds will be markedly smaller as it’s generally cold and Dollywood is closed for the season.
If you are willing to bundle up and bring a thermos of your favorite hot beverage (nonalcoholic of course), you are sure to enjoy a great day exploring on foot and by car through Cades Cove.
While you might not spot any black bear this time of year, you are sure to still get a glimpse of some white tailed dear and maybe even a bob-cat, red fox or gray fox, mink, red squirrel, coyote, and lots of winter birds.
Don't be sad if you miss Christmas in the Smokies because the Christmas lights are still up until the end of February!
If you are like me, you are “over it” by the time New Years rolls around, but some unique souls [like my mother] the countdown to next Christmas begins on December 26th.
The Inn at Christmas Place is the perfect destination for all you Christmas loving fanatics. The best part about going in January is that the rates and the crowds are down and you can snag a room pretty easily.
If you want to stay in the weeks leading up to Christmas, as you can imagine, you have to book your room months and months in advance.
But, if you can put off your desire to sleep in an enchanted Christmas fantasy until mid January, you will have a much better time getting a room.
January is a great time to catch some headliner concerts at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. We’ve seen Jamey Johnson there in the past, and he’s set to be back in January 2023.
January is obviously a great time to visit Ober Gatlinburg for skiing, but you can also do some snow tubing and ice skating in January.
If you can’t get enough snow tubing and find yourself in Pigeon Forge in January, be sure to check out the new indoor snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow.
A great thing about Pigeon Forge Snow is that you can visit it any time of the year and and 7 days a week from 10am-9pm [10 pm on Sat].
When the weather gets too cold outside, an unforgettable experience awaits you at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this world-class aquarium is home to more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures. Throughout your journey, you'll witness the wonders of the deep blue sea as they come alive with vibrant colors and curious behavior.
If you're looking for a cozy way to spend the winter, why not rent a cabin in the woods and curl up by the fire? Imagine lounging in a recliner or curling up on a couch with your favorite book or movie, as the warmth of the fireplace radiates throughout the room.
Spend an afternoon exploring nearby nature trails, or simply relax and watch the snow fall as you enjoy your stay in a cabin in the heart of the Smokies.
Visiting Gatlinburg in January can be an unforgettable experience! The gorgeous mountain views and snow-covered trails create a picturesque backdrop for any vacation.
With the winter season bringing snow and cooler temperatures, the area is transformed into a winter wonderland with plenty of activities to enjoy.
Bring the whole family for an exciting getaway to Pigeon Forge, Tn Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in the beauty of the great outdoors or an action-packed adventure, there's something here for everyone.
Explore many attractions - from amusement parks and museums to adventurous hikes. And don't forget to check out the best restaurants in the area!
It doesn’t snow always in the winter in the Smokies, but sometimes it does. January is definitely one the coldest months in the Smokies, but we believe you shouldn’t let that stop you from taking an ATV ride in the Smokies is an adventure you won’t forget.
Bluff Mountain Adventures is a great way to see the Smokies.
Want to get in some ice skating in the Smoky Mountains? You can ice skate at The Wilderness at the Smokies or Ober Gatlinburg until mid-January. Check their site for dates.
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 Our FREE Winter Packing Checklist For The Smokies!
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
The Smoky Mountains is a beautiful destination no matter what the season. Check out our guide to the Smoky Mountains Attractions For Every Season so you can plan your trip with ease.
Try this fun national park photo scavenger hunt idea to take photos of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.