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Home » Blog » Gatlinburg Attractions » 6 Things to Do During Your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Weekend
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6 Things to Do During Your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Weekend

Are you traveling to the Smokies for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday? Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer some fantastic dining, shopping and entertainment options all year round, but especially during the holiday season. Make sure you check out a few of these activities while you’re in town. Here are 6 things to do during your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Visit the Thanksgiving Craft Show

If you’re looking for a unique seasonal activity in the Smoky Mountains, check out the annual Thanksgiving Craft Show hosted by the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. This event takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center and is filled with amazing handcrafted gifts made in the heart of the Smokies. This is a great place to do some early Christmas shopping and see one-of-a-kind Appalachian art pieces. From quilts to woven baskets and pottery, there is so much to choose from at this show!

2. See the Winterfest Lights

lightsAs the Christmas season approaches, the Pigeon Forge Parkway is decorated with more than 5 million Winterfest lights. Take a night drive and see all the amazing displays, including fan favorites like the 12 Days of Christmas and the classic Old Mill display. There are also adorable displays of Smoky Mountain wildlife, such as families of black bears. You’ll even see a few businesses adorned with these twinkling lights. With so many beautiful sights, this drive is easily one of the best things to do during your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Thanksgiving weekend!

3. Explore Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees

If you’re still in the holiday spirit after your drive to see the lights, check out the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees. This festival will kick off on November 22, and all the proceeds go directly to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. Make sure to bring your little ones if you’re traveling with kids so they can explore the play area, try the arts and crafts, and take photos with Santa.

4. Cook a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

thanksgivingWhenever you stay in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains during the holidays, you’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. You don’t have to be at home to enjoy the classic Thanksgiving meal, including fan favorites like mashed potatoes, casseroles, delicious breads and desserts, as well as the classic turkey. You’ll love having access to a large kitchen so you can cook and make memories with your family during the holiday season.

5. Spend Time at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Starting in early November, Dollywood hosts the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. With seasonal award-winning shows, gorgeous trees and lights and festive rides, this is one of the best times to explore this Smoky Mountain theme park. With so many things to do for the whole family, we know you’ll make some cherished memories at Dollywood during the holidays. Make sure to stick around after the sun goes down to see the Christmas lights drone show.

6. Dine at a Local Restaurant

mamasBelieve it or not, there are plenty of Smoky Mountain restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving day. If you don’t feel like spending the time and money cooking your own Thanksgiving meal, these restaurants are great places to visit. From pizza and BBQ to classic, Southern Thanksgiving dishes, these Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg restaurants have it all. Make sure to book reservations for a few of these spots in advance.

Now that you know about a few things to do during your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Thanksgiving weekend, you can begin planning your holiday getaway. Are you trying to save money on your trip to the Smokies? Browse all the coupons and discounts we offer for attractions and entertainment in the Smoky Mountains area.