Winter is one of our favorite seasons! Why? It is the one time of year that combines two of our favorite things: Christmas and the Smoky Mountains! There are so many great Smoky Mountain Winterfest 2025 events, it can be hard to keep track of everything going on. Below is a list of a few events that we are most looking forward to celebrating this year.
1. Gatlinburg’s Chili Cookoff
To kick off Winterfest in Gatlinburg, the city is holding its popular Chili Cookoff! The Chili Cookoff takes place on Thursday, November 6th, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Gatlinburg. During this annual free event, local restaurants offer unique, homemade chili samples, and you’ll get to vote on which chili you like the best! This street-style festival takes place along the Strip between the Mountain Mall and Gatlinburg SkyPark, and there will also be live music, an ice skating rink, an inflatable maze, carnival games, festive carolers, photos with Santa, and so much more!
2. Sevierville Winterfest
Though Sevierville does not hold a kick-off event for Winterfest, the lights will shine bright beginning on November 7th! Bring all of your family and friends to Sevierville to take in the millions of twinkling lights and get into the holiday spirit! Sevierville is once again teaming up with Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to present more than 15 million lights in a 25-mile stretch of road. During this time of year, visitors can enjoy Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Soaky Mountain Waterpark and the Festival of Lights at SkyLand Ranch.
3. Pigeon Forge Winterfest
Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest begins on November 6th, when over 5 million holiday lights are turned on and will illuminate the area throughout the winter season. The stunning lights will remain on until February 15th. Be sure to take part in the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights along the Pigeon Forge Parkway! A drive down the Parkway will allow you to see the 12 Days of Christmas in lights and more beautiful Christmas displays.
4. Christmas Fun at The Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge is home to some of the very best holiday decorations in the Smokies! This popular shopping and entertainment complex is filled with Christmas cheer, featuring millions of lights, 40,000 ornaments, over a mile of garland, and three spectacular Christmas trees. At 40 feet tall, The Island’s LED Christmas trees are truly something to behold. Watch as The Island’s multi-million dollar fountain is choreographed with the three trees for an unforgettable show! The Island is also one of the best places to go Christmas shopping in Pigeon Forge, so be sure to bring your Christmas list! Winterfest at The Island begins November 22nd and runs through January 31st. If you’re in town on Saturday, November 22nd, attend the kick-off event for a free concert, photos with Santa, and a Christmas tree lighting!
5. Smoky Mountain Winterfest’s Festival of Trees
It is hard to have a holiday celebration without a Christmas tree or two. Help get your family into the seasonal spirit by taking them out to this year’s Festival of Trees event at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg. Running Thanksgiving weekend from November 26th through November 30th, this Smoky Mountain Winterfest tradition showcases hundreds of festive trees, each with its own theme. All proceeds from this event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. The festival will also feature a children’s craft and play area, live entertainment, and photos with Santa Claus. Enjoy your time looking through all the beautiful wreaths and trees and find the perfect one to take back home with you!
6. Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is one of the most popular Gatlinburg parades throughout the year. More than 60,000 people gather each year to see the award-winning parade! With over 100 entries, a dozen marching bands from across the region, and larger-than-life balloons, there is a ton of fun just waiting to be had at this winter event. The festivities from the evening will be broadcasted on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on local television stations in over 100 markets throughout the country.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on December 5th. The parade route will run from Baskins Creek Bypass to Traffic Light #10 on the Parkway. Be sure to get the best view of the parade and all the excitement!
7. Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta
Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta kicks off on November 14th. Visitors will be able to enjoy seasonal decor and twinkling lights throughout the park. Stroll through the area to take in the stunning scenery, climb to the top of the AnaVista Tower for snow-capped mountain views, or grab a cup of hot chocolate and relax by the fire. You can enjoy festive treats, captivating live entertainment, fun events like the Hot Cocoa Crawl, and more. You’ll even have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with Santa on select dates throughout the holiday season! Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta runs through January 4th.
8. Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood
As part of the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival at Dollywood, visitors can enjoy over 6 million twinkling lights, gorgeous holiday decorations, heart-warming holiday shows, and even a visit with Santa Claus himself! The festival is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas trees, Christmas music, Christmas food, and more. Be sure to hang out late for the incredible Christmas fireworks show that makes the perfect ending to your day at Dollywood! Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood begins November 1st and runs through January 4th.
If you would like more information on these or any other upcoming things to do during the Smoky Mountain Winterfest 2025 season, be sure to check out all of our Smoky Mountain events!
