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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Things To Do
Wintertime sparkles in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area. From twinkling WinterFest lights to glistening frozen waterfalls, the landscape glows with its own special seasonal magic. Here are just a few ways to enjoy wintry fun and frolic in the Smokies.
From November 11, 2021, through February 15, 2022, more than 5 million festive LED bulbs light up the three mountain towns of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville.
In Gatlinburg, the dazzling display is called Winter Magic. In Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, it's WinterFest. At Dollywood, it's the annual Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, featuring additional LED displays plus holiday events galore.
Prefer to enjoy the incredible light show without battling tourist traffic? Head to downtown Gatlinburg for the famous Trolley Ride of Lights.
Three times each evening during December and January, special trolleys depart from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies to tour the Parkway, nearby River Street, and part of Highway 321. The 45-minute ride costs just $5 per person, and kids under 3 ride free provided they're seated on a grownup's lap.
Each enclosed trolley is comfortably heated, so you won't have to bundle up. And you can rest assured you'll get a fabulous view of all the festive displays through the trolley's spacious windows.
Throughout the tour, you'll find enchantment at every turn – dancing LED fountains, glittering animated critters, beloved Christmas scenes, and more. It's an unforgettable experience, especially for little children.
The Tennessee Smokies are known for their fantastic live entertainment. And, during December, the legendary local shows ramp up the fun even further with sparkling holiday specials. Book ahead for tickets to:
Need a break from the glitz and glitter? Take a quiet hike along scenic trails through stunning mountain snowscapes. Several treks – including Porters Creek and steeper Rainbow Falls Trail – take you to spectacular waterfalls. When the temp's below freezing, you'll catch these famous cascades in all their frozen glory.
One word of caution, though. Snowy trails can be slippery. So, wear appropriate footwear, dress warmly, and watch out for patches of ice.
Want to feel like a kid again? Visit The Incredible Christmas Place at 2470 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Here you'll find a magical realm of holiday treats and treasures – from gingerbread confections to handcrafted ornaments, miniature villages, and collectibles.
You'll find so much more to see and do this winter in the Great Smoky Mountains, including skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, noshing at world-class restaurants, caroling at Dollywood, and more. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals right away to reserve your Wears Valley cabin.
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