Three Days at Smoky Mountain Winterfest

Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland - Sevierville

Afterwards, drive a few minutes down the road to scope out the Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, which is one of the best drive-through light displays you’ve ever seen. If you get the chance to visit, make sure to take your time and tune your radio to the correct station to see the lights sync up with the music.

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area

Next, head to Ober Gatlinburg, the mountaintop amusement park and ski area. Begin your experience by boarding the Ober Aerial Tramway in downtown Gatlinburg and enjoying a view-filled two mile ride up the mountain - over 2,000 feet above the town below. There, you are greeted with your pastime of choice, be it testing out the indoor ice skating rink, shopping or heading outside for the best snowboarding, snow-tubing and skiing that the Smokies has to offer (Gear is available for rent onsite). When it’s time to thaw out, go inside to enjoy the rustic vibes of Seasons at Ober Lodge for some lunch and drinks. Yes, they have two fireplaces to aid the thawing process, so you can stay until you're nice and recharged for the next leg of your trip.

Dollywood

After browsing the shops and fun at The Island in Pigeon Forge, head to Dollywood. You can’t miss the chance to ride rides, see the view of the Smoky Mountains from the top of a roller coaster, catch a live show, eat some delicious food or simply roam around and shop the impressive handmade crafts. Make time to check out their new winter additions including a theater adaption of the beloved story It’s a Wonderful Life, a newly-themed and decorated area called Glacier Ridge that brings Dollywood’s Christmas light count up to a whopping 5 million lights, and multiple red velvet funnel cakes stands. While you take in the sights, order a caramel hot chocolate to keep you warm as you wait for the Parade of Many Colors to pass you by before calling it a night.

Gatlinburg Village Shops

Right next door to the Pancake Pantry is The Village at Gatlinburg, where you can step off the main parkway and travel back in time to the old world atmosphere that only cobbled streets and lamp lit storefronts can deliver. Take a few magical pictures, stop into a few shops to start or finish your holiday shopping and take in the cheery Christmas atmosphere.

Wilderness At The Smokies Hotel & WaterPark Resort

Lastly, experience how Christmas is done at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort and Family Adventure Center. Home to Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark, this place can be a whole destination in and of itself. This season they have converted one of their waterparks into a wintery playground with an outdoor skating rink and Santa’s Village, once again proving everyone likes to join in the Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration with their best foot forward.

Don’t miss your chance to get away in the mountains this Christmas season! Start planning your own Tennessee holiday getaway today.