Like several Smoky Mountain communities, Pigeon Forge lights up (literally) during the holiday season. The festivities begin early in this charming community, which kicks off the season with its annual Winterfest celebration. From light displays to fireworks, the entirety of the holiday season is fully aglow in Pigeon Forge. Embrace your geeky side or unleash your inner party animal; no matter which type of event strikes your fancy, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays.
Say Hello to Holiday Fun at the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
Photo provided by @jsedwardsjames
Location: Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge
Date: November 6
On the hunt for a unique way to begin the holiday season in Pigeon Forge? Head to Patriot Park to witness the kickoff for the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest. During this family-friendly event, you’ll find a wide variety of treats to sample as you listen to live music. This kickoff event offers a great opportunity to relax with loved ones while mingling with the Pigeon Forge community.
Check out the Light Displays of the Winterfest Driving Tour
Photo provided by @beverlyeugene
Location: 1950 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Dates: November 7-February 28
Light shows abound in the Smoky Mountains during the holiday season. Pigeon Forge is no exception; drive through town between November and February, and you’ll be greeted by a true spectacle: every object or scene imaginable represented in lights! While most of Pigeon Forge’s winter lights can be seen while wandering on foot, you’ll find it easier to take in the tour as a whole while driving the route in your own vehicle. Don’t worry about getting lost; the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center and the Pigeon Forge Trolley Office offer detailed maps for free.
All of the tour’s lighted displays are fascinating, but if you’re on a crunch for time, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Forging Winter display. Intended to honor the town’s founding fathers, this unique display spans 110 feet — and it’s an awe-inspiring 21 feet tall. The Americana displays at Patriot Park are also worth checking out.
Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill Square Holiday Open House: Take Your Holiday Hosting to the Next Level
Location: Old Mill Area & Veterans Boulevard, Pigeon Forge
Date: November 10
If you enjoy shopping and eating your fill of Southern comfort food, you’ll love everything about Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill Square Holiday Open House. This grand showcase of local shops and restaurants provides the perfect kickoff to the holiday shopping season. In addition to finding beautiful handmade items for loved ones, you’ll discover how to create your own Christmas gifts and treats. Learn how to set a perfect holiday table or launch a family cookie baking tradition. You’ll come away feeling newly confident in your ability to host the season’s best gatherings.
Titanic’s Thanksgiving Fireworks Display: A New Take on Fireworks Festivities
Location: Titanic Museum Attraction, Pigeon Forge
Date: November 22
If you adore fireworks and wish they weren’t limited to Independence Day and New Year’s Eve, you’re in luck — a memorable display is scheduled for Thanksgiving at the Titanic Museum Attraction. There is more to the event than fireworks, however. This year, the event’s theme is Marvel and DC Comics. Expect to see adult attendees who are far more excited about the festivities than the kids they drag along. This is the perfect opportunity to dust off your favorite comic book or movie character costume. Wear your finest outfit and bring your camera or smartphone so you can pose alongside the costumed characters stationed outside Titanic.
Meet Anime’s Biggest Influencers at Yama-Con
Location: LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
Date: November 30-December 2
Every year, Pigeon Forge attracts thousands of anime fans with its highly-anticipated Yama-Con event. ‘Yama’ translates to ‘mountain’ in Japanese, so it’s only natural that this exciting event would take place in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Several special shows and activities take place during Yama-Con, including a cosplay contest with separate categories for novices and professional costumers. The Animated Music Video (AMV) League features a diverse array of animated videos, including dramas, action films, and several upbeat, quirky videos.
Throughout the event, guests mingle with fellow anime lovers, as well as several of the genre’s most talented screenwriters, actors, and directors. Yama-Con even has its own mascot: fox girl Yami, chosen because foxes are beloved in the Smokies and can be found at every elevation level. Yami also has a raccoon sidekick known as Yama-Coon. Whether you’re a devoated anime fan or a casual observer, you’ll appreciate the passion at this unique convention.
Live Your Edwardian Holiday Fantasy During the Christmas at the Titanic Celebration
Location: Titanic Museum Attraction, Pigeon Forge
Date: November 10-December 31
Check out the undeniable holiday spirit at the Titanic Museum during the months of November and December. Gaze in awe at the Edwardian Christmas splendor, complete with beautiful lights and festive decor. Experience for yourself what it was like to take a luxury ocean voyage during the holiday season over a century ago.
The fun begins right at the attraction’s entrance, where you’ll spot Santa’s reindeer — the first of many excellent photo opportunities. Depending on when you stop by, you might score a visit and photo with Father Christmas. While tickets are required for the museum itself, entrance to the holiday gift shop is free of charge.
Sing Along to Your Favorite Tunes During the Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival
Location: Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge
Dates: December 5-8
Get your fix of bluegrass music at Pigeon Forge’s Christmas in the Smokies — a delightful music festival featuring several of the bluegrass genre’s most acclaimed artists. This year’s lineup is especially impressive; bluegrass lovers are looking forward to performances from Nathan Stanley, Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, Deeper Shade of Blue, Garrett Newton Band, and the Malpass Brothers, among others. The fun begins at 5 pm on Wednesday, followed by another round of evening performances on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, however, you can enjoy a full day of bluegrass music. This is a ticketed event, with options available for one-day or four-day passes.
The Island’s New Year’s Eve Celebration: Pigeon Forge’s Most Exciting NYE Party
Photo provided by @djodomphotography
Location: The Island
Dates: December 31-January 1
Family-friendly and free of charge, The Island’s take on New Year’s festivities is not to be missed. This year, The Island is returning with an even bigger party, complete with live music, kid-friendly activities, and, of course, a countdown to 2019 followed by a spectacular firework show. Merely strolling through The Island and taking in the festive atmosphere is a blast; feast your eyes on the lit-up Ferris wheel and the dancing fountains as you listen to jazz music or observe an exciting dance party.
