Top 9 Things to Do in the Smokies in Winter

From early November into early January, Dollywood fills the park with more than six million lights and a lineup of holiday shows, including Christmas in the Smokies, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Appalachian Christmas and O Holy Night. It is all part of regular park admission, so the group can ride, eat and see shows in one ticket.

Tennessee's only ski area, reached by a 2.1-mile aerial tram from downtown Gatlinburg that leaves every 20 minutes. From November to March there are trails from beginner greens to black diamonds, ski and snowboard rentals and lessons, snow tubing, and an indoor ice rink for anyone in the group who would rather stay on flat ground.

The centerpiece of Pigeon Forge's Winterfest, a free walking trail of more than 45 nature-themed light displays along the Riverwalk path, starting at 186 Old Mill Avenue. The path is pet- and wheelchair-friendly, which makes it one of the easiest outings for a group with strollers, grandparents and the family dog. The lights stay up from early November through January.

Gatlinburg's holiday season, running from early November into mid-February, with millions of LED lights and displays that feature Smoky Mountain wildlife. You can tour the lights from your car on a self-guided route, and kids can use the Visit Gatlinburg app to hunt for the 43 snowpeople hidden around downtown. The season also brings the town's Chili Cookoff.

From late November through January, The Island decks out its shops and courtyards with millions of lights, more than a mile of garland, a walk-through Christmas tree and a 40-foot tree. The Show Fountain runs holiday performances with 40-foot LED trees each evening, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel gives you a view of it all from 200 feet up.

Indoor snow tubing on real snow, made from water with no chemicals, in a building kept at 60-70 degrees. Kids can tube or play in the snow area while parents watch from the Overlook Lounge, which has massage chairs and arcade games. It is a sure thing when the mountains are not cooperating, and no reservations are needed for tubing.

Gatlinburg's free New Year's Eve party at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, with a drone show just before midnight, a 15-foot LED ball that drops about 200 feet, and a fireworks finale. It is an easy way for a big group to ring in the new year together without buying tickets, as long as you plan your parking.

At 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap often gets snow when Gatlinburg is only getting rain, so on a wet day in town the drive up Newfound Gap Road may end at a snowy overlook. The road stays open year-round, weather permitting, and the overlook has parking and seasonal restrooms. It is a good bet for showing the kids some snow.

The 11-mile, one-way loop is open sunrise to sunset every day, and traffic peaks in summer, fall and on weekends, so a winter weekday is one of the calmest times to see its three churches, working gristmill, barns and log houses. Walkers can add the 5-mile round trip to 25-foot Abrams Falls from the far end of the loop.