From early November into the new year, the Smokies towns glow. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg together hang more than 12 million lights for Winterfest, Dollywood adds more than six million of its own, and several of the best displays cost nothing at all, which helps when you are paying for a big group.
These six are the strongest picks for a group, from free walking trails to a theme park evening. Most are easy to pair with dinner, and together they can fill several nights of a holiday stay.
In This Guide
Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas
The big one. From early November into early January, Dollywood lights the park with more than six million lights and runs holiday shows such as Christmas in the Smokies, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Appalachian Christmas and O Holy Night. It is all included with regular park admission, so plan to arrive in the afternoon and stay well past dark.
Good to know: Included with park admission; the lights are at their best after sunset.
Closest Vantage cabins: Smoky Bear Lodge with Guest House (20-25 min), The Bungalow (20-25 min)
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Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
Billed as one of the nation's largest free outdoor light festivals, this trail winds along the Riverwalk path from 186 Old Mill Avenue past more than 45 nature-themed displays. It is pet- and wheelchair-friendly, so the whole group, strollers and dogs included, can walk it together. The lights stay up from early November through January.
Good to know: Free to walk; leashed pets and wheelchairs welcome.
Closest Vantage cabins: Pigeon Forge Getaway (5-10 min), The Bungalow (5-10 min)
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Winterfest at The Island
The Island adds millions of lights, more than a mile of garland, a walk-through Christmas tree and a 40-foot tree to its shops and courtyards from late November through January. The Show Fountain puts on holiday performances with 40-foot LED trees every evening, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel lets you see the whole display from 200 feet up.
Good to know: Free admission and parking; fountain shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9 PM.
Closest Vantage cabins: Pigeon Forge Getaway (5-10 min), Game-N-Getaway (5-10 min)
View Full Guide →Gatlinburg Winter Magic
Gatlinburg's light season runs from early November into mid-February, with millions of LED lights and artistic displays built around Smoky Mountain wildlife. Tour it from your car on the self-guided lights route, then park and let the kids hunt for the 43 snowpeople hidden downtown using the Visit Gatlinburg app. It also stays up well after Christmas.
Good to know: Get the Visit Gatlinburg app for the lights route and snowpeople hunt.
Closest Vantage cabins: Greystone (5-10 min), Four Bears Den (5-10 min)
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Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
A different kind of light show: a night walk at Anakeesta where lighting, projection and sound tell a story about the cosmos. It was created by Moment Factory as part of its Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series. It is not a Christmas display, which makes it a nice change of pace for a group that has already seen the holiday lights.
Good to know: Add-on to Anakeesta admission; buy online to see available times.
Closest Vantage cabins: Greystone (5-10 min), Four Bears Den (5-10 min)
View Full Guide →Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Ball Drop
The season's finale: a free New Year's Eve celebration 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 a fun last night of the year for a big group, especially one already staying near downtown.
Good to know: Free; arrive early for parking and a good viewing spot.
Closest Vantage cabins: Greystone (5-10 min), Four Bears Den (5-10 min)
View Full Guide →Drive times to the closest Vantage cabins are measured by road without traffic; allow extra time on the Parkway in peak season.
Tips for Groups
- Stack the free shows. The Wonders of Light trail, The Island and a drive through Gatlinburg's Winter Magic can all fit into one evening without a single ticket.
- Aim for late November or December. By then every display on this list is running, since The Island's Winterfest starts in late November and the others begin in early November.
- Plan dinner around the displays. The Island's fountain shows run on the hour from 6 to 9 PM, which makes a simple schedule for a big group.
Staying with a big group? Browse Vantage cabins by bedrooms, pools, theater rooms and more, or see our large group cabins.