The Best Things to Do in Winter in the Smoky Mountains

Wondering what you can do while you’re in the Smokies this winter? The Smoky Mountain area is magical during wintertime! Filled with holiday shows, Christmas festivals and more, there is tons to do during your winter vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in Winter in the Smoky Mountains:

Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

The Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales is an event that lasts all winter with live performance on the Parkway every Friday and Saturday evening. There are all kinds of characters, storytellers, and performers you can watch. Listen to carolers as they serenade the crowd with classic Christmas songs, or listen to bands play country and bluegrass Christmas songs. This event is the perfect way to find winter magic in the Smoky Mountains.

Where is the performance located?

The performances take place all along the Gatlinburg Strip. You can walk up and down the sidewalk and see carolers or performers. Sometimes you’ll find stages in certain areas, such as The Village Shops or Baskins Square. The location may change year to year, but no matter what, you’ll find all kinds of cool things to watch as you walk around downtown Gatlinburg.

Annual Winter Activities

There are a variety of activities to enjoy in Winter in the Smoky Mountains. In addition to the Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, you can drive around and look at Winterfest lights. Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg are lit up with holiday lights. The 12 Days of Christmas can be found along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. This is a free activity people of all ages will enjoy! Find out more activities below:

Christmas Shows

Several Pigeon Forge shows put on holiday events. Country Tonite celebrates the season with a special Christmas performance with a country twist on some of your favorite songs. Hatfield and McCoy’s Dinner Show, The Comedy Barn, and Pirates Voyage also have holiday shows you won’t want to miss!

Skiing and Snowboard

During the winter, you can ski and snowboard at Ober Gatlinburg. This attraction has huge snow machines to create powdered snow so that guests can shred the slopes! Families can play in the kiddie area and make snowmen, or you can slide down the hill when you go snow tubing. Ober Gatlinburg has a ton of other fun activities, including an arcade and ice skating.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

If you really love Christmas lights, you should go to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. This is a light show that is set up in the parking lot of the Smokies’ baseball stadium. You pay per vehicle, then drive through the Winter Wonderland. Guests set their radio to a certain station, and then you watch the light displays light up in time with the music. It’s an incredible event you don’t want to miss!

If you love Winter in the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, you have to come visit the area this year! Check out our Smoky Mountains events calendar to see what other cool things are happening when you come stay with us!