Smoky Mountain Event Celebrates Traditional Christmas Values

This year, enjoy the winter weather and head out to celebrate in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The national park is hosting their 38th annual “Festival of Christmas Past.” Many people ask, “What is the festival of Christmas Past?” Well, we’re here to give you all of the details of this special Smoky Mountain event.

The event is a yearly celebration of the historic culture of the Smoky Mountains. Years ago, before the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, families lived in the Smokies, in areas like Cades Cove. The Festival of Christmas Past takes visitors back in time, to those early days, when Christmas was celebrated with simple traditions, like storytelling and crafts.

To bring the past back to life, families can hear mountain music, while crafters demonstrate numerous skills, such as quilting and making homemade apple butter. There will be storytelling and plenty of fun for the kids, too. You can be a part of the Christmas Memories Walk and hear about the spirit of the season and what it meant to families in the 1880s.

Where is the Festival of Christmas Past located?

Families will find the Festival of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitor Center, in the Great Smoky Mountains.

When is the Festival of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitor Center?

The festival is being held on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

How much does it cost to attend?

The event is completely free to the public. The Great Smoky Mountains Association has helped sponsor the event.

After the Smoky Mountain event, you’ll enjoy getting a little rest and relaxation at one of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Only a few short minutes from Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of our cabins is fully equipped to offer you a wonderful vacation in the mountains. Take a look at all of our Gatlinburg cabins by clicking here.