Your Guide to a Winter Vacation in Pigeon Forge
December 23, 2024Just because the busy summer and fall seasons come to an end doesn’t mean the fun has to as well! You can still have a great time when you visit Pigeon Forge in the winter. Whether you’re hoping to experience some Winterfest magic or want to escape the crowds and visit after the holidays, you’ll have no trouble creating unforgettable memories during a winter trip. To guarantee you have a great time, we’ve created a guide to the perfect winter vacation in Pigeon Forge:
Experience Winterfest
Winterfest is one of the most popular events in Pigeon Forge. Although you can visit before Christmas to soak up all the holiday fun, Winterfest runs through mid-February each year. As you drive through town, you’ll see more than 5 million twinkling lights along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. See extravagant light displays from the comfort of your car, or get out and explore on foot as you go for a stroll along the Wonders of Light Walking Trail. You’ll love taking in the beautiful light decorations all around you. You can also drive into downtown Gatlinburg for even more Winterfest light displays!
Spend Time Outdoors
If you don’t mind the colder temperatures, spend your winter vacation in Pigeon Forge in the great outdoors! The winter season brings some of the best views to the Smoky Mountains. We recommend going for a hike to see beautiful sights like snow-capped mountains and frozen waterfalls. Alum Cave Trail is a popular hike during the winter, as guests have the opportunity to see frozen icicles that have formed on the bluffs, as well as gorgeous mountain views. You can also hike to Rainbow Falls, which is a must-see because of the ice features that form along the side of the falls. Other things to do outdoors during the winter include skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing!
Enjoy Indoor Attractions
If you want to escape the cold, winter is the perfect time to take advantage of the indoor attractions. Of course, our show is the top indoor attraction in the area, and we’re open on select dates in February! You can also enjoy the Titanic Museum Attraction, which is a celebration of the ship, its passengers, and its crew. Other popular things to do during the winter include seeing animals at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and playing in the arcade at Ripley’s Super Fun Park.
Take Advantage of Fewer Crowds
One of the main perks of taking a vacation to Pigeon Forge during the winter months is being able to take advantage of fewer crowds. While the area doesn’t technically have an “off-season,” you’ll experience less traffic and shorter wait times at popular attractions and restaurants. You’ll love the peacefulness that comes with visiting the Smokies during this time of the year. For the fewest crowds, we recommend visiting after the holidays are over and before spring break begins.
Things to Do on Your Winter Vacation in Pigeon Forge
This is the perfect guide to a successful winter vacation in Pigeon Forge! Now you know more about the top things you don’t want to miss during your trip and how to have a great time while you’re here. For more help planning your trip, take a look at these three tips for visiting Pigeon Forge in the winter.
