For a real down-home country holiday season, Pigeon Forge and the Smokies are right on target! The residents go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and every member of the family is sure to get that wonderful holiday spirit.
The mountains themselves are spectacular in winter. The hardwoods are bare, which makes the white pines and other evergreens really sparkle. At some of the higher elevations, you might even see a dusting of early snow glistening on a few peaks. All along the roadsides, you'll find stands selling pumpkins, Indian corn, apple cider, and Christmas trees. The air will be crisp, with daytime highs in the forties. At night, you might want to find a cozy hearth. The lows in winter are usually in the upper twenties.
Pigeon Forge throws a huge Christmas celebration, starting the first week in November and continuing through February. The town is decked with 5 million lights, and visitors can take a Christmas tour on the town trolley. All sorts of events are held within the city limits, including seasonal music and activities for children. Be sure to check out the live holiday shows at one of Pigeon Forge's famous theaters!
If you haven't finished your shopping yet, you've come to the right place. In addition to plenty of small local specialty shops, the Forge boasts the largest outlet mall in the world, and the after-Thanksgiving sales are legendary! Downtown and at the malls are Christmas shops that specialize in unique ornaments, stockings, trees, and other decorations that can be purchased.
Dollywood gets in on the action, too. The theme park cranks up its holiday celebration on November 8. You'll enjoy the local crafts, foods, decorations, and special Christmas musical shows. You'll get a real feel for what a Smoky Mountain Christmas really means!
Many restaurants in and near Pigeon Forge are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and they offer a wide variety of meals just for holiday diners. Several hotels, condos, and cabins have special package deals during the holidays, too.
While you're in the Smokies, make the drive to Biltmore House, America's largest home. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this mansion is truly a fairytale castle at Christmas. Huge evergreens dot the front lawn, complete with thousands of twinkling lights. In the Winter Garden, graceful ballet dancers perform, and inside, visitors are taken on a candlelit tour to view the rare ornaments, fresh greenery, crackling fireplaces, and poinsettias that grace the splendid rooms. Choirs and carolers serenade with a host of tunes, including old European carols. A holiday visit to Biltmore House is an absolutely magical experience!
This guide to a Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountain Holiday was brought to you by Holle Abee.