Top 5 Reasons to Visit During Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest
Each winter, Sevierville and her sister cities, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, sparkle with millions of holiday lights. As if that extra glow weren’t enough reason to visit during Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration, here are five more sure to have you making your reservations now.
A Spectacular Light Show
The millions of lights illuminating cheerful holiday displays along the Parkway are obviously the main attraction, but there are also special light shows that add even more sparkle to winter in the Smoky Mountains. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (Nov. 15 - Jan. 5), located at Soaky Mountain Waterpark, is billed as the most immersive drive-through Christmas experience on earth. The drive through light show features displays perfectly synchronized to holiday music played through a particular station on your car radio. While the experience typically takes 20 minutes, you can enjoy the lights a little longer by stopping at one of the designated pull offs. Bring a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy some quiet time watching the lights.
Town’s newest holiday light spectacular is SkyLand Festival of Lights at The Ranch, located at Sevierville’s premiere mountaintop attraction, SkyLand Ranch . From November 1 through January 20, the mountain will sparkle with spectacular light displays and breathtaking night time Winterfest views. Guests can also enjoy themed areas, the limited time North Pole Bakery, and more. The light event, which happens nightly between 6pm and 9pm, requires a separate ticketed admission.
Another light show you have to see to believe is Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. In addition to the great shows, food, and rides you’ve come to expect from this award-winning theme park, you’ll enjoy over five million lights adorning the park’s trees and buildings.
Festive Events
Celebrate the season with festive events in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains.
The cities of Gatlinburg and Sevierville offer back-to-back Christmas parades on December 6 and 7, respectively. While each are different, Gatlinburg’s is a glitzy night parade and Sevierville’s is a daytime hometown parade, seeing both is a fun way to usher in the holiday season.
On the evening of December 6, downtown Sevierville is home to a Christmas tree lighting and festival called Christmas at the Courthouse (December 6 beginning at 5:30pm). This wholesome event feels like a Hallmark movie and provides plenty of opportunities to make lasting holiday memories.
Holiday Shopping
With more than 100 high-end outlet stores, unique specialty shops, boutiques and galleries, Sevierville is always a shopper’s paradise. But that is especially true during the holidays! Sales begin on Thanksgiving evening and run throughout the season – making it easy to check off everything on your list.
Unique Places to Stay
Sevierville is packed with unique places to stay, from indoor waterpark resorts like Wilderness at the Smokies and The Resort at Governor’s Crossing to treehouses and even luxurious log cabin resorts that are all decked out for the holidays.
Get back to nature at a peaceful RV resort or enjoy a tiny home glamping vacation. Explore more lodging options here.
A Gift of Memories
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than by spending time and making memories with those you love most. Make plans to go ice skating at Wilderness at the Smokies’ seasonal outdoor rink (November 8 - 11, 15 - 18, 22 - 30, December 1, 2, 6 - 9, 13 - 16, 20 - 31, and January 1 - 5 and 10 - 13) . Enjoy a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or simply spend some quiet time reconnecting with those you love the most. No matter how you choose to celebrate your time together in the Smoky Mountains, the memories you’ll make will be a gift unlike any other.
Start exploring and make your plans to visit Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains this winter.
