There’s something truly special about spending Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains. Imagine waking up to a crisp autumn morning with golden light filtering through the trees, the scent of a fireplace in the air, and a whole weekend of family, food, and fun ahead. In Sevierville, you can trade the stress of the holidays for the warmth of a cozy cabin and the beauty of the mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a grand feast you don’t have to cook or fun activities to make new memories, here’s your guide to the perfect Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains.
Where to Find a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner in Sevierville
One of the best parts of a vacation is leaving the cooking (and the dishes!) to someone else. Many local restaurants are open and ready to welcome you with a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Restaurants Serving a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal:
While menus and hours for 2025 will be confirmed closer to the holiday, these popular Sevierville restaurants will be go-to spots for a fantastic Thanksgiving meal. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details and make reservations, as they fill up fast!
SkyLand Ranch: Give thanks surrounded by family, friends, and Smoky Mountain views at “Thanksgiving at SkyLand Ranch.” Gather together for a homemade holiday meal, live entertainment, and all the charm of the Ranch. Meals are pre-purchased and served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in one-hour time slots. You can pick your time, grab your plate at the SkyLand Café, and find relaxed, self-seating with your loved ones.
Your ticket includes a full Thanksgiving plate, 3-day access to the ranch (including unlimited chairlift/shuttle rides and two rides on the WagonWheeler Tower Swing per visit), and admission to the Festival of Lights that evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thanksgiving Plate Menu:
- Herb Roasted Turkey
- Holiday Glazed Ham
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Buttered Corn
- Country Green Beans
- White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
- Dinner Roll & Dessert
Reservations are required. You can reserve your Thanksgiving Plate at: https://skylandtickets.com/thanksgiving
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant A true Sevierville institution, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant offers Thanksgiving with a generous side of Southern hospitality. Housed in a historic farmhouse, this restaurant is famous for serving every meal with their complimentary signature apple fritters, apple butter, and refreshing apple julep. On Thanksgiving, they continue this tradition by offering a special holiday meal that feels like a classic, welcoming family gathering.
The restaurant’s official holiday menu is centered around a traditional feast of roast turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes, and all the classic fixings. What makes the experience special is the family-style service and the charming, rustic atmosphere of the Apple Barn complex. Reservations are required. You can also order your Thanksgiving meal to-go here: https://www.applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com/thanksgivingtogo/
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen & Holston’s Kitchen Five Oaks Farm Kitchen prides itself on offering a true “farm-to-table” Southern Thanksgiving that feels like coming home to your granny’s house for the holiday. The atmosphere is designed to be warm and inviting, focusing on bountiful portions and genuine hospitality. It’s an ideal setting for families who want a hearty, traditional meal served in an upscale, yet incredibly cozy, farmhouse environment.
The menu is served family-style, ensuring everyone gets their fill of their favorites. The star of the show is the oven-roasted turkey with cornbread dressing and gravy, served alongside sugar-cured ham. This is all complemented by classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and a decadent sweet potato casserole.
Both Holston’s Kitchen and Five Oaks Farm Kitchen will be offering Thanksgiving options.
Holston’s Kitchen in Sevierville is accepting reservations. Please call 865-365-4205 for a Thanksgiving reservation for your family.
Five Oaks Farm Kitchen will be serving first come first serve. Five Oaks will also be offering Family Meals To Go by calling 865-365-1008 to place an order ahead of time.
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours:
- Holston’s, Thursday 27th ,11am-6pm
- Five Oaks Farm Kitchen, Thursday 27th, 10:30am -7pm
Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel is a beloved American tradition, and their Sevierville locations are dependable and welcoming spots for a classic Thanksgiving meal. They are famously open on Thanksgiving Day, offering families a warm, homestyle environment. For those dining in, the restaurant serves their traditional Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal. For families who prefer to dine in their cabin, Cracker Barrel is a lifesaver with its “Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve” feasts, which are complete, pre-cooked meals you can pick up, heat, and serve.
More Sevierville Restaurants Likely to Be Open
In addition to the restaurants above known for their full Thanksgiving feasts, many other local favorites are historically open on the holiday. It’s always best to call ahead and confirm their hours and menu.
- Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
- East TN Billiards
- Flapjacks
- Ft. Worth Texas Kitchen
- Golden Corral
- Holston’s Kitchen
- Quaker Steak & Lube
- Shoney’s
- Smoothie King: pop in for a sweet treat or a smoothie after your meal!
Thanksgiving To-Go:
Want the feast without the fuss in your cozy Sevierville cabin for Thanksgiving? Many local restaurants (like Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill and Cracker Barrel) plus grocery stores (like Publix and Kroger) offer pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinners that you can simply heat and serve. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a home-cooked meal with a beautiful mountain view.
Family Things to Do on Thanksgiving Weekend
The fun doesn’t stop after dinner! Thanksgiving weekend in the Smokies is packed with festive activities.
- See the Winterfest Lights: Thanksgiving weekend marks the full, twinkling fun of Smoky Mountain Winterfest. After your feast, take a drive through Sevierville and the surrounding areas to see millions of dazzling Christmas lights. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
- Go Black Friday Shopping: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Tanger Outlets Sevierville. You’ll find incredible deals from hundreds of your favorite brand-name stores.
- Catch a Christmas Show: The area’s many theaters will have their spectacular holiday shows in full swing. It’s a fantastic way to spend an evening with the family.
- Enjoy the Great Outdoors: Work off that turkey with a family hike! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous trails that are beautiful in the late fall. A walk along the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville is another wonderful and accessible option.
Are Attractions Open on Thanksgiving?
This is a common question, and the answer varies. While many businesses close so their employees can be with their families, you won’t be without options.
- On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday): Most major attractions, like Dollywood and many museums, are closed. However, SkyLand Ranch is a notable exception, opening for its special “Thanksgiving at The Ranch” feast. Catch a blockbuster movie at Governor’s Crossing Stadium 14 Cinema or let your imagination run wild at Wonderworks. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland drive through light show is also open for a fun holiday experience. Then drive around to see roadside Christmas lights, explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or simply relax at your cabin.
- On Friday and the Rest of the Weekend: It’s back to fun as usual! Nearly all attractions reopen on Friday, often with extended hours and special holiday events kicking off. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is a must-do, and places like SkyLand Ranch will be shining bright with their own festive light displays.
From a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in Sevierville, TN, to a weekend filled with sparkling lights and family fun, a holiday spent here is one you’ll always cherish.