Christmas in Gatlinburg with kids.
Christmas in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is one of the biggest holiday trips in the Smoky Mountains. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas is the star. Winterfest puts lights all along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and across downtown Gatlinburg, and many of them are free.
Add Anakeesta's mountain lights, the Fantasy of Lights parade, and the Polar Express train in Bryson City, North Carolina. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg share one main road, the Parkway, so plan your stops along it.
Before you go
- The Winterfest lights in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are free to drive or walk past.
- The Winterfest driving tour starts at the north end of the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. You can see it from your car.
- Anakeesta's Breakfast with Santa includes park entry. Book it ahead.
- The Polar Express runs from Bryson City, NC, on the other side of the mountains. Plan it as its own day.
- Mountain evenings get cold. Pack hats and gloves.
Family Christmas events in Gatlinburg
25 events
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- Christmas lightsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 3 · Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, on park operating days. Check the park calendar for hours.
- Where
- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
- Price
- Park ticket needed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead
Dollywood's holiday season covers the whole park in millions of lights, with indoor and outdoor Christmas shows. After dark, Wildwood Grove has a nightly light, music and snow show.
Parent tip: Ride a few rides in daylight, then stay for the lights after dark. Pack warm layers, since it gets cold fast once the sun goes down.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 31 · Nightly, Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027
- Where
- Riverwalk path at Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free light trail runs along the river path in Pigeon Forge, with more than 45 nature-themed displays. The path is wheelchair-friendly, so it works well with a stroller.
Parent tip: Park at Patriot Park and walk the trail first, then drive the Parkway lights on the way back.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights
- Dates
- Nov 5 - Feb 15 · Daily, Nov 5, 2026 to Feb 15, 2027
- Where
- Displays all over downtown Gatlinburg
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets. Walk or drive the route.
Light displays line the streets of downtown Gatlinburg all winter. Kids can hunt for 43 life-size snowpeople around town using the Visit Gatlinburg app.
Parent tip: Download the app or the printable map before you go. The snowpeople hunt keeps kids busy on a stroll down the Parkway.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4, 2026, 7:30-9pm
- Where
- The Parkway, downtown Gatlinburg
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets. Arrive early for a curb spot.
Gatlinburg's big nighttime Christmas parade rolls down the Parkway with lit-up floats. It is free to watch.
Parent tip: Get there early and bring blankets or camp chairs. Downtown fills up well before 7:30pm.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Journey to the North Pole at Anakeesta
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. Open by day; the lights and Santa's Flight are after dark.
- Where
- Anakeesta, downtown Gatlinburg
- Price
- Park ticket needed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead
Anakeesta's mountaintop park turns into a North Pole village for the holidays, with elves, live shows and seasonal food. At night, Santa leads a light and music walk on the treetop skywalk.
Parent tip: Go up in late afternoon so you see the views in daylight and the lights after dark. It is colder at the top than in town.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Lights Over Gatlinburg at SkyPark
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 31 · Daily, Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027. The lights are best after dark.
- Where
- Gatlinburg SkyPark, 765 Parkway
- Price
- SkyPark ticket needed. Kids 5 and under free. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online or at the base
The mountaintop SkyPark is decorated for Christmas, with a 30-foot tree and lights along the full length of the SkyBridge. You ride the chairlift up from downtown.
Parent tip: Go on a weeknight after sunset for smaller crowds. The ride up is an open chairlift, so a baby carrier is handy.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Winterfest at The Island
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 31 · Nightly, Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027. Light and fountain shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9pm.
- Where
- The Island, 131 The Island Dr., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- Free admission and parking. Rides cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The Island shopping and dining area is covered in lights for the season. Its fountain and 40-foot light-up trees put on a short show every hour in the evening.
Parent tip: Catch the 6pm fountain show with little ones, then eat dinner on site before bedtime.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Nightly, Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, from 6pm. Open holidays, rain or shine.
- Where
- Soaky Mountain Waterpark, Sevierville
- Price
- $39.95 per car (standard). $34.95 per car value ticket, Mon-Thu only, not valid Nov 26 or Dec 14-24.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead, or pay at the gate from your car
A drive-through light show where the lights move in time to music on your car radio. This year's theme is nursery rhymes and storybook characters.
Parent tip: Little ones can stay buckled in, in pajamas. On select nights, Snowy Mountain Village inside the waterpark adds bounce houses and Santa.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 3 · Most evenings, Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. The ride takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Where
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City Depot, Bryson City, NC
- Price
- Coach from $50.85 adults, $33.52 ages 2-12. Peak nights, steam trains and Christmas Eve cost more.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead. Peak nights sell out.
A train ride based on the picture book. Staff serve hot chocolate and a cookie, and Santa boards at the North Pole to give each child a sleigh bell.
Parent tip: Kids can wear pajamas, but closed-toe shoes are required. In coach, babies ride free but need their own seat. Check park road conditions first, since high mountain roads can close for snow or ice.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 31 · Nightly, Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027
- Where
- The Parkway, starting at the north end of Pigeon Forge
- Price
- No ticket. You view the lights from your car.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No booking
Light displays line the Parkway through Pigeon Forge all season. You see them from your car as you drive through town.
Parent tip: Weeknights are calmer on the Parkway. Save the drive for after dinner so kids can doze on the way back.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
- Dates
- Nov 13 · Fri Nov 13, 2026, 4-8pm
- Where
- Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Pigeon Forge marks the start of its light season with an evening at Patriot Park. There's a Christmas market with craft booths, and the riverside light trail starts right there.
Parent tip: It starts at 4pm, so families with small kids can see the lights at dusk and still get home early.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Winterfest Christmas Market
- Dates
- Nov 13-28 · Nov 13-15 and Nov 20-28, 2026
- Where
- Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small Christmas market with local makers sets up next to the Winterfest light trail. It runs for two short stretches in November.
Parent tip: Pair it with the light trail next door. Go around dusk to shop first and see the lights come on.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Winterfest Kickoff and Tree Lighting at The Island
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 2026. Santa from 5pm, free concert at 7pm, tree lighting at 8pm.
- Where
- The Island, 131 The Island Dr., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The Island lights its 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree on opening night of its light season. Santa is there for photos earlier in the evening.
Parent tip: With toddlers, go early for Santa at 5pm. The tree lighting is at 8pm, so it's a late night for little ones.
- Santa visitsFree Good for toddlers
Santa at The Island
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 19 · Sat Nov 21, 5-10pm. Then Fridays and Saturdays, 3-8pm, Nov 27 to Dec 19, 2026.
- Where
- The Island, near The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, Pigeon Forge
- Price
- Free admission and parking. See the site for photo options.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Santa visits The Island on weekend evenings through mid-December. Kids can meet him near the big Ferris wheel.
Parent tip: Go at 3pm, when Santa's hours start, to beat the evening line.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Breakfast with Santa at Anakeesta
- Dates
- Dec 5-20 · Dec 5, 12, 19 and 20, 2026, 7:45-9:30am
- Where
- Anakeesta, downtown Gatlinburg
- Price
- $104.99 adults, $87.99 ages 4-11, $97.99 seniors 65+. Park admission included. Kids 3 and under free with a paid adult, but they still need a reservation.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserve ahead, including babies and toddlers
An early breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at the top of Anakeesta. Your ticket includes park admission for the rest of the day.
Parent tip: Arrive by 7:45am. The ride up leaves at 8:10am, so plan for an early wake-up.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Gatlinburg Winter Festival and Chili Cook-off
- Dates
- Nov 12 · Thu Nov 12, 2026, 5-9pm
- Where
- The Parkway, from Mountain Mall to Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Price
- Free to attend. Chili tasting is ticketed; see the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Buy chili tickets ahead.
A one-night street festival on the Parkway with live music, carolers, a pop-up ice rink and carnival games. Kids can visit Santa at the Christmas tree farm.
Parent tip: Find Santa early in the evening, before the Parkway gets crowded.
- Holiday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Gatlinburg Festival of Trees
- Dates
- Nov 25-29 · Daily, Nov 25-29, 2026, 10am-7pm
- Where
- Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Airport Rd.
- Price
- Free. Donations are welcome.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Decorated Christmas trees fill the convention center over Thanksgiving week. Money raised goes to local charities, including the Boys & Girls Club.
Parent tip: It's indoors, so it's a good pick for a cold or rainy day. Strollers are easy here.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Sevierville Christmas Parade
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 2026, 11am
- Where
- Historic downtown Sevierville
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets
A small-town Christmas parade through downtown Sevierville. It runs in the late morning, which suits nap schedules.
Parent tip: Court Avenue is a good spot to watch from.
- Ice skating
Outdoor Ice Rink at Wilderness at the Smokies
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 10 · Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027. Closed Nov 9-12 and Jan 4-7.
- Where
- Wilderness at the Smokies resort, Sevierville
- Price
- Ticketed for the public, with skate rental included. Some resort guests skate free. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can skate or walk on ice · Complete the online waiver before you go
An outdoor ice rink at a waterpark resort, open to the public during the holidays. Skate rental comes with your ticket.
Parent tip: Print and fill out the waiver at home to save time at the rink.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Pigeon Forge
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- Families. There's no separate kids' menu. · Buy ahead online or by phone at 865-908-7469
The holiday version of a comedy dinner show about two feuding families. It mixes singing, dancing and stunts with an all-you-can-eat Southern meal.
Parent tip: Everyone gets the same family-style meal, so check the menu ahead if you have a picky eater.
- Holiday festivals
Pigeon Forge Winterfest 5K and Kids Fun Run
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 2026. Kids Fun Run at 7am, 5K at 7:30am.
- Where
- Patriot Park, 236 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- 5K $35 after Oct 31. See the race page for the kids' run fee.
- Ages and booking
- Kids' run for ages 12 and under · Register online. You can also sign up on race morning.
An early-morning holiday race along the river path. Kids 12 and under run two laps of the Riverwalk before the grown-ups start.
Parent tip: It's cold at 7am in December. Bring hats and gloves, and a warm drink for after.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Bryson City Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 2026, 5-7pm. Tree lighting at 6pm.
- Where
- Swain County Visitor Center, 2 Everett St., Bryson City, NC
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small-town tree lighting with a live nativity, carolers in old-style costumes, and free cocoa and cookies. Kids can write and mail letters to Santa.
Parent tip: The Polar Express also leaves from Bryson City, so the two fit well into one trip that weekend.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Breakfast with Santa at the Nantahala Outdoor Center
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 2026. Seatings at 8am and 10am.
- Where
- River's End Restaurant, Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 Hwy 19 W, Bryson City, NC
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reservations required. Book a table for 2, 4 or 6.
A breakfast buffet with Santa at a riverside restaurant. Kids get a build-your-own pancake station, and a small holiday market runs alongside.
Parent tip: Take the 8am seating if you're riding the Polar Express that evening, so there's time for a nap in between.
- Holiday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Noon Year's Eve at The Island
- Dates
- Dec 31 · Thu Dec 31, 2026. Kids' concert at 11am, countdown at noon.
- Where
- The Island, 131 The Island Dr., Pigeon Forge
- Price
- Free. Rides cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A midday New Year's countdown for families with young kids, with a free concert and stage effects at noon. Little ones get the countdown without staying up late.
Parent tip: Stand near the stage for the noon countdown. Head out before the evening crowds arrive.
- Holiday festivalsFree
Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Celebration and Ball Drop
- Dates
- Dec 31 · Thu Dec 31, 2026. Starts 9:30pm; ball drop and fireworks at midnight.
- Where
- Gatlinburg Space Needle, 115 Airport Rd.
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- Older kids who can stay up late · No tickets
Gatlinburg rings in the new year with live music, a drone show, a giant LED ball drop from the Space Needle and fireworks at midnight.
Parent tip: Downtown gets very crowded. Families with young kids may prefer the Noon Year's Eve countdown at The Island.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Gatlinburg, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Gatlinburg, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Gatlinburg, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Gatlinburg for Christmas with kids?
Visit Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, see the Winterfest lights, and watch the Fantasy of Lights parade in Gatlinburg. Ride up to Anakeesta for mountain views and lights.
Many families add the Polar Express train ride in Bryson City, North Carolina.
When is the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights parade in 2026?
The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is on Friday, December 4, 2026, on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. It's free to watch.
What are the free Christmas things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
The Winterfest lights in both towns, the Fantasy of Lights parade, The Island's tree lighting and Winterfest displays, and the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees are free.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
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