Happy first day of winter! What better way to kick off the winter season than a chilly, overcast day. With the weekend approaching, and holiday vacation time looming, why not take a trip down to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge do a tremendous amount of winter events each year, and they are great for visitors of all ages. And while we wish that you could be rafting with us here at River Rat, we would love for all of you to come down and enjoy the community while it rebuilds from the devastating wildfires that damaged many local businesses. Here are a few suggestions for events that we think you and your family will love this winter!
27th Annual Winterfest Kickoff: November 8, 2016 – February 28, 2017
Enjoy the light displays at your leisure at our Winterfest Lights Driving Tour. Pick up your tour guide at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center, or at the Fun Time Trolley office in Patriot Park. This event is perfect for the whole family and allows you to beat the cold by staying in the warmth of your car.
Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas: November 5, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Hurry up and get to Dollywood before you miss out on this amazing event. A seven-time award winner of America’s Best Christmas Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival presented by Humana, Nov. 5 through Jan. 1, 2016, features four million holiday lights and spectacular holiday performances, including Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol, an all-new adaptation of the Dickens classic.
Gatlinburg Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights: November 9, 2016 – January 31, 2017
The trolley tour shows off the beautiful lights of the Winterfest displays from the comfort of a warm, heated trolley. The tours run hourly at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm. The best part? Each ticket is only $5, so bring all of your family and friends!
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show: December 31, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Come ring in the new year with us here in Gatlinburg! What better place to countdown to the new year, than one of the most amazing places to visit in the entire country. The 29th annual New Year’s Eve ball drop and fireworks show will take place at the Space Needle on the Gatlinburg Parkway. There is no admission fee, so come join us!
No matter what you have planned, or what your holiday schedule looks like, we are sure that there is an event in Gatlinburg that fits into your availability. So gather up your loved ones, and come spend some time with us down here in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
