Winter Fun in the Smokies: 7 Fun Events & Activities

Although the Smoky Mountain region is more commonly thought of as a summer vacation destination, there is still plenty of fun to be found year-round. I would not rule out a winter vacation, especially if you love staying in cozy cabins and enjoying holiday festivities. There are a lot of events on the lineup this time of the year, plus a ski resort, an ice rink, and even scenic gondola rides. Dollywood and the Opry Christmas spectacular both draw a lot of tourism. I have not been to either yet, but they are both on my bucket list.

I had the opportunity to vacation to the area several times during both seasons. As a hiker I prefer the summer and fall season, however, I also love staying at a cozy mountain cabin and enjoying a soak in the hot tub while gazing at the mountain scenery. The Gatlinburg area is a great base for exploring. There is a lot to do in this area including visiting quirky museums, dining at local restaurants, and enjoying special shows and holiday festivities.

Crowds are virtually non existent this time of the year which is the main bonus. Hiking can still be enjoyable assuming there is no snow. There are tons of special activities to look forward to like holiday shows and the annual Festival of Lights. My guide will include a mix of holiday and indoor attractions to enjoy.

1. Enjoy the scenic tram ride at Ober Gatlinburg

One fun thing you can do this time of year without freezing your butt off is taking a scenic ride along the aerial cable car ride at Ober Gatlinburg. This 10 minute ride takes you up super high (2 miles) above the mountains for a fabulous view of the surrounding landscapes. When you arrive at the top, you have the option of beginner or advanced skiing with 100% snow-making. Even if you don’t ski, it’s worth a ride just to enjoy the scenery. I’ll admit that the views are not the best this time of year with the barren trees, but it’s still a fun side activity.

Don’t worry if skiing is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other entertaining attractions including an indoor ice skating rink, shops, a wildlife encounter attraction, and restaurants. It’s pretty cool that the ice rink is open all year.

They offer a wristband deal where basically all activities are included for one price or you can take just the tram starting around 30 bucks. There are coupon booklets around town where you can save a buck or 2. Trams run 7 days a week, all year-round.

Update: Also be sure to check out SkyBridge, Gatlinburg’s newest and hottest attraction. At 680 ft, it’s the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the US. In my opinion it’s the top attraction to add to your bucket list anytime of the year. I thought the views at Ober were decent until I took this ride – all I can say is wow!

Ober Gatlinburg is located at 1001 Parkway #2.

2. Take a holiday lights ride tour

Hop aboard for some Christmas cheer along Gatlinburg’s fun, festive annual trolley light tour. The 45 minute journey will take you through downtown’s amazing 1.6 million dollar light display and also around the many light displays located along Hwy 321. I loved the beautiful snowflakes lining the light posts of Main Street. Keeping in line with the rustic theme, you will find many regional themed displays such as black bears.

I highly recommend this ride for any tourist new to the area – our guide was super interesting and entertaining and had a lot of fun stories to share. It was a bit weird to be honest, but a fun time. The event typically runs from mid November until the end of December. Rides cost $5 per person.

Meetup for the trolley is at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, located at 88 River Rd.

Update: As of 2023, you can now pick up a map and see the lights for yourself via. self-guided tour.

More info and a downloadable map

3. Run the Santa Hustle Half Marathon

This festive Santa themed holiday half marathon and 5k (which started in Chicago) has grown to include numerous cities around the US including Sevierville. Thousands of Santas line up in this brisk mid-December event and race down the streets of Sevierville and Pigeon Forge in the country’s most festive half marathon.

I am a big Christmas buff and always wanted to complete a fun holiday themed race. It was a super long drive from Massachusetts but we figured we could rent out a beautiful cabin and check out the Wilderness waterpark while we were here. Also, we were super excited to check out the largest Christmas store in the south (more on this in a minute). There are so many fun touches like Christmas carols, holiday decorations, and even cookies and milk along the route. I love the mid December timing: running this race really reved me up for the holiday season.

Anyone who loves the holidays like me should definitely sign up. I feel like you get a bigger bank-for-your-buck experience with these themed races. After all that training for months on end, I don’t want to feel like I am simply paying just to run around a local park (I do that every day!). A cute dri-fit Santa shirt, hat, and beard are given to each participant to wear. I was freezing (as you can tell in the pic), but took plenty of time to soak in the hot tub afterwards.

The course is hilly, although the festive atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery make it one of the more worthy halfs in my opinion. In fact, I even PR’d in this race despite the tough hills (I came in 3rd place in my age group). Afterwards you can head right over to the indoor water-park at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort for a little R&R (the partner hotel & starting point of the race – runners receive a discounted rate!).

4. Shop for holiday gifts and decor at The Incredible Christmas Place

If you love the holidays, I recommend a stop at the largest Christmas shop in the region. I see these shops all over the country when I travel. This one is really impressive with rooms and rooms of wall-to-wall decor. It’s such a huge space and there is lot of stuff to see. The store is absolutely gorgeous with dazzling holiday displays, over 60 beautifully decorated trees, and any ornament you can imagine. It’s fun just to browse around even if you are not shopping.

Everything is conveniently organized into sections i.e. nutcrackers, water globes, lighting, outdoor decor, color coded ornaments, etc. I saw so much here that you won’t find in a Kohls, Home Goods, or department store. There are decorations to fit any budget or personal style; I had a hard time walking out without buying anything. The shop is open year-round so you can get into the festive spirit no matter what time of the year you visit.

Across the street, you will find The Inn at Christmas Place, a year-round holiday themed hotel, featuring beautiful Bavarian architecture and festive events all year round. I wouldn’t mind staying here one of these days – just book in advance as this place is really popular.

The Incredible Christmas Place is located at 2470 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

Hours are 9:00am-10:00pm (holiday hours may vary).