Are you thinking about visiting the Smoky Mountains in December? The holiday season is a great time to visit the Smokies! Enjoy crisp mountain air, festive lights, holiday events, and plenty of winter fun! Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a getaway with friends, the Smoky Mountains have so much to offer this time of year! Here are some of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in December:
1. Visit a Holiday Festival
The Smoky Mountains in December feature holiday celebrations happening throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Many of the local attractions offer seasonal activities and Christmas festivals to celebrate the season. Some of the best holiday festivals in the Smokies include Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta, SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at The Ranch, and Gatlinburg SkyPark’s Lights Over Gatlinburg. These festivals feature festive decor and photo ops, live entertainment, themed foods, and much more!
2. Watch a Christmas Show
A Christmas show is a must when visiting the Smoky Mountains in December! Pigeon Forge is famous for its family-friendly theaters, which transform during the holiday season. You can enjoy everything from comedy to holiday tunes to action-packed productions, all with festive costumes, beautiful sets, and plenty of holiday cheer! Favorite Christmas dinner shows in Pigeon Forge include Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Biblical Times Theater, and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show.
3. Go Holiday Shopping
December is the perfect time to do some holiday shopping, and the Smoky Mountains have no shortage of incredible stores! There are so many great places to go shopping in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, from specialty shops and charming boutiques to unique holiday stores. You can find handcrafted items made by talented artisans in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, or visit one of the great Christmas shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for holiday gifts and decorations.
4. See the Winterfest Lights
One of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in December is see the Winterfest lights! These lights are on display from November to February, transforming the area into a magical winter wonderland. You can marvel at millions of twinkling lights illuminating Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. As you drive down the main Parkway, you can see magnificent light displays and creative scenes lining the road!
5. Hike a Trail
When you visit the Smoky Mountains in December, you can experience winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking trails offer peaceful and scenic views of the winter landscape. With fewer crowds and more visibility through the bare trees, this is an excellent time to see breathtaking mountain views! You may even get to see some snow during your hiking adventure! Be sure to dress in layers for warmth and check both road and trail conditions before heading out.
6. Play at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is one of the best attractions to visit in the Smoky Mountains in December! This Gatlinburg attraction offers all sorts of fun winter activities, including snow tubing, ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. You can also take a ride on the aerial tram to see fantastic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains! This is a great way to have some family-friendly fun while enjoying the colder weather!
7. Stay in a Cozy Smoky Mountain Cabin
After exploring all the fun winter activities in the Smoky Mountains, nothing beats retreating back to a warm, cozy cabin! A cabin with a fireplace, hot tub, and mountain views offers the perfect winter getaway! Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace or watching snowfall from the private deck, a cabin stay enhances the magic of the season. You can even stay in a Christmas decorated cabin for extra holiday cheer!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains in December
When planning your vacation to the Smoky Mountains in December, one of the most important decisions you need to make is where to stay. Our cabins provide the ultimate comfort, convenience, privacy, and Smoky Mountain charm for the perfect December vacation! Whether you need a romantic one-bedroom cabin or a large cabin with lots of bedrooms, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect option with luxurious amenities and stunning views. Check out our selection of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book your stay today!
