In the Tennessee Mountains, folklore and tradition run deep, and this is also true of Christmas cheer. This quaint and charming mountain town is adorned with beautiful decorations and festive lights, which literally transform it into a storybook winter wonderland. The short drive from Gatlinburg takes one to Pigeon Forge and all the fun and interesting entertainment options it offers. These two contrasting cities provide activities and attractions to please essentially any traveler, and a Smoky Mountain Christmas in this area will certainly never be forgotten. Below are some popular activities and attractions among Gatlinburg travelers.
Enjoy a Holiday Feast in a State-of-the-Art Restaurant
Many people enjoy preparing a delicious meal for friends and family, but it is also fun to indulge in sumptuous fare in a classy Smoky Mountains restaurant. Dining out in Gatlinburg is an activity all by itself, and there are numerous restaurants open all day long on Christmas day for those who want to relax and be catered to during this special holiday. Below are some great establishments opened on December 25th each year:
- The Smoky Mountain Trout House
- Calhoun’s Restaurant
- Smokey Mountain Brewery
- The Greenbrier Restaurant
- Cherokee Grill
Indulge in Some Christmas Entertainment
Pigeon Forge, located in close proximity to Gatlinburg, offers dozens of dinner shows and theaters where performers entertain guests with special Christmas shows to celebrate the holiday. The Smoky Mountain Opry, Dixie Stampede, and the Fanny Adam’s Theater all provide terrific, spirit lifting holiday shows. Most of the shows are different each year, so travelers can always expect something new when visiting one of the many Pigeon Forge theaters.
Trolley Ride of Lights
From November 12th until January 31st, the Winter Magic Light trolley ride is available to visitors looking for holiday fun. The trolley route begins in downtown Gatlinburg, where patrons board artistically designed trolley cars and travel through the town and onto Highway 321 to enjoy a magnificent display of Christmas lights and decorations. Tours leave each night every hour beginning at 6:30 PM. Virtually everyone enjoys this fun and interesting Christmas activity.
Those who are interested in experiencing Gatlinburg during Christmas should consider renting a beautiful and rustic cabin, from which they can view beautiful scenery, indulge in a day of skiing, curl up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate or simply relax and unwind. Regardless of what one has in mind for Christmas this year, a getaway in the beautiful Smoky Mountains with family or friends is a great choice for holiday fun.
Due to recent fires in the area, we recommend calling ahead to restaurants and attractions to ensure they are open.