At the Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., every head in the theater swivels as brilliantly illuminated sugarplum fairies appear and soar over the audience. You don’t have to be a kid to be wowed by the non-stop action and impressive special lighting effects of “Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry,” a holiday musical extravaganza in its second season. Ice skaters, dancers and a poignant nativity scene with live animals make it one of the most talked about new Christmas shows in the region.
This production is just one of many ways to entertain the family during Winterfest, a Smoky Mountains celebration that peaks during the holidays, but continues through February. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, a trio of neighboring eastern Tennessee towns, team up annually to bring a holiday magic to the area.
“The holidays naturally give people a warm feeling, and the Winterfest lights multiply that feeling,” says Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “It’s really cool to see our guests’ smiles when they see all the lights. The city really sparkles.”
To fully appreciate the glittering landscape, forget fighting the holiday traffic and hop on a comfortable, heated trolley for a narrated, one-hour tour. The Trolley Tour of Lights departs Patriot Park for three tours nightly.
A perennial favorite is a replica of the Old Mill with its distinctive water wheel. Lights that flash in a circular pattern make it appear to turn. The tour guide explains that the real Old Mill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a grist mill on the Pigeon River that was the lifeline of the community in the 1800s. Today Old Mill Square is a top tourist attraction, home to several shops and the popular Old Mill restaurant, known for its hearty, country-style cooking. The mill is still operational, and the biscuits and cornbread served in the restaurant are made with grains ground at the mill.
Dollywood
Beginning in November, the 150-acre theme park named for country music singer and east Tennessee native Dolly Parton, is transformed into a winter wonderland with an impressive lineup of holiday entertainment. “Christmas in the Smokies” has enchanted audiences for more than 20 years.
As the sun sets over the mountains, Dollywood glows with thousands of twinkling lights, and a crowd gathers at Rivertown Lake in anticipation of Carol of the Trees. A dozen towering Christmas trees come to life as their colorful lights “dance” to Christmas music. The whole grand spectacle is reflected on the lake.
Christmas Shopping
Sevier County is a shopping bonanza, so get busy crossing things off your Christmas list. Tanger Outlet Mall is a good place to start. With more than 100 stores brimming with designer fashions, jewelry and home décor, you may need to borrow Santa’s sleigh to get it all back home.
If you prefer unique, handcrafted gifts, visit Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Community, the largest organization of independent artisans in the country. A leisurely drive along a scenic, 8-mile loop, a Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail, leads to shops where craftspeople weave baskets and dip candles, and galleries where folk artists paint mountain landscapes.
If you have yet to deck your halls, stop by Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, the mother of all Christmas stores. With approximately 45,000 square feet of ornaments, lights, wreaths, and garlands, ranging from quaint and traditional to chic and cosmopolitan, shoppers find it easy to make their holiday decorating dreams come true.
If You Go:
Where to Stay:
The Inn at Christmas Place is a four-star hotel decorated for Christmas year round. 119 Christmas Tree Lane, Pigeon Forge, 888-465-9644, winter rates: $149-$339, www.innatchristmasplace.com
Mountain Shadows Resort, on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from 1-room log cabins to 6-bedroom chalets. The resort provides the illusion of a mountain hideaway, but is only 3.2 miles from downtown Gatlinburg. 1625 Hidden Hills Road, Gatlinburg. For winter rates, call 877-653-9429 or visit www.mtnshadows.com
Where to Eat:
The Old Mill is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 175 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge, 865-429-3463 www.oldmillsquare.com
Holiday Shows:
Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry runs Nov. 2-Dec. 30. Admission: Adult $39.96, child $19.96.
2046 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, 865-428-7469, www.smokymtnopry.com
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood runs Nov. 10-Dec. 30. and is included in park admission. Adult $56, child (ages 4-11) $44, seniors (age 60 and over) $51. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, 800-DOLLYWOOD, www.dollywood.com
Shopping:
Tanger Outlet Mall has more than 100 stores. 1645 Parkway, Sevierville, 800-408-8377 www.tangeroutlet.com/sevierville
To visit Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community, get on Hwy 321 in Gatlinburg. Turn onto Glades Road, and then follow the distinctive signs. www.gatlinburgcrafts.com The Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Show is Nov. 21-Dec. 2 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Christmas Place is the largest Christmas store in the South. 2470 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, 800-445-3396, www.christmasplace.com
For more information about winterfest events and activities, visit www.smokymountainwinterfest.com
