Holiday celebrations in the Smoky Mountains just make life a little sweeter! There are so many ways to celebrate, whatever that Holiday may be! Thanksgiving, Christmas, The 4th of the July are just a few of the Holidays that are well celebrated in the Smokies. Smokies Kids provides you with some special ideas, businesses and events to include in your celebrating. Need birthday ideas? We’ve got those too!
Birthdays:
TN Celebrates: Surprise your family with a preset up in your cabin of balloons, treats and surprises!
Publix: Discover delicious birthday cakes and more at the Publix on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge
Food City: Food City is located in each community, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and has everything you need to create a fun party for your birthday celebration.
Dollar Tree: On a Budget? Create a fun party with Helium Balloons and Pool Noodles from the Dollar Tree. Find them in Pigeon Forge at the Shops of Pigeon Forge and near the Belk in Sevierville.
Christmas:
Santa and Company: Find Santa in the Smoky Mountains. He will be offering Light Tours, Cabin Visits, Video Calls and more.
Events throughout the Season!
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
Mid-June to Mid-August.
www.dollywood.com
Official summary:
“Summer’s best moments come alive in the Smokies. Here, days are brighter and nights sparkle during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Surprises await around every sun-kissed corner, including refreshing ways to play, inspiring bursts of summer color and returning family-favorite shows like Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora. As the sun starts to set, ride into the night on NEW Big Bear Mountain, join a high-energy dance party beneath the Wildwood Grove tree and watch hundreds of drones dance across the night sky during the dazzling Sweet Summer Nights drone & fireworks show.”
Chalkfest at The Island
Early October.
https://islandinpigeonforge.com/
Official summary:
“Artists, transform the pavement into a vibrant canvas, bringing to life iconic characters, memorable movie scenes, and beloved musicians. From the magical realm of fantasy to the electrifying beats of rock ‘n’ roll, Chalkfest artists should channel their creativity and passion to produce stunning masterpieces that capture the essence of entertainment. Join us for a fun-filled day of awe-inspiring art, as these talented individuals put their skills to the test, unleashing their imagination and bringing joy to all who witness their extraordinary chalk creations. so head outside and start brainstorming!”
Halloween Trick or Treat at The Island
End of October.
https://islandinpigeonforge.com/
Official summary:
“Step right up! Step right up! Join The Island in Pigeon Forge for its annual Halloween Trick or Treat event. Enjoy free trick-or-treating Halloween night from 5-7 PM. The best part? Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating at The Island from 5pm – 7pm, and throughout the night enjoy spooky fountain shows and music! This family-friendly event is a fun, safe way to spend Halloween!”
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Early November to late December.
https://dpstampede.com/
Official summary:
“Experience Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and enjoy the fun and excitement of the grand performances during our spectacular holiday extravaganza! Nothing compares to the way we bring the spirit of the season to life. Our amazing Christmas show in Pigeon Forge will warm your heart and touch your soul. During the performance, snow falls softly as breathtaking scenes fill you with tidings of good cheer. The Stampede arena is magically transformed into a true fantasy land, complete with twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes, and familiar holiday music.”
Rotary Club Fall Crafts Festival
Full month of October.
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/
Official summary:
“Visitors to Pigeon Forge have the opportunity to see and purchase handmade items from some of the area’s most talented artists and crafters. Stop by the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival in Patriot Park. Admission and parking is free, however, a freewill donation will be distributed to local and area charities.”
Music in the Mountains Spring Parade
First week of May.
https://www.hometownsevier.com
Official summary:
“Every October the farm which is home to [Robert Tino’s] art gallery comes to life with a buzz of activity during his annual “Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming.” The fields surrounding the gallery are filled with local arts and craftsmen whose works celebrate our Appalachian heritage. Visitors will find such things as basket making, blacksmithing, wood-turning, bee-keeping, corn grist milling, lye soap making, broom making, hand-made walking sticks and rocking chairs, an antiques area along with antique tractors and engines. There will also be additional crafters with jewelry, pottery, soaps, home décor, fresh flowers from the garden, fall decorations, pumpkins, and more.”
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Mid-November to New Years (sometimes a few days after).
http://www.dollywood.com
Official summary:
“The spirit of the season shines brightest during Smoky Mountain Christmas, voted America’s Best Christmas Event for more than a decade. Here, the skies dance with the glimmer of more than 6 million twinkling lights, the sounds of our award-winning shows fill the air with Christmas cheer, and family memories are made beneath star-lit mountain skies.”
Various Halloween Events
End of October, naturally.
“Events include Halloween trick-or-treat events, Ghost Walks, safe fun for families, etc. See www.mypigeonforge.com, www.gatlinburg.com and www.visitsevierville.com for events in October.”
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
First or second Friday in December.
http://www.gatlinburg.com
Official summary:
“More than 60,000 people come to view the award winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, giant balloons and of course Santa Claus! The parade route runs through the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day.”
Various Easter Events
Within a week of whenever Easter is for the specified year.
See Easter events for this year at www.pigeonforge.com/easter/, www.gatlinburg.com and www.visitsevierville.com.
Robert Tino’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming
After the first week of October.
https://www.hometownsevier.com/
Official summary:
“Every October the farm which is home to [Robert Tino’s] art gallery comes to life with a buzz of activity during his annual “Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming.” The fields surrounding the gallery are filled with local arts and craftsmen whose works celebrate our Appalachian heritage. Visitors will find such things as basket making, blacksmithing, wood-turning, bee-keeping, corn grist milling, lye soap making, broom making, hand-made walking sticks and rocking chairs, an antiques area along with antique tractors and engines. There will also be additional crafters with jewelry, pottery, soaps, home décor, fresh flowers from the garden, fall decorations, pumpkins, and more.”
Wears Valley Fall Fest
3rd week of October.
https://www.wearsvalleyfallfest.com/
Official summary:
“Sixteen acres of family fun including over 240 crafters, interactive activities, entertainment, children’s events and a great variety of food awaits all in attendance October 20 – 22 at the 10th Annual Wears Valley Fall Festival coordinated by Keep Sevier Beautiful. The wide array of activities at this year’s event will give families a great way to make memories, experience a variety of fun activities and enjoy the incredible beauty of fall in the Smokies.”
Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade
Valentine’s Day (just kidding!)
http://www.gatlinburg.com
Official summary:
“Stepping off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, the parade named as one of the “Top 10 Parades to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, will march through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Festive floats decorated in sparkling fashion will line the Parkway featuring patriotic marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and more.”
