We think Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge is special. There’s something about these mountains that make every holiday special. And we’re thankful for it every day. Pigeon Forge TN Thanksgiving is colorful fall foliage, cool crisp nights and roaring fires, and pre-Christmas anticipation.
Book One of our Pigeon Forge TN Thanksgiving Rentals Below!
Enjoy Fall Foliage
While the best fall foliage viewing may have peaked by early November, the trees still have color, and the mountains are still covered in glorious reds, golds and orange. At least until that blue-gray fog creeps in. By Thanksgiving, the crowds have thinned and you can enjoy a tramp through the maples, hickories and sweetgums in peace. It’s a great time to be alive and in the Smokies! Any hike or drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be full of color and scenic views. But, a few to try are Clingman’s Dome, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls.
And if you’re into breathtaking panoramic views, you’ll need to head to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge where you’ll find views of the city and the valley below as you make your way along the longest pedestrian cable bridge in the country.
Enjoy Fall Festivals and Holiday Festivals
Thanksgiving is the start to the Christmas holidays and holiday festivals and celebrations. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer plenty of fall and holiday related activities to enjoy, including several celebrations of lights.
You can’t visit Pigeon Forge without a visit to Dollywood! Start the holiday off with Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, lasting from November 5 through January 1. Stroll through the park under millions of sparkling lights, watch award-winning shows and wander through a winter wonderland featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree. And the entire town of Pigeon Forge lights up (on November 10) for their Winterfest Kickoff when they light the five million lights they have strung throughout the town.
A walk through Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees will certainly get you into the holiday spirit as you wander past colorful, lighted, decorated Christmas trees and enjoy the live entertainment. Plus, kids (of all ages) can have their picture taken with Old Saint Nick!
Get a great start on your Christmas shopping at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show as you explore booth after booth filled with handmade arts and crafts from members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Find everything from handmade baskets and brooms, soaps and lotions, ceramics and pottery, fine art and tacky fun souvenirs, jewelry, and more.
Pigeon Forge TN Thanksgiving Dinner
One thing everyone gives thanks for on this holiday is that traditional Thanksgiving meal. We all look forward to it! And just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean your family can’t enjoy all their holiday favorites. Each of our Gatlinburg rentals features fully equipped kitchens, and many have gourmet kitchens with extras you’ll love and appreciate like catering kitchens, a butler’s pantry, and double ovens and dishwashers. You’ll find everything you’ll need to make all of your family’s favorites, and maybe a few new recipes too. Why not put an Appalachian spin on your traditional Thanksgiving dinner with apple fritters? Use the Applewood Farmhouse’s recipe and you can’t go wrong!
Wait – you’re on vacation. So, shouldn’t you be letting someone else do all that prepping, cooking and cleaning up? Many restaurants in Pigeon Forge will be open for the holiday, and many will be offering their take on Thanksgiving favorites. Here are a few spots open for the holiday. Don’t forget to call ahead to check their holiday menu and for reservations!
Mama’s Farmhouse is known for their full, traditional Pigeon Forge TN Thanksgiving menu. Don’t forget to try their famous Southern Style Creamed Corn. Other restaurants open for the holiday are Loco Burro, Chicken Guy!, Downtown Flavortown, Johnny Rockets, Crawdaddy’s, and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Many restaurants will be showing off their own specialties for the holiday. Head to Dolly Parton’s Stampede for a full four-course family-style dinner to enjoy while you watch the show. The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show also offers a four-course meal along with their pirate show. If you’re not a fan of turkey and are really, really hungry, the all-you-can-eat buffet (overflowing with delicious fried chicken and BBQ) at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is the place to be.
Of course, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Skip the crowds, order a full dinner for pick-up, and enjoy your meal out on the deck of your rental. That way you can order all your family members’ favorites, traditional or not. Take your time with your dinner as you watch the fog rolling over those pretty Smoky Mountains.
Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving Rentals
Spend the day at Dollywood or in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking and biking, or just take a breather and stay in your Pigeon Forge vacation rental with your family. No matter what you plan on doing this Thanksgiving, choosing Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving can make it even more special. Give us call today!