If you are looking for the perfect place to spend your winter or spring vacation, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are an ideal choice. The Smoky Mountains are a beautiful and peaceful place to spend the winter holidays. The Cabin Rental Store has some fantastic vacation homes for you and your family to relax in and Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer some terrific things to do when you are here. Check out our ultimate Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg travel guide to winter and spring in the area below!
Winter Attractions
Although it may be thought of as a summer resort, there are plenty of things to do in the Gateway to the Smokies in the Gatlinburg winter season. Many of the attractions are centered around the winter holidays.
The Winterfest Lights Display
If you drive down the streets of Pigeon Forge in November or December, you will be amazed at the stunning Christmas lights display. The display runs all along Pigeon Forge Parkway and you will see some truly intrinsic images made out of Christmas lights. There are over 5 million lights displaying everything from marching soldiers, to doves, to entire fairy tales.
Festival of Christmas Past
Saturday, December 11th
Duvall Campground, 1518 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862
There is nothing like an old fashion Christmas celebration surrounded by the majesty of the Smoky Mountains. This fun family Christmas celebration features traditional American folk music. It also features sacred harp music which is one of the oldest forms of music in America. It is a form of shake note singing that features four sections of singers: tenor, alto, treble, and base. The music is completely acapella. The mountains of Tennessee are one of the few places in the country where you can see this kind of music performed live. The event also features storytelling and reminiscing by people who have lived in these hills for decades. You can learn how to spin, knit, and quilt here. Your kids can also buy and play with some of the toys that your great-great-grandparents played with.
Christmas Shopping Expo
Saturday, December 4th
Field of Dreams Activity Center, 1145 Treadway Dr, Dandridge, TN 37725
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
When it is time to buy Christmas presents, you can always stay up all night after Thanksgiving and wait for the stores to open. They may be out of what you want to buy by the time you get in and they are unlikely to have anything very unique. This expo has booths from over 140 vendors. Many local boutiques and craft stores sell their wares here and there are also plenty of food trucks. You can sip a hot cocoa and munch cookies or popcorn as you shop for that perfect quilt for that hard-to-shop-for relative.
Enchanted Winter
Anakeesta, 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
November 11 to February 14
In Mid-November, Gatlinburg begins its Festival of Lights, and all the stores shopping centers and museums begin to put out their Christmas wares. Not to be outdone, the mountain resort of Anakeesta pulls out all the stops at holiday town and creates a winter wonderland. You can marvel at the 40-foot Christmas tree or take a ride through the forest on the Ridge Rambler. The air Chondola still runs in the winter so you can get an amazing view of the mountains rivers and streams as you travel to the top of the mountain. The area has its very own light display at Arctic Alley.
You will find a fire pit that is in-between Firefly and Black Bear Villages where you can warm yourself and rest while you are shopping. Some towns have wine or beer trails, but this town is truly family-oriented and has its very own chocolate trail. You will find a Santa’s Village at the top of the mountain where your kids can meet the chubby, jolly, and generous icon himself and put in their request. Kids can also make arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious breakfast with Santa.
Christmas Shows
When you think of places to go see theater, you may think of New York, San Francisco, or Broadway. However, the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have some fantastic Christmas shows.
Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
If you only see one Christmas show while you are here, you should not miss Christmas at the Stampede. You will see synchronized horseback riding and learn a bit about the way Americans have celebrated the holiday throughout the years. You will also see the story of the three wise men as they ride real camels on stage and tell the story of the night Jesus was born. The show is accompanied by a magnificent four-course meal. They can accommodate people of all different dietary preferences.
Comedy Barn Christmas Show
2775 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The comedy barn show is considered one of the funniest shows in town. You will hear plenty of music and see a funny sketch or two. The theater is known for its elaborate costumes. There are clowns and magicians to entertain the kids as well.
Hatfield and McCoys Christmas Disaster Dinner Show
119 Music Rd., Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863
Do you think you have a hard time getting along with your in-laws over the holidays? Well just imagine if your two broods were in a family feud that went on for a hundred years. This show takes place as the two families sing and dance and perform tricks as they enjoy a Christmas feast. They will even perform a stunt or two. You will eat right along with them as the theater serves a hearty four-course meal.
Spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
As divine as the holidays are in Gatlinburg, you may decide you would rather come to visit us in the springtime. There is plenty to do in this fun-filled area all year long. Galtinburg spring is one of the most enchanting times to visit the Smoky Mountains. The landscape is coming back to life, and you will see trees blooming and mama bears teaching their babies where to find the tastiest food. You will see beautiful wildflowers as you hike along one of the many trails the Smoky Mountain National Park has to offer. There are a few things you will not want to miss when you are here.
Hiking
You will find trails for people of all abilities when you hike in the Smokies. They all offer something unique to visitors.
Old Settlers Trail
This trail is a little over 16 miles long and it is not quite as trafficked as the other trails in the area. You will walk along a tranquil river, and the hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty. The elevation gain is about 3,454 feet. You will have to leave Fido at home, as the trail is narrow in places and there are bears in the area. You can enjoy camping on this trail, and it is a great place to see wildflowers. You will see cabins, barns, and cemeteries from the 1800s when the area was settled.
Abrams Falls
This hike takes you to a magnificent 20-foot waterfall and it is one of the most popular in Gatlinburg. It is considered to be of moderate difficulty, and you should be careful as there are slippery rocks along the way. You will see pine-oak, rhododendron, and hemlock forests as you hike along.
Events
You will find much to do in the city of Gatlinburg. The streets are lined with gift shops, fun food stands, and fun centers, and unusual museums. Spring brings a few different festivals to town that you will not want to miss.
Music in the Mountains Spring Parade
April 30, 2022, 10:00 pm
The South has long been known for its music and this fun parade features some of the sounds for which Tennessee is famous. It also features flower-themed floats and marching bands.
Wild River Boogie Spring Bike Rally 2022
3846 Wildwood Rd, Maryville, TN
May 26, 2022, 4:00 pm to May 30, 2022, 1:00 pm
Who says you have to go all the way to Sturgis to see a bike rally? You will find one of the best rallies in the country right here in Tennessee. You can enjoy camping, music, biker games, and a whole lot of colorful characters at this event.
Where to Eat
All that partying and exploring is sure to leave you pretty hungry. There are quite a few places to strap on the feed bag in town. There are a few restaurants you will not want to miss.
New Orleans Sandwich Company
631 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Everyone loves the food in New Orleans, and this place brings a bit of the Big Easy to the Gateway to the Smokies. The po’boys are a big attraction here, but they also serve gumbo and jambalaya. Be sure to get a side of hush puppies and voodoo rings.
Log Cabin Pancake House
327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
There is no shortage of pancake restaurants in the Gatlinburg area, but this place is one of the best. It is located in an actual log cabin, and you will have a better chance of getting a table without a long wait in the spring than you would in the summer. Everything on the menu is fantastic, but you will not want to pass up the wild blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup. They also serve many delicious crepes and waffles. If you are more of a fan of the savory fare, you should try one of the omelets with hash browns or a sandwich with a side of greasy, crunchy, and decadent onion rings.
If you are looking for something a bit fancier, you should try the fondue at the Melting Pot or have dinner and a show at the Listening Room Cafe.
Your Cabin
If you shop at some of the adorable little grocery stores in town, you can get the ingredients to make your own feast in your own Cabin Rental Store vacation home. Our kitchens come with state-of-the-art appliances and a full set of cookware and dishes. You can enjoy your food around a big table in the dining area of your home. We have rentals with big bay windows where you can gaze out at the majesty of spring in the Smoky Mountains as you dine. If you prefer to dine al fresco, almost all of our homes come with grills and picnic tables where you can enjoy your food in the sunlight or under the stars. Clean-up is a breeze with our dishwashers and easy wipe countertops.
At night you can retire to one of our comfortable bedrooms where you will find a cozy bed draped in fine bedding. You can enjoy a movie with our cable television or post about your day on social media with the use of our high-speed internet.
Our homes go fast, so remember to reserve your stay for a winter or spring getaway today!
