Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for families all year round, but it’s especially magical during the winter months. With the snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear skies, it’s the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. The winter season brings a unique charm to the place, and there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you and your family entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or indoor entertainment, Pigeon Forge has it all.
This blog will highlight the most amazing ways families can enjoy a winter vacation in Pigeon Forge. From taking a winter walk through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to going on a Winter Scavenger Hunt, we’ve got you covered.
Attend a winter festival in Pigeon Forge
During winter, Pigeon Forge is alive with fantastic festivals celebrating the holiday season. First, the Winterfest Christmas Lights Festival is an amazing event where visitors can experience more than five million festive lights adorning miles of attractions and establishments. There’s also a Winterfest Parade and a holiday arts, crafts, and live music showcase. Not to mention all the fireworks displays, incredible shopping opportunities at unique stores and boutiques, as well as all sorts of tasty eats – this town has something to offer everyone in your family!
Spend your winter vacation exploring all that Pigeon Forge offers during its winter festivals, and create unforgettable experiences that you’ll remember for years to come.
Book a suite at the hotel
Families can truly experience that classic winter feeling by choosing an accommodation downtown. Staying at one of the Tennessee hotels in Pigeon Forge will not only provide the option to explore the wonderful sites nearby but also offer amazing amenities. From curling up in front of a crackling fireplace with hot cocoa to taking an invigorating walk along peaceful snow-dusted trails, guests can slow down and savor every moment of this special season.
And after spending an unforgettable day out, there’s no better place to retire than your comfortable, convenient home away from home. To get the best of experience, book accommodation at the River Inn Hotel and enjoy the idyllic location along the Little Pigeon River with its cozy and specially appointed suites. This hotel will offer the ideal setting for a relaxing and reinvigorating winter vacation.
Have dinner with Santa Claus at the Old Mill Restaurant
A surefire way to make your vacation with family unforgettable in Pigeon forge is to have dinner with Santa Claus at the Old Mill Restaurant. The best part? You don’t even have to travel far – it’s located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge! Celebrate the joy of the holidays surrounded by their cozy atmosphere, classic Southern cooking, and maybe even a few surprises from Jolly Old Saint Nick himself. So gather round and jingle bell rock while digging into a delicious meal; it will surely be a night that the whole family can cherish forever.
Shop till you drop at The Island in Pigeon Forge
The sheer limitless fun of the Island in Pigeon Forge makes it an ideal destination! Families can take advantage of all the Island offers: window shopping and splurging at more than 60 specialty boutiques, sampling delectable treats, and enjoying a thrilling ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – 200 feet in the air with stunning views!
There are many interactive experiences for visitors, such as Angry Bird’s Lost Temple or Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. You can always take a break from all the excitement and enjoy some relaxing time around their fire pit, where you can roast S’mores and create everlasting memories.
Explore Pigeon Forge’s Indoor Attractions
The Island in Pigeon Forge offers shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof. It’s a great place to spend a rainy or snowy day. The Hollywood Wax Museum and the Titanic Museum are all great options for indoor entertainment.
The Hollywood Wax Museum features lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, while the Titanic Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It’s an interactive museum that tells the story of the ill-fated ship and its passengers.
Enjoy an evening ice skating under the stars
Picture yourself spending an enchanted evening ice skating with your family under a starry night sky. Families can make this special snow-filled dream come true on a winter vacation in Pigeon Forge by hitting the Black Fox Skating Rink. With current health guidelines being followed and friendly staff helping out, gliding around the open-air rink is sure to bring smiles all around.
With activities like parent and child figure skating classes; private parties; as well as different themed nights throughout the week, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Tour some of the area’s moonshine distilleries and wineries
Experience something special on your next winter family vacation and visit some of Pigeon Forge’s renowned moonshine distilleries and wineries. Take a guided tour to learn about the area’s rich past and the process of producing such delectable beverages. Then head over to the tasting room for a sample before grabbing a bottle of your personal favorite for some evening merriment. Afterward, explore what else the Smoky Mountains offer with a hike through their many majestic trails, or spend the day skiing and snowboarding.
Take a Winter Walk through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the highlights of Pigeon Forge. No trip to Tennessee is complete if you don’t check out this amazing park. It is open year-round and offers miles of hiking trails to explore.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or enjoy a more strenuous hike to Ramsay Cascades. The park is particularly beautiful in the winter, with snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls. However, don’t forget to pack a thermos of hot cocoa to enjoy while taking in the stunning winter scenery. The park also offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes, which are a great way to explore the park and learn about its history and wildlife.
Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Want to have fun and experience a unique adventure in Pigeon Forge? A winter scavenger hunt is a perfect way to explore the area and all it offers during this enchanting season.
Families can bundle up and take to the streets of downtown, Pigeon Forge Parkway, Dollywood Lane, and beyond! Discover historical landmarks, search for seasonal decorations, and admire winter-themed artworks while enjoying this festive weather with your loved ones.
Furthermore, you can opt for a virtual scavenger hunt, where participants are challenged to find specific items inside the comfort of their vacation home rentals. Either way – on foot or online – families will find delight in solving puzzles, taking photos of whatever they find on their journey, then comparing notes at the end of the day. Of course, everyone is sure to be exhausted, but their hearts are filled with memorable experiences.
Conclusion
No matter how cold the winter days are, Pigeon Forge offers plenty of entertainment and activities to enjoy! From visiting a famous wax museum, touring a moonshine distillery, skating under the stars, or going on a scavenger hunt – it’s all here in this ever-thrilling mountain town. So experience the beauty of winter in the Smoky Mountains and create memories you’ll never forget!