CELEBRATE HOLIDAY SEASON '24 IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS!

Experience the magic of the holiday season in the Smoky Mountains, where Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge transform into winter wonderlands filled with festive cheer. From the enchanting lights of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas to the heartwarming holiday events at Anakeesta and SkyLand Ranch, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking cozy cabin retreats, thrilling outdoor adventures, or family-friendly festivities, the Smokies offer the perfect backdrop for creating lifelong memories this Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Embrace the spirit of the season and start planning your unforgettable getaway today!

The Gatlinburg Winter Magic festival for 2024 is set to be a spectacular event, featuring millions of twinkling lights and holiday decorations throughout the city. Here are the key details for the 2024 festival:

• LIGHT DISPLAYS: The festival will showcase over one million dollars worth of environmentally-friendly LED lights, illuminating Gatlinburg with various themed displays, including snowflakes, Christmas scenes, and animated characters.
• SELF-GUIDED TOURS: Visitors can take self-guided tours to explore the light displays at their own pace, enjoying the festive atmosphere throughout the city.
  
• WINTER MAGIC TUNES AND TALES: This event will occur weekly on Fridays and Saturdays from November 29 until December 21, 2024, featuring strolling carolers, storytellers, and characters in period dress along the Parkway.
• GREAT SMOKY CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: This event, which runs from December 2–8, 2024, showcases exclusive handcrafted gifts and products from local artisans.
  
• GATLINBURG'S FESTIVAL OF TREES: The November 27–December 1, 2024, event will include a children's craft and play area, photos with Santa Claus, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
  
• GATLINBURG'S FANTASY OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS PARADE: Scheduled for December 6, 2024, this annual parade features floats, balloons, and marching bands.
  
• NEW YEAR'S EVEN BALL DROP AND FIREWORKS SHOW: Held on December 31, 2024, this event takes place at the base of the Space Needle.
  

Pigeon Forge's Winterfest is a spectacular holiday celebration that transforms the city into a winter wonderland. For the 2024-2025 season, the festival is scheduled from November 8, 2024, to February 18, 2025. Here are the key events happening throughout the festival:

• LIGHT DISPLAYS: The city features over 6 million holiday lights throughout the area. Visitors can enjoy elaborate displays forming various themes and scenes, including the 12 Days of Christmas, snowflakes, and animated characters. Many of the lights are environmentally-friendly LED lights, providing clarity to the displays and animations.
• SELF-GUIDED TOURS: A self-guided driving tour allows visitors to explore the light displays at their own pace. The tour includes light-covered bridges spanning the Little Pigeon River and a Fairytale Fantasy display featuring nursery rhyme characters.
• WINTERFEST KICKOFF: The official kickoff event takes place at Patriot Park on November 7, 2024, starting at 5:00 pm. It features food trucks, holiday vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show. The highlight is the activation of the millions of holiday lights, transforming the city into a winter wonderland!
• CHRISTMAS AT THE ISLAND: The Island, a 23-acre property, participates in Winterfest with millions of lights and custom decorations. It features one of the region's most spectacular Christmas trees, and a special tree lighting ceremony is held, typically in mid-November (November 16, 2024, for the upcoming season).
• ATTRACTIONS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Local theaters offer special seasonal shows throughout Winterfest, and Pigeon Forge visitors can enjoy live music, hay rides, and other festive activities at a variety of spots around town. Additionally, the nearby Dollywood theme park also participates with its own Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival (11/1/24—1/5/25), featuring over 4 million lights, nightly parades, and fireworks

There's nothing quite like the cozy charm of a mountain cabin during the holiday season, and Mountain Laurel Chalets offers the perfect options for a memorable getaway. With stunning scenic views just outside your window, you can enjoy the peacefulness of nature as it transforms into a winter wonderland, all while the crackling of a fireplace creates a soothing ambiance. Many of our cabins feature private hot tubs, allowing you to soak under the stars while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Whether you're gathering with family for holiday traditions or seeking a romantic escape, our cabins provide the ideal backdrop for relaxation and celebration, ensuring that your holiday experience is both comfortable and enchanting.