Looking for weekend trip ideas over the winter holidays? Nashville’s favorite weekend getaway is to the Smokies, specifically Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The area is especially magical this time of year, with millions of Christmas lights and plenty of holiday-themed festivities. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend — or week — in the mountains.
🎄Where To Go
- Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas runs until Jan. 15. Besides their rollercoasters, zip lines, and bridges, enjoy carollers, a hot chocolate crawl, Santa, and holiday lights.
- SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at The Ranch has a beautiful chairlift ride over holiday lights.
- Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is Dec. 6, or go to their free New Year’s Eve celebration.
- The Island in Pigeon Forge is decked out for Winterfest. It’s a great place to shop and eat, and kids will love the smaller rides.
- It might not be holiday-themed, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is always beautiful, no matter the time of year. Take a scenic drive, or go on a hike. The Gatlinburg Trail is a very easy nearby trail that I’ve hiked with kids. More seasoned hikers might like to try portions of the Appalachian Trail, which I’ve also partially hiked sans children. Pay attention to road and trail closures, especially in winter.
Santa at Dollywood! (Marie Cecile Anderson / City Cast Nashville)
Dollywood during the holidays is so magical. With more than six million lights, every corner of the theme park is a Christmas wonderland. It has several holiday-themed performances in addition to comfort foods. Christmas activities end Jan. 5. Pro tip: Buy souvenirs from the gift shop when you arrive. They’ll hold your items, and at the end of the day, you can just swing by and pick them up while everyone else is making a mad rush to buy theirs.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, decorated for Christmas. (Marie Cecile Anderson / City Cast Nashville)
🏨 Where To Stay
- The Inn at Christmas Place. Could there be a more perfect place to stay for Christmas?
- I’ve stayed at The Resort at Governor's Crossing in Pigeon Forge, which has special Christmas activities, indoor pools and an indoor splash pad, and two playgrounds. Plus, the rooms have kitchens.
- If you want to stay close to Dollywood, their two resorts are fully decorated, and you can shuttle to and from the park.
- Rent a cabin! Make sure to check amenities, especially if a soak in the hot tub after a day spent looking at holiday lights outdoors sounds nice.
🍽️ Where To Eat
- Grab breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, the first pancake-specific restaurant in Tennessee, or Little House of Pancakes.
- For fine dining, head to the Heirloom Room at Rocky Waters.
- The Greenbrier Restaurant is a fantastic steakhouse.
- Red Oak Bistro is a charming European-style restaurant.
- The Old Mill for Southern favorites.
🎁 Where To Shop
- For all your Christmas decoration needs, stop by The Christmas Place, the South’s largest Christmas store.
- If you still need more Christmas-themed decor, add Santa's Claus-et to your shopping list.
- Go to Buc-ee’s in Crossville or Kodak on the way to or from the area for eccentric gifts.
