The first snow in the Smokies for the 2025-2026 season fell on October 30, 2025, with light dustings reported at higher elevations like LeConte Lodge and the Kuwohi Visitor Center. This marked the official beginning of the 2025-2026 winter season’s snowfall for the Great Smoky Mountains. And, you know what the first snowfall means? Christmas! Yep, you can feel it in the air.
Three things come with the Holidays: Shopping (that’s us!), Events and Activities, and Family. I thought I’d share with you a few fun activities that we have found over the years.
Major Attractions & Events
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026): This award-winning event features over 6 million dazzling lights, holiday-themed shows, festive food, and the “Merry and Bright” fireworks display on select nights.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest (Early Nov 2025 – Mid Feb 2026): The cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville are draped in more than 15 million lights during this annual celebration. Visitors can enjoy light tours, holiday shows (like the Christmas at The Comedy Barn or Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas show). The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff is on November 6, 2025, featuring a Christmas Village.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026): Located in Sevierville, this is an immersive drive-through LED light and music experience, considered one of the best in the nation.
Christmas at the TITANIC Museum Attraction (Nov 2, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026): The museum gets a magical holiday makeover, inside and out, with festive decorations and a unique seasonal atmosphere.
Regional & Local Celebrations
Knoxville Events:
Knoxville Christmas Fair (Nov 7-9, 2025): A traditional fair with artisan crafts and festive treats at the Knoxville Expo Center.
Downtown Knoxville: Enjoy sparkling festive decorations around Market Square and the opportunity to see holiday shows at the Tennessee Theatre.
Santa at the Sunsphere (Starts Dec 5, 2025): Meet and take photos with Santa Claus at the Sunsphere’s observation deck.
Ancient Lore Village: This location hosts several events, including “Santa and Friends at the Village” (Dec 21, 2025), “Ornament Decorating, Dinner, & Fireside Gathering” (Dec 23, 2025), and an “Elf Movie Experience” (Dec 26, 2025).
Parades:
Greeneville Christmas Parade (Dec 7, 2025): A themed parade with floats and bands.
Christmas at the Courthouse (Dec 6, 2025): A festive community event in Dayton, including a Christmas parade.
Markets & Historic Sites:
Christkindlmarkt (Nov 8, 2025): The 3rd annual open-air Christmas market in Collegedale featuring food, drinks, and seasonal items.
Christmas Open House (Nov 9, 2025): Downtown Elizabethton shops feature holiday decor, gifts, and refreshments to support small businesses.
Candlelight Christmas Night: Historic sites such as Rocky Mount State Historic Site offer historical holiday experiences and candlelight tours.
These events offer a diverse range of activities to celebrate the Christmas season in East Tennessee. Of course, if you want to stay close to home, come join us at one of our Christmas events at the Shoppes. The Open House/Sale weekend Nov. 21-23 will be fantastic as usual. Both Shoppes are fully stocked and glittering from top to bottom.
We always look forward to our evening Sip & Shop. A great event and opportunity to see the Shoppes at night. This year, we are also offering private shopping events and are really looking forward to meeting new friends. However, you spend this month, relax and enjoy the beginning of the season.