Looking for Santa in the Smokies? We’ve got you covered with 7 awesome places to see Santa this holiday season!
From places to grab that perfect family photo to shows featuring the jolly old elf, we’ve put together a list of 7 spots you can see Santa in the Smoky Mountains. Places on this list include shops or locations you can go for photos as well as shows or events that feature Santa.
Your family’s favorite getaway spot in the Smoky Mountains is bringing you Santa in style this year. The Island in Pigeon Forge will be regularly featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in their workshop throughout December. Your first chance for a photo with Santa at The Island will be on December 4th. He and Mrs. Claus will be in the Breezeway from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Below you can see the schedule of days you can find Santa at The Island.
131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 — Find it on Google Maps
http://islandinpigeonforge.com/events/2016-12/
2. See Santa at Santa’s Claus-et
Santa’s Claus-et is a member of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community that offers Christmas cheer year-round. They have great foods for sampling, toys, games, collegiate, items, and lots of Christmas-related products.
Something special about Santa’s Claus-et is that you can find Santa at the shop year-round.
This is the perfect place to bring the kids for their yearly photo with Santa. The shop will make your photo available to you on-site in a variety of sizes. When you’re done taking photos, be sure to travel the entirety of the 8-mile Great Smoky Arts and Crafts trail to hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts!
1350 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 — Find it on Google Maps
3. Breakfast or Brunch with Santa at The Old Mill
On December 3rd from 8:15 am until 11:15 am you can enjoy Breakfast or Brunch with Santa at the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille. This is an awesome event to get some great photos with Santa. What better way for the kids to gear up for the holiday season than to enjoy a meal with St. Nick himself? The event will also feature a fun-filled Kid’s Craft Tent from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, complete with a plethora of DIY projects that kids’s will love. Don’t miss out on this great event. Reservations are required. Call 865-406-6558 to save your spot today!
3341 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 — Find it on Google Maps
4. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Tennessee Smokies Stadium
Many families have a tradition of going out during the Christmas season and admiring all the amazing lights. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland brings you amazing lighting displays on one loop at the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium. But, when you purchase admission for the light show, you’re getting more than a scenic drive! Once your done driving through the lights you can enjoy Santa’s Workshop at the Tennessee Smokies Stadium. You can grab photos and visits with Santa at Santa’s Workshop from November 3rd until Deceber 23rd. Photo packages start at $19.99. In addition to visiting Santa, you and the kids can check out the petting zoo on site, enjoy pony rides, grab some seasonal grub from food vendors, and even watch Christmas movies on the big screen!
3540 Line Dr. Kodak, TN 37764 — Find it on Google Maps
5. The Polar Express Train Ride with Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
The Polar Express with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad brings one of your favorite Christmas stories to life! You’ll enjoy a 1.25 hour round trip excursion through the mountains as your train departs the Bryson City depot for a special visit to the North Pole! You can purchase First, Crown, or Coach class tickets for the ride, each with increasing amenities. When the train arrives at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and present each child with their very own silver sleigh bell (like in the story!). Especially for fans of the Christmas classic, this is a holiday adventure you and your family can’t pass up.
226 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713 — Find it on Google Maps
6. Christmas Show at Dixie Stampede
Dixie Stampede is a must-see show for anyone visiting Pigeon Forge. But, during the holidays they pull out all the stops with a Christmas extravaganza! The typical North/South rivalry you would see during regular season becomes a friendly rivalry between Elves from the North and South Poles. An amazing Christmas show wouldn’t be complete with Santa Claus, though. Audience members will enjoy an awesome arrival from St. Nick atop his authentic sleigh full of goodies. This is definitely one of the most exciting ways to meet Santa in Pigeon Forge.
3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 — Find it on Google Maps
7. See Santa in Pigeon Forge at Smoky Mountain Opry
Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry is a multi-million dollar production that features all your favorite Christmas characters in addition to the area’s largest living nativity! The Christmas show runs from early November until January 1st. You’ll be absolutely amazed by the production value of the show and the talent of the performers. With a cast that includes sugar plums, soaring angels, and dancing elves you know you Santa Claus cant’ help but be there! You and the family will love checking out this amazing show. And, after the show, you can get pictures with Santa in the Smoky Mountain Opry lobby!
2046 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 — Find it on Google Maps
Bonus: Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5k
Photo from http://www.santahustle.com/smokies/
When you started reading this article, you were probably looking for a place to see one Santa. How about somewhere you can see thousands of Santas? The annual Santa Hustle Smokies 5k & Half Marathon brings together thousands of people dressed as Santa and other Christmas characters in an effort to raise funds of the amazing organization, Keep Sevier Beautiful. You don’t want to miss the action as it unfolds Sunday, December 10, 2017. Want to be a part of the race? You can still sign up; registration is open until 11:59 pm on 12/5.
