Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Smokies
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, great food, and making memories. Whether your group is looking for a festive meal, live entertainment, or a cozy mountain setting, the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville region has you covered. Below are some top picks for businesses open on Thanksgiving Day, each offering something uniquely memorable for your holiday getaway.
Attractions Open on Thanksgiving
Ober Mountain | Gatlinburg
If you’re thinking of combining dining with an activity or scenic outing, Ober Mountain offers a Thanksgiving buffet with extraordinary views, plus fun for all ages.
Thanksgiving Tip: Consider arriving earlier in the day to enjoy a mountaintop tram ride, followed by the buffet. Reserve your spot ahead of time as holiday volumes rise.
Learn More about their Thanksgiving Feast – Click Here.
Dave & Busters | Sevierville
Have the most fun Thanksgiving celebrating at Dave & Busters! With games, food, and endless fun, your family will love the holiday spent together. You can also enjoy their classic menu, seasonal specials and gaming from 11:00 am – 12:00 am. Play hundreds of the latest games, dine on delicious chef-crafted food, sip one of a kind cocktails, and watch every game in the D&B Sports Lounge filled with massive HDTVs. Eat, Drink, Play & Watch Sports all under one roof!
For more information call: 865-868-3500
Dinner Shows Open on Thanksgiving
Dolly Parton’s Stampede | Pigeon Forge
One of the region’s signature dinner & show experiences: Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction offers a full four-course feast paired with a spectacular show featuring horse-riding, stunts, music and family-friendly fun.
Thanksgiving Tip: Because holiday shows often book up fast, we encourage you to make reservations early. Arrive 30–60 minutes ahead of your showtime to catch the “Horse Walk” and pre-show entertainment.
Learn More about their Christmas Show – Click Here.
Pirates Voyage | Pigeon Forge
For a fun twist on the holiday, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show delivers “Fun, Feast & Adventure” with a 4-course pirate-themed dinner-show featuring mermaids, sea lions, and high-flying stunts.
Thanksgiving Tip: Typically there are multiple showtimes; check availability and plan around your meal schedule so you can enjoy both the feast and show without rush.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud | Pigeon Forge
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud has a hearty Southern-style all-you-can-eat feast paired with comedy, music, and family-friendly “feudin’” fun.
Thanksgiving Tip: This venue is a great match for families who want a lively holiday meal rather than a quiet dinner. We encourage you to book your reservations early and arriving 30-45 minutes ahead of showtime.
Learn More about their Christmas Show – Click Here.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
IHop | Pigeon Forge
Most of the restaurants listed have you covered for Thanksgiving dinner, but what about breakfast?! Kick off Thanksgiving sunny side up or with pumpkin spice, cinn-a stack, or a combo for a seasonal treat! IHop in Pigeon Forge will operate regularly during Thanksgiving, swing by to enjoy your favorites before tackling some turkey!
For more information: 865-429-2335
Ole Red | Gatlinburg
For a lively evening with live music, comfort food and holiday vibes, Ole Red opens at 4 PM on Thanksgiving and runs until 11 PM.
Thanksgiving Tip: Since seating is first-come, consider getting there near opening time.
The Old Mill Restaurant & The Pottery House Cafe & Grille | Pigeon Forge
For a cozy, family-style dining experience during Thanksgiving, The Old Mill Restaurant and The Pottery House Café & Grille are some of the restaurants open and offering a holiday meal in the area.
Thanksgiving Tip: Family friendly and slightly more relaxed than big dinner shows. It is ideal for multi-generational groups seeking comfort and tradition.
Learn More about their Thanksgiving Feast – Click Here.
Mama’s Farmhouse | Pigeon Forge
For a true Southern holiday feast without the cooking, Mama’s Farmhouse is a family-favorite choice for Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge. Known for its family-style, all-you-can-eat dining, Mama’s serves up traditional Southern comfort dishes that make you feel right at home for the holidays. Guests can enjoy a special Thanksgiving menu featuring classics like turkey, dressing, and all the fixings served around the table just like a family gathering.
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House | Pigeon Forge
An excellent choice if you’re craving seafood and a buffet atmosphere. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House is open for Thanksgiving with a special all-you-can-eat buffet featuring holiday dishes, crab legs and more.
Thanksgiving Tip: Reservations are strongly encouraged. Many visitors treat this as their “big holiday meal” destination, so getting in early helps avoid long waits.
Taco Ranch | Pigeon Forge
Craving something a little different from the traditional turkey-and-dressing meal? Taco Ranch is a great Thanksgiving option for families and visitors looking to spice up their holiday with bold flavors and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its fresh-made tacos, bowls, and Tex-Mex favorites, Taco Ranch offers a casual and delicious alternative to the classic Thanksgiving feast. It is perfect for those who want to skip the oven and still enjoy a satisfying meal.
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que will be serving up their regular menu! Enjoy everything bar-b-que this Thanksgiving and make sure to save room for some of their delicious dessert! Bennett’s Bar- B- Que will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 4- 9 pm.
For reservations call:
Pigeon Forge: (865) 429-2200
Gatlinburg: (865) 436-2400
Hard Rock Cafe | Pigeon Forge
Have a rockin’ Thanksgiving at the Hard Rock Cafe! This Thanksgiving you can head to this music filled, star studded restaurant for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Adults can enjoy their meal for $30.99 and kids for $12.95! Enjoy all the fixin’s your momma would make while rocking out to your favorite bands! What could be better? In addition, Hard Rock Cafe will have the regular full cafe menu and will be open from 11am- 10pm.
For reservations call: 865-430-7625
Curl De La Creme | Pigeon Forge
Bringing rolled ice cream from New York, to the south is Curl De La Crème. Their concept is different from many other places since you get customize your ice cream fully. You select whatever you’d like to be mixed in to your vanilla, chocolate, or mint cream, and watch as we mix, press, and roll your ice cream creation before your eyes. You can’t forget dessert after a delicious Thanksgiving meal!
For more information: 865-286-9230
Alamo Steakhouse | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg
You’re favorite Steakhouse welcomes you and your family this holiday season! This family chophouse serves some of the best steaks, seafood, and chicken in Sevier County. Packed full of flavor, these entrees are cooked over an oak fire and served with the most delicious sides. Although there is no special menu for Thanksgiving, you can still enjoy all your Alamo Steakhouse favorites this holiday!
Phone Number: (865) 908-9998
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria | Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Sevierville
Pizza on Thanksgiving? Sounds good to us! Big Daddy’s Pizzeria offers up the best pizza you can find in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. They specialize in wood-fired, thin crust pizzas plus sandwiches and salads. While pizza may not be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Big Daddy’s is perfect for families to fill up on delicious food!
Phone Number: (865) 429-7171
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ | Pigeon Forge
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ is helping its customers celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a special holiday menu featuring all your Thanksgiving favorites. You can order ahead of time for a carry out dinner for the family. Or, you can dine in and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
Phone Number: (865) 453-7427
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen | Pigeon Forge
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen prides itself on its American fare, including steaks, burgers, and ribs. Their rustic setting is perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner looking to stray from the typical turkey and mashed potatoes. They’ll be offering up regular hours and their standard menu for patrons visiting them on Thanksgiving Day.
Phone Number: (865) 428-4200
No Way Jose’s Cantina | Pigeon Forge
Craving Mexican food for Thanksgiving? Be sure to check out No Way Jose’s Cantina in Pigeon Forge. They offer a lively atmosphere and an extensive menu sure to help satisfy your Thanksgiving appetite.
Phone Number: (865) 429-7779
Iron Boar Saloon | Pigeon Forge
If you’re looking for a nightcap after dinner, Iron Boar Saloon is a Thanksgiving refuge! They won’t be offering Thanksgiving-related food. But, they will be offering their regular burgers, wings, and ice-cold drafts!
Phone Number: (865) 429-2335
Hotels Offering Public Thanksgiving Meals
The Park Vista | Gatlinburg
Looking for a Thanksgiving meal with breathtaking mountain views? The Park Vista – A Doubletree by Hilton offers a warm and elegant holiday dining experience perfect for families, couples, and groups staying in the Smokies. Their annual Thanksgiving feast features a plentiful buffet with traditional holiday favorites, seasonal sides, and decadent desserts all served in a beautiful setting overlooking Gatlinburg.
Learn More about their Thanksgiving Feast – Click Here.
Black Fox Lodge | Pigeon Forge
If you’re looking for a cozy and convenient spot to enjoy Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge, Black Fox Lodge is a great choice. Their on-site dining options provide a relaxed setting where guests can enjoy a traditional holiday meal featuring all the classic fixings. Perfect for families or groups staying in town, Black Fox Lodge combines comfort, hospitality, and seasonal flavors for a stress-free holiday.
Learn More about their Thanksgiving Buffet – Click Here.
Hilton Garden Inn | Pigeon Forge
Join Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge this Thanksgiving! Centrally located in downtown Pigeon Forge, this hotel is easily accessible to locals and visitors alike. Reservations are suggested, however, walk-ins are always welcome! The Guest Services Staff looks forward to assisting you!
For Reservations Call: (865) 366-5250
Whether you’re craving a classic Thanksgiving feast, a Southern-style family meal, or a fun holiday dining experience with entertainment, the Smokies offer something for every type of celebration. From dinner shows and resort buffets to cozy cafés and flavorful alternatives, Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville is all about enjoying good food, making memories, and spending time with the people who matter most. As always, hours and offerings may vary, so be sure to check ahead and make reservations if needed. We hope your holiday in the Smoky Mountains is filled with joy, gratitude, and plenty of delicious moments!
