Celebrate the holiday season with a mountaintop view at SkyLand Ranch’s fourth annual Festival of Lights, presented by Food City! Beginning Friday, November 13, this festive Sevierville attraction welcomes guests back to the mountain chairlift and mountaintop for an unforgettable Christmas experience in the Smoky Mountains.
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy dazzling Christmas lights, festive displays, scenic chairlift rides, miniature animals, and plenty of holiday photo opportunities. In addition to these festive displays, the ranch features walking bridges, play structures, and the WagonWheeler Swing Tower, offering fun for the whole family. Guests can also purchase seasonal food and holiday treats. For an extra-special experience, Dozer’s Mini Highland Meet & Greet is available as an optional add-on.
Admission & Ticket Options
Festival of Lights tickets are $18.99 for adults and $9.99 for children. Even better, each ticket also includes general admission valid for three consecutive days, subject to the operating calendar.
For families looking to explore even more attractions, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Park Hopper is available for $59.99. Along with Festival of Lights admission, this package includes three consecutive days of general admission at SkyLand Ranch, one ride on Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster, one ride on Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, and one hour of unlimited rides at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Funpark (excluding snow tubing). Keep in mind, however, that Festival of Lights access is available on select nights.
Festival of Lights Dates & Operating Hours
The celebration officially kicks off on Friday, November 13, from 6–9 p.m. Following opening night, Festival of Lights returns on select dates through January 2, 2027.
Visitors can plan their holiday outing around the following dates:
- November 2026: 14, 17, 20–28
- December 2026: 1, 4–5, 8, 11–12, 15, 18–25, 26–31
- January 2027: 1–2
Depending on the date, guests can enjoy general admission and Festival of Lights from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. On other dates, daytime general admission is available from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., while select evenings feature Festival of Lights exclusively from 6–9 p.m.
Since operating dates and hours vary, visitors should check SkyLand Ranch’s operating calendar before planning their trip. This is especially important for anyone hoping to experience both daytime attractions and the evening Christmas displays.
What’s New at SkyLand Ranch?
Guests returning to SkyLand Ranch this Christmas season will notice a few changes. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, construction is underway on the mountaintop and in the lower plaza as the ranch prepares for exciting new additions.
As part of these updates, the cafe, mercantile, and stage are no longer part of the current experience. Even so, visitors can still enjoy the mountain chairlift, holiday displays, and plenty of seasonal fun.
Whether you’re searching for Christmas lights in Sevierville, planning a family holiday getaway, or exploring festive things to do in the Smoky Mountains, SkyLand Ranch’s Festival of Lights is a seasonal celebration worth adding to your itinerary!
So, make plans to experience the Smokies aglow this Christmas season!
