November 6th is a day we’ve been waiting for ALL YEAR! Winterfest officially begins on this day and the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg light up each night for guests and locals to admire. The beautiful glowing process begins mid summer when lightbulbs are checked in case repairs are needed. About two months before the start of Winterfest, the whimsical and festive scenes begin being placed in their assigned locations. The city of Pigeon Forge loves when visitors from all over come to town and they’ve even created the driving tour of lights! There are some special meanings behind each light display! While driving around the town of Pigeon Forge, here’s some things you’ll find.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
The city of Pigeon Forge will be covered in more than 5 million lights this holiday season. The Winterfest season begins November 6th, 2018 and will last until February 28th, 2019. This winter wonderland is perfect for all locals and guests traveling in to enjoy the Winterfest celebration.
Be sure to head to Patriot Park on Tuesday, November 6th at 4 pm for the exciting kickoff event! Enjoy local food vendors, entertainment from The Voice Season 12 Winner, Chris Blue, and a children’s area. At night, the city officials will flip on the lights which will light up Pigeon Forge for the rest of the season! No matter if it’s your first time visiting Pigeon Forge or your hundredth, Winterfest is the best way to celebrate and make cheerful memories with those you love!
Winterfest Light Displays
Although the whimsical scenes change from year to year, there’s a few friendly faces you are sure to see. It wouldn’t be Winterfest in Pigeon Forge without pigeons! You can guarantee to see a flock here and there of magnificent pigeons lighting up the city.
As you enter into the beautiful city, you’re sure to stop for some helpful information. During the season, the welcome signs of Pigeon Forge welcomes our guests to our celebration of winter in the Smokies.
Your Favorite Attractions Will Be Glowing
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is no amateur when it comes to decorating. Showcasing a 60-foot-tall tree with colorful lights, ribbons and sparkling ornaments from the bottom to top. Stampede is one of six dinner theaters in Pigeon Forge, each serving a festive holiday show and mouthwatering meal during November and December.
Your favorite Dinner Shows will be bright and gleaming too! The Smoky Mountain Opry will beautifully decorated for the holiday season with trees, wreaths, and lights! This is one of the dozen theaters in Pigeon Forge, and will be celebrating Christmas for the rest of the year.
Twinkling lights, giant ornaments, and tall, green trees are seen throughout The Island in Pigeon Forge. The 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel will join in the Winterfest fun by showing off red, green and white lights.
Driving In A Winter Wonderland
Driving from the Parkway to Teaster Lane, you’ll go through an icicle wonderland that spans all through Jake Thomas Road. These glistening icicles “drip” from the top of the bridge, surrounded by towering 35-foot-tall trees. 
Old Mill Square welcomes you with its own version of a covered bridge made of thousands of twinkling lights that lead to one of the most historic areas of Pigeon Forge. Old Mill Square is also home to one of the oldest businesses in Pigeon Forge. The Mill, built in 1830, still grinds corn and wheat used in today’s recipes at Old Mill Restaurant and Pottery House Café & Grille. With more than 6,000 lights, a water wheel, and flowing river, it’s easy to see why the Old Mill is a long-time favorite of our Winterfest guests. The scene was designed to reflect the city’s own Old Mill. The Old Mill is one of Pigeon Forge’s earliest and most iconic businesses.
Sevierville In Snowflakes
Tennessee isn’t famous for our white winters. However, we can guarantee that it will snow every evening in Pigeon Forge! Light poles throughout the city are draped with “falling” snowflakes, to make sure the winter season is a snowy one!
