Sevier County celebrates 30 years of winter family fun! Winterfest is a celebration of light displays, shopping, live shows, attractions, and winter adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains! The lights will be officially turned on November 15th and last through February 17th, 2020! Winterfest is a beloved event that happens every year. Be sure to experience these family fun adventures before it’s over! Here’s what you need to know.
History of Winterfest
Smoky Mountain Winterfest began in 1989 between the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. This also included Dollywood theme park and Sevier County. The idea was to extend the visitor travel season into November, December, January and February to highlight winter in the area. Additionally, this offers festive family events and entertainment along with themed light displays throughout. With humble beginnings 30 years ago, Smoky Mountain Winterfest has been a success story for all of Sevier County!
Winterfest Today
Today, this popular event has grown into a family tradition with area businesses throughout the county. Each business puts their own spin on this special season in the Smokies. Expect special menus at restaurants, holiday shows at theaters, and trolley rides with hot cocoa! Also, you can find street-side caroling, ice-skating and amazing holiday décor at attractions! No matter where you are in The Smokies, you be surrounded by lights and holiday cheer!
New This Year
The Smoky Mountains along with 15 million LED lights provides the perfect winter setting for the 30th Anniversary Smoky Mountain Winterfest. This year, Anakeesta in Gatlinburg charms with their Woodland Winter Wonderland with a 1,000-foot tunnel of twinkling lights! Experience a life-size snow globe and a forest of firefly lights along the Treetop Skywalk. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland each add to the fun as well! They will also have new light displays, events and experiences the whole family will enjoy! Make sure to see all the lights at this year’s Winterfest. Click below to see and download the map!
