Winterfest in Sevierville

Winterfest commences in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN on Nov. 7.

Fall in the Smokies is an incredible time of year not only to visit the Smoky Mountains, but to take part in all of the fall events happening not only in Sevierville, but in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg too. The sights, sounds, and smells are so unique this time of the year. They provide a wonderful look into the world of Appalachian life past and present. As fall turns into winter, though, many visitors wonder what there is to do in Sevierville. Well, look no further than Sevierville Winterfest – Nov. 7 through Feb. 29.

This incredible series of events held yearly throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg has received honors from the likes of the American Bus Association as being one of the top events in the entire country, much less the Southeast! But don’t take our word for it, come see it for yourself. Pack up the car and bring the family to Sevierville, TN for the weekend, a week, or even the entire month! You’ll soon see why Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest is an incredibly popular event.

You’ll see light displays from one end of town to the other as you drive in to Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. The lights throughout the town were brought about in the mid-80’s when a couple of Pigeon Forge city officials visited a town in Virginia that featured light displays that drew in thousands of visitors each holiday season. Eventually, Winterfest was implemented as well as a program that would add more lights each year. What started out as a few thousand lights has grown to over 5 million lights today! Each year it’s a bigger, more detailed, and a more elaborate display. Today, 100% of Sevierville’s Winterfest lights, displays and attractions are LED, which means a 90% energy savings for the city, all while being more environmentally friendly. Also, trolley tours are available so that people do not have to worry about keeping their eyes on the road and can just enjoy the sights.

To go along with the lighting extravaganza, there are also numerous events and festivities taking place in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, TN throughout the winter. Winterfest officially kicks off this year on November 7 with entertainment, fireworks and games before the holiday lighting countdown. These winter events include Saddle Up, a Cowboy Symphony, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, New Year’s Eve Celebrations, AppalachiaFest, and many more! Be sure to check out our Sevierville Calendar of Events for more information, as well as the Sevierville Winterfest Map.

2012 Sevierville Winterfest Schedule of Events:
Nov. 12-Jan. 2
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – This Winterfest attraction features hundreds of thousands of synchronized LED lights flashing to various holiday tunes as you drive through Smokies Stadium parking lot. The attraction is nearly one mile long and features a 70’ tall lighted tree! Fees apply for each vehicle: Car (Mon.-Thurs. excluding holidays & Dec. 20-23) $13.65; (Fri. – Sun., Holidays & Dec. 20-23 $18.22); Activity Van/Mini Bus – $27.34; Tour or School Bus – $68.34. Through January 2.

Dec. 3
Sevierville’s 49th Annual Christmas Parade –The annual Sevierville Christmas parade features pageant winners, marching bands and floats leading up to the appearance of the Grand Marshal – Santa Claus! Parade begins at 11am and can best be viewed on Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue in historic downtown Sevierville, TN.

Dec. 11
Santa Hustle Half-Marathon – The Santa Hustle Half-Marathon and 5K run and walk will be held  at Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, TN. The race will begin at 9 am on Dec. 10. All participants receive a FREE SANTA HAT, BEARD, & CUSTOMIZED SHIRT to wear while running either 13.1 or 3.1 miles. After Party features include a buffet of food and plenty to drink!

Jan. 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration – Choirs, speakers and more at the First Baptist Church, Sevierville. (865) 428-2212.

Feb. 25
Rose Glen Literary Festival – Lectures and book signings from Sevier County authors and those who have written books about Sevier County during this day-long event held at Walters State Community College. (865) 453-6411

So let’s hear from you! What is your favorite thing to do in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee during the winter? Scroll on down this page and post your thoughts in the section below.

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