Sevierville’s Winterfest Lights Garner Top Honor

Sevierville’s Winterfest Lights were recently named to The Top 10 Lesser-Known (But Just as Bright!) Holiday Lights in the U.S. This according to the the Society of American Travel Writers.

Besides Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg also display their share of Winterfest lights. It’s quite spectacular if you haven’t seen them for yourself. On the list, the town’s Winterfest lights rank 8th among the light displays which also include ones from Kauai, Hawaii; Charlotte, N.C.; Pine Mountain, Ga.; and Louisville, Ky.

Good news though, if you haven’t had a chance to see them yet, they’ll be up through February.

“Designs include snowflakes, rocking horses, waterfalls, trains, bears, a gristmill and toy soldiers, all lining the Parkway leading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” the society notes.

Town officials aren’t surprised that such organizations are recognizing Sevierville’s aesthetics. The town welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the holiday season who come through to see the lighted displays. It was just a matter of time before word got out in this day of being socially engaged, that Sevierville’s Christmas display was one that should be recognized. Visitors have been flocking to the area for years during the holiday season.

Officially, the Society of American Travel Writers is an organization based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and founded in 1955, of journalists, public relations workers and other professionals that number in the thousands.

An honor like this appeals directly to the public. It comes from an unbiased source whose job is to recognize such areas because of factors such as public sentiment and popularity.

Sevierville has been recognized in years past for such spring and summer offerings as the Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass Festival as well as Springfest, but the recognition of Winterfest is a first when it comes to the winter season. Winterfest, as well as the holiday shopping and tourism season, have been a real drawing point for Sevierville, as well as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg over the recent years.

Aside from the lighting displays, Winterfest will really get going this month with such events as Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, the Tennessee Winter Special Olympics held at Ober Gatlinburg and the Rose Glen Literary Festival in Sevierville, held at Walters State Community College.

With all these winter offerings, Sevierville’s Winterfest lighting display won’t be the last nationally recognized winter event in the area. It seems it’s just a matter of time now.

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