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.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland opens at Smokies Stadium on November 11.

Just in time for the Smoky Mountain holiday season, Shadrack Watersports and RV will bring their Christmas Wonderland to Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, Tennessee during the 2012-13 Winterfest Celebration.

The lighting spectacular, which kicks off November 9 and runs through January 6, is one of America’s largest drive-through, fully computerized LED light shows. Hundreds of thousands of lights are included in this perfectly synchronized show filled with holiday tunes done by the Shadrack crew themselves.

Like at other Shadrack Wonderland sites of the past, this will be a drive-through event nearly one mile in length and running approximately 20 minutes. “Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium presented by Shadrack will be a great addition to Sevierville’s Winterfest Celebration this year,” said Amanda Marr, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director. “There are already millions of people who come to our area during Winterfest but having a new attraction like Christmas Wonderland will give those visitors something new and exciting for this year as well.”

New this year is Santa’s Village with a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, photos with Santa, a Christmas tree lot, and festive refreshments including hot cocoa, apple cider, funnel cakes, Christmas cookies, pizza, and kettle corn.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium will continue through January 6, 2013. Hours of operation are 6-10 pm daily. Admission is $20 per car (excluding Holidays and Dec. 20-23), $35 per Activity Van / Mini Bus, $75 per tour or school bus. Rates include tax. Proceeds will benefit area charities. For more information, call (423) 652-0120. Located at the Smokies Stadium – 3540 Line Drive – Kodak, TN 37764. www.shadrack.com

Winterfest in 3D

Get your special 3D glasses and enjoy Sevierville’s Winterfest in an all new way – in 3D!

How about seeing Winterfest in Sevierville in 3D? Seeing millions of Christmas lights and snowflakes like they’re coming right at you. That’s something that will get the kids excited and looking forward to November in Sevierville.

Not only is the 3D Winterfest experience a great way to get in the holiday spirit, it’s great fun! Before coming to Winterfest in Sevierville, stop by the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 (1.5 miles from I-40 Exit 407). It’s there that you can purchase a pair of Winterfest in 3D glasses while supplies last for only $1. The glasses shift each point of light into a snowflake, and when you think of all the Christmas lights that went into making Sevierville Winterfest, that’s a lot of snowflakes.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – one of busiest events of the season, is the perfect place to put the 3D glasses to the test. This one-mile drive through LED light experience is made up solely of Christmas lights. This year, Shadrack’s features even more opportunities for the kids. Get out of the car and enjoy an on-site petting zoo, camel as well as pony rides, a chance to get your photo taken with Santa Claus himself and a Christmas tree lot (after Thanksgiving) if you haven’t already picked out that perfect tree for your home.

Winterfest brings more people to Sevierville every year. And not only for the lights, but to do some Christmas shopping at the Tanger Outlet, take in one of the many area shows and visit their favorite attractions. The Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall will not only be decorated in its holiday best, sales and deals aplenty will flow through its nearly 150 name brand stores that include everything from Polo Ralph Lauren to Starbucks.

This year, Winterfest in Sevierville can also be brought home with you…. And we’re not talking about the 3D glasses. Stores like Country Christmas and Christmas Done Bright will sell Winterfest-style lighting displays and other custom displays. Come to Sevierville for Winterfest! It’s something you have to see – literally, to believe!