The Festival of Trees

 

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit early, visit the Festival of Trees in Gatlinburg. Running from November 24th until the 28th, the Festival of Trees displays dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees. Located in the W. L. Mills Conference Center, visitors can enjoy this display for free. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit their website:http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=16

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

From November 5 until February 28, visitors in Gatlinburg can experience mountain scenes and colorful winter displays along Hwy. 321. Located next to Parkway, River Road features an enhanced, romantic arched walkway with a pair of 40-foot swans and several ornate floral representations. Lights line the streets of Gatlinburg and invite people of all ages to come and see the beautiful landscape. Winter Magic also delivers quartets of holiday carolers and Winter Magic Tunes and Tales, where visitors can meet characters and storytellers, and listen to music. For more information, visit their website:http://www.gatlinburgwintermagic.com/

Country Tonite Theatre

If you’re bored of seeing the same old shows in the smokies, then give the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge a try. Now in its 12th season, this high-energy production has received more awards than any other show in the smokies. The shows include singing, dancing, comedy, and gospel music. For more information, visit their website: http://www.countrytonitepf.com/

Riding Stables

Everyone has seen the old Western movies where men get from saloon to saloon by riding on a horse. Today, horseback riding has become less of something you see a movies and more of something you see people doing all the time. The Great Smoky Mountains has a beautiful view and several horseback-riding stables. The names and contact information are listed below.

 Smoky Mountain Riding Stables: located in Gatlinburg. To contact, call 865) 436-5634 or visit their website: http://www.smokymountainridingstables.com/

Cades Cove Riding Stables: located in Townsend. To contact, call (865) 448-9009.

Walden Creek Stables: located in Sevierville. To contact, call (865) 429-0411 or visit their website: http://www.waldencreekstables.com/

Sugarlands Riding Stables: located in Gatlinburg. To contact, call (865) 436-5634.

Trolley Ride of Lights

Five dollars will get you more than just a footlong sub: In Gatlinburg, it can get you a ride on the Trolley Ride of Lights. From November 4 until January 30, you can enjoy a guided trolley ride of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. The departure of the trolley takes place from Mass Transit/ Trolley Center at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza every night at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30. For more information, visit their website:http://www.ci.gatlinburg.tn.us/transit/trolley.htm

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival

Do you want to get into the Christmas spirit early? Then attend the Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, which runs from November 7th until January 2nd. Dollywood will demonstrate exactly how bright it can be with over four million Christmas lights. The festival also gets visitors in the mood with several Christmas shows. This year, Babes In Toyland and Christmas In The Smokies return as favorites from previous years. If you are looking for something for the little ones to enjoy, check out Santa’s Workshop, where larger-than-life-sized toys and an 18-foot Christmas tree provide wonder. For more information, visit their website : http://festivals.dollywood.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=95

20th Annual WinterFest in Pigeon Forge

Looking for something fun to do in the mountains during the fall? Check out the 20th Annual Winterfest Kickoff in Sevierville. During this festival, you can experience the beautiful fireworks along with free food and entertainment. Winterfest also brings together local business like Dollywood, Christus Gardens, and Ripley’s aquarium to present the most festive Christmas light displays in East Tennessee. However, the festival is not just about twinkling lights. It also includes holiday shows, snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg and great discounts on lodging. For more information, visit here:http://www.smokymountainwinterfest.com/

Winter Magic Cook-Off and Chili Cook-Off

Warm, mouth-watering chili during the cool fall: What could be better? On November 4 from 5 to 8 pm on River Road and Ripley’s Aqarium, Gatlinburg will be hosting the 20th Winter Magic Cook Off and Chili Cook Off. The event is highlighted by the LED Gatlinburg Winter Magic lights program and live entertainment. Over 20 vendors gather and serve up kettles of chili for everyone to sample. After sampling, the visitors will vote for the best chili and the winner will be awarded the People’s Choice Award. In addition to visitors voting, the judges will vote and award first place for Best Taste, Booth Presentation, Apron Design, and Most Unique Chili Name. For more information, click here.

Townsend Visitor Center

When visiting Townsend, the Townsend Visitor center is a great guide to the city. The center has several books dealing with hiking and hiking trails, buildings, and the history of the area. The visitor center also has several events such as art exhibits, assorted crafts, photography, and woodturning. For more information, click here.

Fall Craftmen’s Fair

Every year, several craftsmen from all over migrate to the Gatlinburg convention center to display his or her skills during the Fall Craftsmen’s Fair from October 8th thru the 25th. This year is the 34th year Gatlinburg has hosted the fair and they promise not to disappoint. Several unique and talented craftsman, like potter David Howard and stained glass craftsman Charles Adams, will be attending the fair this year. Along with craftsmen, the fair also provides visitors with live music. Dennis Lee and Band will be at the fair from October 8th to 16th and Keith Longbotham and Band will be at the fair from October 17th to the 25th. For more information, visit their website.