5 Fun Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains This Winter

November 25, 2024

Planning a trip to the Smokies in the winter? You have so many fun things you can do while you’re in town! From several Winterfest events in the area to classic attractions, you’ll never run out of fun things to do with your family. Check out these 5 fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains this winter:

1. Visit the National Park

One of the most popular activities people enjoy this time of year is visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can drive through the mountains and enjoy the beautiful wintry sights, including Cades Cove or Newfound Gap if it’s open. Sometimes roads are closed during this time of year because of the weather, but there are plenty of places where you can go to have fun! You can go hiking to a waterfall to see icicles that have formed or just walk through the woods. Your whole family will love visiting the national park in the winter.

2. Play at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg

Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is a fun thing to do in the Smoky Mountains, especially in the winter. You can go skiing or snowboarding on the slopes. Don’t worry if there isn’t snow on the forecast; Ober Mountain makes its own snow! They have huge snow machines that produce a ton of snow for the slopes. Plus, your whole family will want to experience snow tubing. Some other family-friendly activities at Ober include indoor ice skating, ice bumper cars, the Aerial Tram or scenic chairlift, a zipline, and so much more!

3. Tour the Winterfest Light Displays

Something everyone will want to do is enjoy Winterfest in the Smoky Mountains. During this event, the city puts up several different lights along the major roadways. You’ll see the 12 days of Christmas in lights, several snowflakes on the light poles, and even black bears in light form! You’ll love driving around to see all of these cool lights! While you are in Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out these other fun winter attractions.

4. Enjoy Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta

Anakeesta’s annual winter event, Enchanted Christmas, transforms this popular mountaintop attraction into a real winter wonderland! Walk around Firefly Village and enjoy all the beautiful twinkly lights strung up as you have fun with your family. You’ll get to look out at the beautiful mountain views, look down on Gatlinburg with all the lights, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate around the fire pits. Enchanted Christmas is an event you won’t want to miss this winter!

5. Experience Lights Over Gatlinburg

Another fun thing to do in the Smoky Mountains this winter is the Lights Over Gatlinburg event at the Gatlinburg SkyPark. Ride the chairlift to the top of the mountain and take in the incredible lights strung up around the park. Walk across the SkyBridge which is fully covered with dazzling lights and take pictures under the arch of lights. Since your ticket is good for the entire day, you can go during the day and see the mountains, then come back at night to enjoy the lights!

These fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the winter make it fun to visit any time of the year. Wondering what else you should do when you stay in one of our cabins? Look through our Adventure Pass to see what kind of deals you’ll get when you book with us!