Christmas in the Mountains: A Magical Winter Getaway
There’s something special about Christmas in the Mountains. Snowy views and cozy places make it a holiday to remember. You can find snug cabins, exciting adventures, or festive towns. Imagine Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where lights cover the town during Winterfest.
In places like the White Mountains, snow covers everything. The Mount Washington Resort has fun for families during Christmas. Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees is a big draw with its lights and decorations.
Places like SkyLand’s Festival of Lights and Saratoga Springs’ Victorian Walk are unforgettable. Clifton, Ohio, lights up with four million lights. These spots are full of holiday magic.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace the magic of Christmas in the mountains with snow-filled landscapes and rustic charm.
- Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest boasts over six million holiday lights creating a winter village.
- The Mount Washington Resort hosts festive events ideal for family celebrations.
- Gatlinburg’s long-standing Festival of Trees is a highlight during Thanksgiving week.
- SkyLand’s Festival of Lights and Clifton, Ohio’s displays offer stunning visual spectacles.
Experience the Charm of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is in the Smoky Mountains. It’s full of holiday fun, Bavarian buildings, and friendly people. It’s a great place to feel the holiday cheer.
Themed Hotels and Bavarian Architecture
Pigeon Forge has themed hotels with Bavarian designs. They make you feel like you’re in a different time. The Inn at Christmas Place is famous for its Christmas decorations all year.
These hotels offer a special holiday stay. They are cozy and fun for winter.
Holiday Activities at The Incredible Christmas Place
The Incredible Christmas Place is a holiday dream come true. It’s full of Christmas decorations, lights, and events. You can shop, watch shows, or just enjoy the holiday vibe.
Old World Charm and Hospitality
Pigeon Forge is known for its friendly people and old-world feel. You can stay in cozy cabins that are bigger than hotel rooms. They are in quiet spots, so you can enjoy the mountains.
These cabins welcome pets and are easy on your wallet. They’re perfect for families and groups wanting a holiday to remember.
The Winterfest in Pigeon Forge starts in November and ends in February. It’s cold, with highs of 50°F and lows of 27°F in December. The snow adds to the magic, making it a great winter spot.
Winter Adventures at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is a great place for winter fun. It has skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. It’s perfect for families and fans of these sports.
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Ice Skating
The ski slopes open in mid-December. They welcome all skill levels. Beginners must take lessons for safety.
The Freestyle Terrain park is a big hit. Ice skating is also fun and is included with the wristband costing between $39-$69.
Snow Tubing and Ice Bumper Cars
Snow tubing starts in early November and ends in mid-March. The 350-foot hill has a 50-foot drop. A “Magic Carpet” takes you back up.
Snow tubing costs $49 on weekdays and $59 on weekends and holidays. Ice bumper cars are also fun, included with the Wristband.
Special Events and Programs
Ober Mountain has special events and programs all winter. There’s caroling, crafts, and firepits for making memories. They offer special rates for holidays.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Tram Only | $29 (ages 5 and up) |
| Wristbands (ages 5-59) | $49 (regular), $59 (holiday rates) |
| Wristbands (ages 60+) | $39 |
| Tram/Activity Wristbands (Saturdays and Holidays) | $69 (Christmas Eve & Christmas Day) |
| Snow Tubing | $40 (Sun-Thurs), $45 (Fri-Sat, holidays) |
| Ice Skating | Included with Wristband |
Ober Mountain has lots of activities and fair prices. It’s a great place for winter fun for the whole family.
Indoor Snow Fun at Pigeon Forge Snow
Pigeon Forge Snow is a special place for winter fun all year. It’s the first indoor snow park in the U.S. You can have fun in the snow without feeling cold. The place stays warm, between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
America’s First Indoor Snow Park
Pigeon Forge Snow is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It has 15 snow tubing lanes. You can slide down at up to 30 miles per hour.
It’s great for families. Kids aged 3 and up, and at least 38 inches tall, can go snow tubing. You don’t need to book ahead to get in.
Enjoy Snow Tubing Without the Cold
Pigeon Forge Snow is cozy, with a warm temperature. You can pick from different ticket options:
- 1 Hour of Snow Tubing + 30 min Snow Play: $39.98
- Tube Time (1 hour of snow tubing): $29.99
- Snow Play (30 min of snow play): $9.99
Many people loved their visit. Melinda Schmidt said her kids, 5 and 36, had a blast. Marybeth Arenas gave it a 10/10 for snow tubing fun. Michael Lee liked the staff and activities.
Bibs and David Wilder enjoyed it on hot days. Pigeon Forge Snow is a fun place for snow all year. Come and have fun without the cold!
Festive Events in the Smokies
The Smoky Mountains light up with many festive events each holiday season. You can see dazzling light displays, handcrafted goods, and mesmerizing parades. There’s something for everyone. Here are some must-see events in the Smokies during the holiday season.
Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas turns the park into a winter wonderland. It has over 6 million twinkling lights. You can see glowing Roly Poly characters and The Wildwood Tree.
Enjoy festive performances like “Christmas in the Smokies” and “Appalachian Christmas.” There are weekend fireworks with holiday classics. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Tasting Pass lets you try festive foods.
Dollywood’s on-site resorts, DreamMore Resort & Spa and HeartSong Lodge & Resort, offer special amenities. You can buy special Christmas tickets online for a $10 discount. Season passes give access for the 2024 Christmas season and all of 2025.
Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
The Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival is great for unique handcrafted gifts. It showcases local artisans’ skills and traditions. You can find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts here.
Explore crafts like pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and festive decorations. It’s a chance to support local talent and find special gifts for loved ones.
Fantasy of Lights Parade
The Fantasy of Lights Parade in Gatlinburg is a dazzling event. It features illuminated floats, lively performances, and holiday characters. It delights audiences of all ages.
The vibrant lights and joyful music create a magical atmosphere. It’s a cherished holiday tradition for many families. Arrive early to get a good spot and enjoy the spectacle.
| Event | Highlight | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas | 6 million lights, live shows, tasting pass | Nov 10 – Jan 6, 2024 |
| Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival | Handcrafted goods | Nov 17 – Dec 3, 2023 |
| Fantasy of Lights Parade | Illuminated floats, performances | Dec 1, 2023 |
Cozy Mountain Lodges and Cabins
The Smoky Mountains have many cozy mountain lodges and cabins. They are perfect for a winter getaway. You can find stunning views, fireplaces, and hot tubs.
There are over 450 cabin rentals to choose from. They range from small 1-bedroom retreats to big 16-bedroom lodges. This means there’s something for every group and preference.
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are full of festive events in winter. You can enjoy Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas from November 4, 2023, to January 6, 2024. Or, you can go to Winterfest from November 19, 2023, to February 18, 2024. Don’t miss the Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival from December 16 – 18, 2023.
Here are some fun things to do in a mountain cabin:
- Soaking in a hot tub with stunning mountain views
- Baking festive cookies in a fully equipped kitchen
- Watching Christmas movies in a cozy home theater
Christmas vacations in the Smoky Mountains are very popular. So, it’s important to book your cabin rentals early. This way, you can enjoy the holiday activities without stress.
For those looking beyond the Smokies, here are some luxurious options:
| Location | Highlighted Lodge | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Darby, Montana | Triple Creek Ranch | Once ranked as the #1 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure |
| Stowe, Vermont | The Lodge at Spruce Peak | Average annual snowfall of 22 feet |
| Methow Valley, Washington | Sun Mountain Lodge | First and largest destination cross-country ski resort |
| Whitefish, Montana | Grouse Mountain Lodge | Private shuttle service to Glacier National Park |
| Deer Valley, Utah | Stein Eriksen Lodge | Only Forbes five-star hotel and spa with mid-mountain ski-in/ski-out access |
Winter Magic Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg turns into a magical place with Winter Magic Tunes and Tales. It happens from November to February every year. The city lights up with millions of LED lights, making it a special place for visitors.
The city spends $1.6 million on holiday decorations. This creates a memorable experience filled with Christmas stories and fun activities.
Encounter Storytellers and Carolers
A big part of Gatlinburg Winter Magic is meeting storytellers and carolers. They walk along the Parkway in Victorian costumes. They tell holiday stories and sing festive songs.
These performances make visitors feel like part of the holiday magic. The carolers and lively shows show off Smoky Mountain heritage.
Meet Classic Christmas Characters
Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Tunes and Tales also has beloved Christmas characters. Rudolph and Frosty are there to meet families and kids. They walk the streets, making the holiday season even more special.
The area is full of LED lights, showing trees, animals, and more. It’s a place you won’t forget. The festival starts with performances before Thanksgiving and includes the Nutcracker Ballet.
Here’s a look at some major attractions during Gatlinburg Winter Magic:
| Attraction | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Trolley Ride of Lights | Tour of Gatlinburg’s holiday lights | $5 per person; children under 3 free |
| Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade | Includes 100 parade entries and marching bands | Free to attend |
| Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area | Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing | Varies by activity |
Don’t miss Winter Magic Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg. It’s a magical mix of Christmas stories and performances.
Festive Activities Across Tennessee
Tennessee holiday events are full of fun. They make memories that last forever. The state is full of different attractions and events for holiday fun.
Pop-Up Ice Skating Rinks
In cities like Murfreesboro and Knoxville, you’ll find ice skating rinks. They add a winter wonderland feel to the cities. These rinks are great for families or a romantic skate.
Many rinks have skate rentals. This makes it easy for everyone to skate. Whether you’re good or new, these rinks are magical for the holidays.
Holiday Wonders at the Memphis Botanical Garden
The Memphis Botanical Garden turns into a holiday wonderland. It has music, lights, and fun for kids. You can walk under lights and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Don’t miss the amazing displays. This event is a highlight of Tennessee’s holiday season.
Christmas in Collierville
Christmas in Collierville is known for its lights and fun. The town square is full of activities. You can ride in a carriage, see Santa, and enjoy lights.
This town offers a classic holiday experience. It’s perfect for making memories with family.
Christmas in the Mountains
Experience the magic of Christmas in the mountains. The snowy views make it a great place for families and couples. It’s a perfect spot for a festive escape.
In Blairsville and Union County, there’s lots to do. You can enjoy festivals, wine tours, and live concerts. There are also local markets and historical events.
The local business community is welcoming. They have an Events Calendar to keep you updated. The Christmas in the Mountains event is a highlight, happening every year since 1999.
This year’s event is from December 6 to December 8. It’s free for everyone. Local small business owners add a special touch to your visit.
The event offers great amenities for comfort. You can stay updated on social media. The activities promise a memorable snowy retreat.
Top Holiday Tips for the Perfect Mountain Getaway
A magical mountain getaway during the holiday season is perfect for unwinding. It’s a great way to make memories that last forever. Here are some key holiday tips for a stress-free and fun trip.
Decorating Your Cabin
Make your cabin festive with cabin decoration. Use evergreen wreaths, twinkling lights, and cozy textures. The Christmas Place has many Christmas decorations to turn your cabin into a holiday wonderland.
Use natural elements like pinecones, berries, and holly for a mountain feel. Add battery-operated candles and fairy lights for a warm glow.
Planning Holiday Meals
Plan your holiday meals ahead for a successful mountain getaway. This avoids last-minute stress and lets you enjoy the festivities more. Choose recipes that are festive yet easy to make, like stews and baked goods.
Bring local ingredients and sweet treats for the kids. This way, everyone enjoys a delicious meal without stress.
Wrapping Presents in Advance
Wrap all presents before you go to avoid last-minute stress. Use a rustic theme with kraft paper, twine, and greenery for beautiful and eco-friendly wrappings. This lets you spend more time with family and friends during your mountain getaway.
Pre-wrapped gifts save space and keep your cabin tidy. These tips make your holiday smooth and magical, letting you enjoy the beauty and joy of your mountain getaway.
Conclusion
This guide has shown how to have a great Christmas in the mountains. You can enjoy places like Pigeon Forge and Ober Mountain. These spots are perfect for making holiday memories.
Imagine being in a cozy mountain cabin. You can get ready for Christmas or decorate your space. Don’t forget the fun events in the Smokies, like Dollywood’s Christmas and the Fantasy of Lights Parade. These make your vacation joyful and warm.
The mountains also have a rich history. You can see the Neinerlaa Dinner, traditional woodwork, and the world’s biggest nutcracker. Gatlinburg’s stories and pop-up ice skating rinks add to the magic. The mountains offer charm, adventure, and tradition for a special holiday.
