Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, the family friendly destination brings new meaning to sparkle, twinkle and glow as colorful light displays depicting popular characters and playful scenes illuminate the city’s six-lane Parkway from one end to the other.

“Whether folks are visiting Pigeon Forge for the first time or making a return trip, Winterfest is the perfect occasion to share those moments that become memories,” said Leon Downey, executive director of tourism for the city of Pigeon Forge. “It’s a special time of year, and we’re proud to offer folks something new to experience alongside the many traditions they’ve come to expect in Pigeon Forge.”

This year, several new attractions expand the scope of Winterfest, giving families more reasons to visit:

• The Island in Pigeon Forge unveils $1.5 million in new Christmas experiences for guests. All-new decorations are showcased throughout the 23-acre property, including approximately 40,000 ornaments, half a million lights and more than 5,000 feet of garland. Guests are treated to three new Christmas trees, including one that stands 40 feet tall and allows guests to walk through. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at their new workshop while roving carolers fill the air with Christmas music. Paula Deen presides over The Island’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m. There is no admission fee to enjoy the Christmas décor.
• Dollywood recently announced the $2.5 million addition of Dolly’s Parade of Many Colors, featuring new floats, specialty characters and songs. The park also adds a new show to its entertainment lineup with the stage production It’s a Wonderful Life. Both are part of Dollywood’s award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas festival (Nov. 5-Jan. 1, 2017).
• Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure Dinner & Show puts a new spin on the holidays with an all-new Christmas show. This year, it is Christmas in Timber Ridge and the competition is on to see which lumber camp family is the best at growing and supplying the best Christmas trees in all the land. A cast of lumberjacks, “lumberjills” and “lumberjacrobats” bring this fast-paced, high-energy Christmas spectacular to life. A show-stopping Nativity scene, set to the sounds of Dolly’s own recording of The Little Drummer Boy, celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

• The Titanic Attraction’s fourth annual Thanksgiving fireworks spectacular on Thursday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. Festivities also include a whimsical parade of costumed steampunk revelers.
• Inn at Christmas Place welcomes Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of literary master Charles Dickens, on Nov. 6-8. In his seventh year at the property, Dickens performs his one-man enactment of A Christmas Carol. New for 2016, Inn at Christmas Place offers afternoon tea featuring A Child’s Journey with Dickens on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m.

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Contact:
Trish McGee
for Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
615-327-1189