🎶 Top Festivals in the Smoky Mountains (2025 Guide – Fall & Winter)
Autumn in the Smokies is already magical — fiery red and golden leaves blanket the mountains, crisp air rolls into the valleys, and cozy cabins fill with travelers chasing fall colors. But from late September through the holiday season, the Smoky Mountains also come alive with festivals that celebrate the region’s culture, crafts, and community.
From Dollywood’s glowing pumpkin nights to Gatlinburg’s Christmas lights and chili cook-offs, the final months of 2025 are packed with can’t-miss events. This guide highlights the best Smoky Mountain festivals happening September 26, 2025, through early 2026 so you can plan your getaway around the season’s biggest celebrations.
🍂 Fall Festivals in the Smoky Mountains (September – November 2025)
🎃 Dollywood Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights
- Dates: Sept 12 – Nov 2, 2025
- Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
- Highlights: Acres of glowing pumpkin displays, seasonal Southern comfort foods, craft booths, and daily gospel music. After dark, the park transforms into a glowing pumpkin wonderland.
- Why Go: It’s one of the largest fall events in the Southeast, and perfect for both kids and adults.
- Insider Tip: Arrive mid-afternoon to enjoy rides by day and glowing pumpkins by night.
🍂 Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (Fall Edition)
- Dates: Oct 9 – 26, 2025
- Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
- Highlights: Over 200 booths featuring Appalachian arts, crafts, and live country/bluegrass performances.
- Why Go: Perfect for picking up handmade gifts and experiencing the Smokies’ creative traditions.
- Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for smaller crowds.
🍏 Apple Harvest Festival (Sevierville)
- Dates: Mid-October 2025 (exact dates TBD)
- Location: Kyker Farms, Sevierville
- Highlights: Fresh cider, fried apple pies, hayrides, pumpkin patches, and family-friendly farm fun.
- Why Go: Authentic small-town Tennessee experience that kids love.
- Insider Tip: Pair your visit with a stop at Apple Barn & Cider Mill for more local treats.
🎸 Wears Valley Fall Fest
- Dates: Oct 17 – 19, 2025
- Location: Wears Valley, TN
- Highlights: Appalachian food, craft vendors, gospel and bluegrass music, kids’ activities.
- Why Go: Smaller scale than Dollywood or Gatlinburg, but packed with local charm.
- Insider Tip: Arrive early — parking can be limited in the valley.
🦃 Thanksgiving Weekend Events (Late November)
- Location: Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville
- Highlights: Many towns begin lighting displays and host holiday markets the weekend after Thanksgiving.
- Why Go: It’s the bridge between harvest season and Christmas, combining the best of both.
- Insider Tip: This is also a busy cabin-booking weekend — reserve early!
🎄 Winter Festivals in the Smoky Mountains (November 2025 – January 2026)
🌟 Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
- Dates: Nov 5, 2025
- Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
- Highlights: Downtown lights switch on for the season, paired with unlimited chili tastings from local restaurants.
- Why Go: Combines food, music, and the first taste of Christmas magic.
- Insider Tip: Arrive early — tasting tokens sell out fast.
🎡 Pigeon Forge Winterfest
- Dates: Nov 14, 2025 – Feb 16, 2026
- Location: Pigeon Forge Parkway
- Highlights: Over 5 million lights, parades, seasonal shows, and trolley tours.
- Why Go: One of the largest holiday light displays in the U.S.
- Insider Tip: Take the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights to see all displays without crowds.
🎢 Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
- Dates: Nov 8, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026
- Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
- Highlights: Millions of lights, nightly parades, carolers, Christmas markets, and themed shows.
- Why Go: Voted the #1 Christmas event at any theme park worldwide.
- Insider Tip: Don’t miss the 50-foot animated Christmas tree show in Glacier Ridge.
🎁 Sevierville’s Winterfest in Lights
- Dates: Nov 11, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026
- Location: Downtown Sevierville
- Highlights: Light displays, community events, and seasonal music.
- Why Go: Smaller crowds compared to Pigeon Forge but still dazzling.
- Insider Tip: Visit during weekday evenings for quieter experiences.
🎭 New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
- Dates: Dec 31, 2025
- Highlights: Gatlinburg hosts one of the Southeast’s largest NYE fireworks shows from the Space Needle; Pigeon Forge offers family-friendly concerts and events.
- Why Go: Ring in 2026 surrounded by mountain views and holiday lights.
- Insider Tip: Bundle up — evenings can be cold, especially outdoors.
📸 Tips for Enjoying Fall & Winter Festivals
- Book Early: Cabins fill quickly during October and December.
- Layer Up: Weather can swing 30°F between day and night.
- Use Shuttles: Gatlinburg trolleys and Pigeon Forge trams ease festival parking headaches.
- Bring Cash: Some smaller craft vendors are cash-only.
- Plan Around Traffic: Mid-week visits mean fewer crowds.
🍂 Make It a Festival Getaway
After a day of strolling through glowing pumpkins or chili cook-offs, nothing beats returning to a cozy mountain cabin. Picture sipping hot cider by the fireplace, soaking in a hot tub with crisp air, or enjoying holiday lights from your porch.
👉 Book your stay with Oak & Ember Group for the perfect fall or winter festival basecamp.
🙋 FAQs
Q: What’s the biggest fall festival in the Smokies?
A: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival & Pumpkin LumiNights.
Q: Which holiday event has the best lights?
A: Pigeon Forge Winterfest, with over 5 million lights.
Q: Are these festivals family-friendly?
A: Absolutely — from pumpkin carving to trolley light tours, there’s something for all ages.
Q: Do I need tickets in advance?
A: Yes for Dollywood, maybe for chili cook-off tastings, but many small-town festivals are free.
