Pigeon Forge is a great place to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends. The city offers a variety of events and entertainment options to keep everyone happy and entertained during the holiday season.
Winterfest
One of the main events during Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge is Winterfest. This season it runs from Nov. 6, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027, according to Pigeon Forge Tourism. Our Winterfest guide has the walking trail and Christmas Village details. Winterfest features millions of twinkling lights throughout the city, making it a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Visitors can take a trolley tour to see the lights or enjoy a drive through the city to take in the sights at their own pace.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
For those who enjoy music and entertainment, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a must-see attraction. This dinner theater offers a delicious meal and a show that features live music, comedy, and magic. The show is family-friendly and perfect for all ages.
If you’re a fan of football, you can catch the Thanksgiving Day NFL game at one of the many sports bars in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy the game with friends and family while sipping on your favorite drink and snacking on some delicious food.
Ober Gatlinburg’s Seasons of Ober
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Ober Gatlinburg’s Seasons of Ober is a great option. This ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during the winter months. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, shopping, and dining at the resort. For 2026, Ober expects to open the slopes on Friday, Nov. 20 if the weather cooperates, likely with just the learning area and a beginner slope at first, so check the slope report before you go.
Festival of Trees
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees is the big Thanksgiving weekend event next door. In 2026 it runs Nov. 25 to 29 at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg, and admission is free. Expect decorated trees and wreaths, a kids’ craft area and photos with Santa. Our Festival of Trees post has the hours.
Fireworks
Older versions of this page listed a Thanksgiving fireworks show at Patriot Park. We couldn’t find one on the 2026 calendar, so check the Pigeon Forge Tourism events page before you plan around it. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas has fireworks on weekend nights, and the city’s Winterfest kickoff is at Patriot Park on Friday, Nov. 13.
Are you planning on bringing your own fireworks for this special occasion? Don’t – Fireworks are not allowed within the city limits.
For Thanksgiving dinner ideas, see Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge. The rest of the month is in our November guide.
Photo at top: “Thanksgiving Dealies” by Martin Cathrae, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr.