✨ Pigeon Forge Winterfest: Driving Tour, Walking Trail & Christmas Village (2025–2026 Guide)
Pigeon Forge Winterfest is officially underway, bringing more than six million lights, larger-than-life displays, and festive events to the Smokies now through February 15, 2026. Whether you’re staying in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, this is one of the easiest and most affordable holiday experiences in East Tennessee.
Start with the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
The Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights runs the full length of the Pigeon Forge Parkway, featuring millions of LED displays including Smoky Mountain wildlife, oversized snowflakes, dancing trees, waterfalls, tunnels, and animated scenes.
This is the perfect starting point — it’s completely free, easy to navigate, and packed with photo spots right from the car window. Expect the full drive to take 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Explore the Wonders of Light Walking Trail
The Wonders of Light Walking Trail adds another one million lights and a mile of immersive displays along the Riverwalk Greenway. This trail is stroller-friendly, pet-friendly, and an ideal spot for holiday photos.
You’ll see animated nature scenes, oversized wildlife sculptures, light tunnels, and several selfie stations along the water.
🎄 Don’t Miss the Wonders of Light Christmas Village
Next to the walking trail, you’ll find the new Wonders of Light Christmas Village — a seasonal market with local makers, holiday gifts, treats, drinks, and live entertainment.
This is a great place to warm up with hot chocolate or pick up Smoky Mountain–themed gifts before heading back to the lights.
A Simple 2–3 Hour Winterfest Itinerary
- Start at the Driving Tour of Lights (Parkway)
- Park at Patriot Park or the LeConte Center lot
- Walk the Wonders of Light Trail along the Riverwalk
- Shop & snack at the Christmas Village
From Gatlinburg, simply take the Spur north into Pigeon Forge and begin the Parkway lights at traffic light #10.
