A Family-Friendly Holiday Itinerary for Pigeon Forge

Bring the whole family to Pigeon Forge this December, and create warm memories together. Try this itinerary for a day of holly jolly all-ages fun! 

Breakfast: Fuel Up

Try Sawyer’s Farmhouse for pancakes, crepes and waffles. Got young kids? They’ll giggle through breakfast at Frizzle Chicken Cafe, where animatronic chickens sing! 

Breakfast with Santa, then join him for a sing-along (did you know he plays the banjo?), at SkyLand Ranch. Stick around to enjoy this mountaintop ranch’s rides, animals and spectacular views. 

Morning: Get Active

Mountain coasters. Coasters don’t close in winter–in fact, some add a holiday theme! You control your own speed on these “gravity coasters,” so everyone gets a ride that’s speedy but not scary. Holiday bonus: Santa pops in for pictures at Rocky Top Coaster 

Snow Tubing. Zip downhill over real snow, indoors. No coats required! Kids can make snow angels in the Pigeon Forge Snow play area while you grab a cup of cocoa. 

Ropes Course. Four stories of climbing, crawling, and sliding make the indoor ropes course at WonderWorks an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Later, challenge your brains in the hands-on science exhibits. 

Afternoon: Watch a Festive Show

Pigeon Forge’s theaters delight audiences with lavish holiday shows for all ages. Many shows include a multi-course meal. See acrobatic pirates, real lumberjacks, country crooners, comedians, performing horses–the variety is huge! Check out our listing of shows.

Afternoon: A “Seaside Shellabration”   

Head to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for Santa’s Seaside Shellabration. Whisper what you want for Christmas, and get sweet photos with Santa. Afterward, roam this world-class aquarium, home to 10,000 sea creatures. Touch a stingray, watch shark feedings, and meet curious penguins. 

Evening: Dazzling Lights

Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Pigeon Forge bursts into colorful displays bringing holiday characters and local sites to life. You can drive around town to see lights, or stroll the Wonders of Light Walking Trail, or do both! It’s all free. 

Shadrack’s Winter Wonderland. At this popular drive-through show, watch the North Pole get ready for Santa’s big night. Elves bustle and reindeer train for takeoff, all pictured in twinkling displays.  

Bedtime: Cozy Cabin Memories

Back at your Pigeon Forge cabin rental, make lasting memories. Read the kids a Christmas story. Sit by the fireplace with your sweetheart, sipping a hot toddy and watching “Elf” on TV. When you stay in a Smokies cabin, your holiday is complete. Reserve your family cabin today.