This Iconic Holiday Event in Tennessee Is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

Nothing gets my holiday hype meter up faster than some good old Christmas events in Tennessee. One particular event that has wiggled its way into my heart this season is the Winterfest Wonders of Lights Walking Trail. Nestled into the heart of Pigeon Forge is a long river walk with thousands of lights, and you can stroll the path completely free. The Smokies are my absolute favorite place on planet earth so to have a Christmas event within this amazing atmosphere makes for one of the best holiday experiences for the season.

The Winterfest Wonders of Lights Walking Trail is just one part of the Christmas celebration that takes over the town of Pigeon Forge. Winterfest lights can be seen in every nook and cranny of the town, from large elaborate displays lining the parkway to decorated storefront windows. However, my absolute favorite is the walking trail, which features a pleasant riverside stroll filled with thousands of sparkling lights. Although there are many entry points for this trail, I would suggest parking at The Island and starting your journey there. 

The trail is simply enchanting with thousands of sparkling lights and offers multiple themed sections you can walk through. One section features typical North Pole creatures and a beautiful wintery fountain made of lights. Everything from woodland creatures to the fascinating world of frogs and insects can be seen in fascinating dancing lights. My kids were mesmerized but truth be told, I think I enjoyed the shimmering lights more.

The displays are whimsical and creative. The trail features many displays that focus on movement which makes it even more exciting. We watched a fly fisherman casting a line, reindeer leaping over the pathway, and even a musical number played by creatures who make their home around the pond. My favorite section was a light tunnel that shifted and moved, making it look like you were walking through a vortex. 

I found myself completely immersed in this enchanting experience. There were so many lights and displays that every section offered something new and exciting, so I never felt like they repeated the same light shows. I was a little sad when we got to the end, but then I remembered we had to walk back through it all over again to get back to our car! 

This is simply a magical light display right in the heart of this beloved Smoky Mountian town and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to be filled with holiday cheer. The path is paved, flat, and easy to walk and I just as equally enjoyed the geese that waddled along the path with us and dove into the river. One of the best parts of Winterfest is that this expansive experience is completely free.

For one of the best Christmas events in Tennessee, head to Pigeon Forge and walk the Winterfest Wonder of Lights Walking Trail! I highly recommend taking a trip, and since the atmosphere of the Smokies is so inviting, you may just want to stay longer. For that, there are some amazing and unique stays in Sevierville to check out, but my favorite is the Log Castle. To understand the wonder and amazement of this trail fully, check out our Adventuring in the Moment video from the last time we visited.