When the sun sets in the smokies Anakeesta mountain comes to life with a celebration of lights during our Enchanted Winter celebration. Gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa or your favorite hot toddy, then stroll through our magical villages and enjoy delicious dining and a mountain of light displays that will fill your heart with winter cheer. The AnaVista observation tower, the world's only fixed-grip Chondola, the longest tree-based (and beautifully lit) skywalk in North America, adventure courses, and more are included with general admission to the park. Ziplining, gem mining, Astra Lumina, and mountain coasters are also open with great admission prices!
Ride the iconic yellow SkyLift chairs 1,800 feet above sea level to North America's record-breaking Gatlinburg SkyBridge where you can experience the best panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Smoky Mountains and the lovely town of Gatlinburg below. Take a hike on the NEW SkyTrail, explore the Tulip Tower during the daytime, conquer the SkyBridge, pass the 30 feet of see-through glass in the middle of the cable bridge, eat and drink in the SkyCenter, and take in the mountain vistas on the SkyDeck's amphitheater. A visit to the SkyLift Park gives you easy access to the best views of the Smokies and plenty of time to sit back and relax in our mountain-top setting.
When it's cold outside, you may enjoy warming yourself up with some authentic Smoky Mountain moonshine. There are several wineries and distilleries in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that offer tastings and tours.
One of the most impressive sights you'll see in Pigeon Forge is the Winterfest Light display. With over 5 million Christmas Lights arranged in creative shapes, you can see holiday lights along the entire stretch of the Pigeon Forge Parkway.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at the Island looks like a large Ferris Wheel, but each car is really a heated, enclosed gondola. From the top of this 200 Ft. tall gondola ride, you'll have a great view during the wintertime. Also in the area are shops and restaurants to enjoy. For a more adrenaline pumping wintertime ride, be sure to check out a mountain coaster. These rides are built into the mountain terrain around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and run year-round.
There are multiple Ripley's attractions in the Gatlinburg area including Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, a 5-D moving theater, themed mini golf attractions, and museums that are all family friendly and entertaining for all age groups.
The Titanic Museum is a two-story museum shaped like the RMS Titanic. It is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and is built half-scale to the original ship. Similar to the one in Branson, Missouri, the museum holds 400 pre-discovery artifacts in twenty galleries.
Situated inside the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, the Wild Bear Falls Water Park is one of Gatlinburg’s premier attractions. The mountain-themed indoor/outdoor water park boasts a state-of-the-art retractable roof unlike anything you’ll see in the Smokies. In fact, Wild Bear Falls Water Park is the largest indoor water park resort in the South and the fifth largest in the nation. Whether you’re looking for a break from the heat or a safe space to keep the youngsters entertained, Wild Bear Falls is the perfect place for adults and kids alike. Wild Bear Falls features a number of attractions, including a variety of slides, a snack bar, and a lazy river that’s ideal for tubing. There’s even a treehouse play feature that dumps water on passersby periodically, resulting in plenty of squeals and giggles from those down below.
If Christmas is your favorite holiday, then the Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge is a must-see! Here is the one place visitors can celebrate Christmas year-round, and since first opening in 1986, it has grown into the South's largest holiday store! Shoppers will find Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, designer trees, dollhouses, fudge and much more. Collectors will find their favorite collectibles including Boyds Bears, Christopher Radko, Cows on Parade, Department 56, Fitz and Floyd, Precious Moments and Snowbuddies. Mrs. Claus' Candy Kitchen also serves up homemade fudge in seasonal flavors, sugar and sugar-free candies, caramel and candy apples, hot popcorn in a variety of flavors, ice cream, light sandwiches and refreshing drinks. If you love decorating your home for the holiday season, this is a must-see!