Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff Celebration

The Afternoon Build

This is the evening Pigeon Forge flips the switch on Winterfest, and the city treats it as a proper community party rather than a photo op. Patriot Park fills up early with food trucks, holiday vendors and free family entertainment on stage. In past years the program has opened with a tribute to veterans, fitting for a park built around memorials to each branch of the armed forces, followed by local choirs and regional musicians through the afternoon.

When the Lights Go On

As dusk settles, more than six million lights come on across the city at once, from the Parkway displays to the Old Mill district to the Wonders of Light walking trail along the Riverwalk Greenway. Fireworks close the evening. The lights stay up through mid-February, so the kickoff is worth attending for the atmosphere rather than as the only chance to see them.

The Christmas Village

Opening night also starts the run of the Winterfest Christmas Village, a tent of artisan and craft booths at Patriot Park selling handmade and seasonal goods. It returns on selected dates through November rather than daily, so check the schedule if you are shopping rather than just browsing on the night.

Getting There

Admission and parking are both free. The city’s Municipal and Mountain lots off Teaster Lane handle the overflow, and the trolley runs from the transit center at the park itself. Arrive by mid-afternoon if you want to eat from the trucks without a long line, or come closer to dark if you only care about the illumination and the fireworks. It is an outdoor event in November at the foot of the mountains, so dress for a temperature drop once the sun is behind the ridge.