Winterfest at The Island

What Winterfest Looks Like at The Island

Once the sun drops behind the ridges, The Island becomes one of the brightest corners of Pigeon Forge. Millions of lights and more than a mile of garland wrap the shops and walkways, and the centerpiece is a 40-foot Christmas tree you can actually walk through. Strolling the property costs nothing and parking is free, so you spend money only on what you choose, whether that is dinner, a ride on the Wheel or a bag of stocking stuffers.

The lights are at their best after dark. Shops and rides normally open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday, with holiday hours varying.

The Holiday Fountain Show

The Show Fountain Courtyard is where most people end up. For Winterfest, the fountain performs alongside a set of choreographed 40-foot LED Christmas trees, with holiday shows every evening at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. On a Saturday in December, arriving a few minutes before the hour is worth it.

Kick-Off Night on November 21

If your dates line up, opening night is the one to plan around. Santa arrives for photos at 5:00 PM, a free holiday concert starts at 7:00 PM, and the countdown to lighting the walk-through tree lands at 8:00 PM.

Photos with Santa

Santa sets up near The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel on select dates only, so check the list before promising the kids:

• Saturday, Nov 21: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Fridays and Saturdays, Nov 27 through Dec 19: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

His last visit is December 19, so families arriving the week of Christmas will miss him. Photo pricing is not posted online. Santa’s Toy Shop on the property carries keepsake ornaments, holiday plush and winter accessories if you need gifts on the way out.

The Wheel and the Rest of the Evening

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel climbs 200 feet above the property, and a night ride puts the whole light display below you with the mountains beyond. Wheel and ride tickets are sold separately at the Ticket Center beside Timberwood Grill or online through The Island’s ticket site. Keep the weather in mind: some rides do not run below 40°F, rides can close for lightning or high winds, and tickets are not refunded. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds, though each business sets its own rule about pets inside.

New Year’s Eve

December 31 brings a free concert and a midnight fireworks show, with the soundtrack simulcast on Knoxville’s WIVK 107.7 FM. The property stays open until midnight that night. After the holidays, the lights stay on through January 31.

Parking and Getting There

Turn off the Parkway at The Island Drive light, between traffic lights 3 and 4. Free parking is in the LeConte Center lot, and a complimentary shuttle runs from the main lot to the front of The Island. Lot sections are signed by letter, so note yours before you walk away. The Island is open on Christmas Day, but hours may be reduced, so confirm before you go.