Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights

Pigeon Forge Driving Tour of Lights 2026-2027

Event Details

Dates
Nov 6 – Jan 31, 2027
Hours
Self-guided, no set start time. Lights are on in the evenings. The Wonders of Light Walking Trail 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM.
Where
Pigeon Forge Parkway
186 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Admission
Free
Presented by
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
Phone
(865) 453-8574

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Winterfest is the big seasonal light display in Pigeon Forge, and the Driving Tour of Lights is the easiest way to take it in. There are no tickets, reservations or set start times. Wait for dark, head down the Parkway and go as slowly as the back seat demands.

What You Will See Along the Route

The city counts more than 6 million lights across Winterfest, and the driving route takes in the Parkway, Island Drive and a few side roads. Past tours have passed glowing bears, deer and foxes, giant ornaments, tall lit trees and fairy-tale scenes featuring Mother Goose and Humpty Dumpty. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is lit in holiday colors, too. Displays change from year to year, so treat this as a sample rather than a checklist.

Stretching Your Legs on the Walking Trail

If you would rather get out of the car, the Wonders of Light Walking Trail follows the Riverwalk with more than 45 nature-themed displays. It is free, paved and mostly flat, and leashed pets and wheelchairs are welcome. Last season the trail was open 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM daily, with free parking at the municipal lot at 2936 Teaster Lane.

Guided Options

The city no longer runs its own trolley tour of the lights. For a guided evening instead, GetYourGuide has listed Pigeon Forge light tours, including small-group options. Availability and prices shift by date, so check the current listing before you plan around one. Browse Pigeon Forge light tours on GetYourGuide

Dates Worth Knowing

  • Season Dates: Lights are scheduled for Nov 6, 2026 through Jan 31, 2027. Last season ran until Feb 15, so this year’s finish comes earlier.
  • Winterfest Kickoff: Nov 13, 2026, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Patriot Park.
  • Christmas Village: Nov 13-15 and Nov 20-28, with handcrafted gifts and treats from local makers near the walking trail.
  • Winterfest at The Island: Nov 21, 2026 through Jan 31, 2027, with a 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree and a choreographed fountain show.

Maps and Timing

The city posts a free driving tour map on its Winterfest pages, but the version linked right now is last season’s, so look for a 2026 update. Printed maps have also been handed out at Pigeon Forge Welcome Centers. Parkway traffic can crawl on busy evenings, so leave yourself extra time.