Line 1 · Christmas & holiday
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge with kids
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas lights, the Winterfest trolley light tour, and a cabin with a hot tub and mountain views.
Easy for all ages. Book a cabin, not a motel, so the family has a kitchen and room to spread out.
Price it for your family from your ZIP →What it costs
Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.
| Where you stay | Estimated total* |
|---|---|
| Budget (1★) | $2,300 |
| Mid-range (3★) | $2,990 |
| Luxury (5★) | $5,080 |
*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.
Best time to go
- JanOff
- FebOff
- MarOff
- AprGood
- MayGood
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
Top attractions in Great Smoky Mountains
- DollywoodChristmas lights, rides and shows
- Great Smoky Mountains National ParkThe most-visited US national park
- Ripley's Aquarium of the SmokiesShark tunnel and penguins
- AnakeestaTreetop skywalk and mountain coaster
- Gatlinburg SkyBridgeLongest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America
- Cades CoveWildlife loop road and log cabins
- Clingmans DomeHighest point in the Smokies
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature TrailWaterfalls and old homesteads
- The Island in Pigeon ForgeGreat Smoky Mountain Wheel
- Titanic Museum AttractionHalf-scale ship you walk through
Where to eat in Great Smoky Mountains
- The Old Mill Restaurant$$Southern comfort food by the mill
- Pancake Pantry$Gatlinburg breakfast institution
- Mama's Farmhouse$$All-you-can-eat family style
- The Peddler Steakhouse$$$Steaks on the river
- Calhoun's$$Ribs and BBQ
- Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que$$Hickory-smoked BBQ
- Crockett's Breakfast Camp$Giant cinnamon buns
- Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant$$Apple fritters and Southern plates
- Dolly Parton's Stampede$$$Dinner show with horses
- Smoky Mountain Brewery$$Pizza and burgers
Things to do
- Winterfest trolley light tourFree-to-cheap lights tour
- Ride a mountain coasterSeveral in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
- Hike to Grotto FallsWalk behind the waterfall
- Ski or tube at Ober MountainTake the aerial tramway up
- Spot elk in Cataloochee ValleyBest at dawn and dusk
- Ziplining in the SmokiesSeveral canopy courses
- Horseback ride in the parkGuided trail rides
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community8-mile loop of artisan studios
- WonderWorksUpside-down science museum
- Hatfield & McCoy Dinner FeudComedy dinner show
Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.