Will you be one of the thousands of visitors that come to Pigeon Forge to experience the Smoky Mountains during Christmas?
If so, you've got a lot to look forward to seeing Pigeon Forge in December! If you'll be in the Smokies for the holidays, this thought may have crossed your mind: "What's open in Pigeon Forge on Dec. 25th?"
To help you find the best things to do in Pigeon Forge on Christmas Day, we've made a list of restaurants, attractions, and shows that are open for Christmas.
9 Pigeon Forge Attractions That Are Open On Christmas
1. Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show
This popular dinner show features feuding families and a laugh-out-loud dinner show with authentic mountain music. For Christmas Day, this popular dinner theater will have a 5pm and 8pm performance of their Christmas Disaster Dinner show complete with a delicious country meal.
2. Smoky Mountain Opry
The Smoky Opry in Pigeon Forge is famous for putting on one of the best-produced shows in the Smoky Mountains and features special effects, live animals, graceful ice skaters, and talented acrobats. This popular theater in the Smokies will perform a special Christmas Show at 8pm on Dec. 25th.
3. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville
Shadrack's in Sevierville, TN is an incredible drive-thru light show that features thousands of special light displays that are synchronized to music. The effect is dazzling and it’s a great way to experience the magic of the holidays with your family.
4. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
While seeing fearsome sharks, beautiful tropical fish, and playful penguins might seem out of place for the holidays, there's no doubting that aquariums are fun for the whole family. Start a new holiday tradition and check out Gatlinburg's Aquarium on Christmas!
5. Ober Ski Mountain
If you want to experience ice skating, snow tubing, or skiing for Christmas, look no further than Ober Gatlinburg! Tennessee's only ski resort is a guaranteed way to enjoy a white Christmas filled with plenty of fun in the snow.
6.Wonderworks
This fantastic interactive museum is a perfect place for kids to learn about incredible natural phenomena. Not only is this Pigeon Forge attraction open for Christmas, but it also features an indoor ropes course, a lazer-tag arena, and other surprises.
7. The Hollywood Wax Museum
Take pictures with life-size wax models of the biggest holiday stars! You'll be glad to know that this popular Pigeon Forge attraction is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
8. Gatlinburg Space Needle
Located in the heart of Downtown Gatlinburg, this 400 FT tall observation tower offers beautiful views year-round. Since this Smoky Mountain attraction is open on Christmas Day, you may get a chance to see snow-capped peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains.
9. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a true American treasure and its also completely open for Christmas Day! Bringing your family to the most-visited national park in the country is a great way to celebrate the holidays with a beautiful nature hike, seeing a gorgeous waterfall, or simply admiring scenic mountain views. If you do plan on visiting the Smokies on Dec. 25th, you should know that popular sights in the national park like Cades Cove and Newfound Gap are likely to be crowded.
Nothing beats enjoying a beautiful Christmas Day complete with historic cabins and a lovely hike in the national park!
While there's plenty of fun things to do on Christmas in Pigeon Forge, some popular attractions like Dollywood and the Titanic Museum that are closed on Dec. 25th. Luckily, these attractions will resume normal hours after Christmas.
A free thing to do on Christmas in Pigeon Forge is to drive through town to see the beautiful Christmas lights of Winterfest! To celebrate the winter season, Pigeon Forge decorates the entire town with over 5 million lights in custom displays.
If you want to save yourself the trouble of preparing a big holiday meal, here is where to eat on Christmas Day in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Restaurants open on Christmas Day
- Corky's Ribs and BBQ
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Captain Jim's Seafood Buffet
- IHOP
- JT Hannah's
- Regan's House of Pancakes
- Calhoun's Pigeon Forge
- Applewood Farmhouse
The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is offering a special Christmas Day menu. Please call 865-428-1222 to make reservations.
Restaurant Open on Christmas Eve
- Bennet's Pit BBQ
- Huck Finn's Catfish
- Timberwood Grill
- The Old Mill
Final Thoughts
The Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge are an excellent place to create holiday memories with the people who matter most. Spend some time connecting with your loved ones at these fantastic attractions or over a delicious dinner in Downtown Pigeon Forge, TN.
Not only will you get to see gorgeous Christmas lights, fun holiday attractions, and incredible natural scenery, but you'll also be able to share it all with your closest friends and family.
If you'd like to plan your own Pigeon Forge cabin vacation in the Smokies, we offer cabin rentals throughout the Smoky Mountains. Simply check availability for these cabins and start planning your Christmas vacation to Pigeon Forge, TN!
Written by Mark Frazier