A Look at Tennessee Events to Wrap Up the Year

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!

Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

1. Dollywood Harvest Festival

If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.

2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.

3. Wears Valley Fall Festival

The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.

No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!

There’s never a bad time to book a getaway with Bear Camp Cabin Rentals. Our Smoky Mountain cabins have served as a home base for countless family vacations and romantic getaways for years. If you’re trying to figure out when to book your Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin rental, look at the lineup of memorable Tennessee events still on the horizon.

A Guide to Entertaining Events and Festivals

Taking place the Thursday before Halloween, Halloween Spooktacular in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit if you’re on a family vacation. Head to the Pigeon Forge Community Center for trick or treating.
Plan a visit to Dollywood to check out Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Running from the end of September through October, this annual event features thousands of jack-o-lanterns and massive pumpkin displays.
Another fun fall event at Dollywood is the Harvest Festival. Taking place until Oct. 28, this annual event features talented musicians, fall treats, and more.
During the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival, the town of Gatlinburg becomes decked out in fall decor. Local businesses compete for Best Harvest Decorations, while visitors can go on a scarecrow scavenger hunt for unique figurines scattered throughout downtown.
Purchase tickets for the Gatlinburg Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff. Taking place at the beginning of November, this celebration gives you a chance to sample mouth-watering homemade chili while listening to live music.
Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season. From November to mid-February, drive along the Pigeon Forge Parkway to view millions of holiday lights.
For over five decades, Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees has taken over the W.L. Mills Conference Center in November. View festive trees and wreaths, let your kids play in the craft area, or have their picture taken with Santa.
There’s nothing like Christmas at Dollywood. Smoky Mountain Christmas, which runs from November through the beginning of January, adds a bit of holiday sparkle to the park’s rides and attractions.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic offers you another chance to view magical light displays between November and mid-Februry. In addition to holiday lights, this annual event includes a snowpeople scavenger hunt.
Taking place at the beginning of December, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg is a can’t-miss event. Find your spot along the route to watch the festive lineup of marching bands, floats, and holiday balloons.
Go for a stroll through illuminated displays at Skyland Ranch during the Festival of Lights. Running through mid-January, your journey starts with a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the ranch.
Say goodbye and hello to the new with Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Ball Drop. Witness a colorful display and countdown to the ball drop that marks the closing of another year.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is known for its own New Year’s Eve Celebration. The free event includes a concert and fireworks display the whole family will love.

Find Your Perfect Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental

Timing your Smoky Mountains vacation around any of the local Tennessee events listed above is an excellent way to add a bit of extra fun to your getaway. Before purchasing tickets to any of the events listed above, be sure to take a look at our list of Xplorie partners for ways to save. Be close to the festivities while having a peaceful oasis to call home by renting a cabin from Bear Camp Cabin Rentals. Our selection of well-appointed vacation rentals includes unique treehouses, pet-friendly cabins, rentals with mountain views, and more. Call 1-800-705-6346 for help reserving your year-end escape.