Nothing puts everyone in the holiday spirit like beautiful Smoky Mountain Christmas lights. The cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg sure know how to decorate for the holidays, and you are invited to the show! These dazzling bursts of color fill the trees, wind around street lamps, and set the mood for the Christmas season.
What is the best way to take in the magnificent sights? Taking a trolley ride of course! Each city has trolley tours that take visitors all around its decorated streets in heated comfort for a very affordable price. Read on for all the information you need to make your trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg extra special.
(See Also: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort Opens for the Season)
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Trolley Tours
Winterfest is a very special time of the year in the Smoky Mountains. Trolley Tours for Christmas lights sightseeing begin at Patriot Park on Old Mill Road in Pigeon Forge. There are three tours every Monday through Friday from November 12th to January 4th. Tour times are 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. From January 5th to the 10th, tours run on Monday and Friday evenings only. The cost of the trolley ride is $5 per person.
As passengers see the sights from the comfort of the trolley car, well informed tour guides point out special landmarks and also tell stories and folktales about the Smoky Mountain area for a truly enjoyable experience.
It should be noted that the trolleys need to have at least 15 passengers before the tour begins. Passengers are then returned to Patriot Park at the end of the tour. Reservations should be made for parties of 10 or more. To reserve your spot or for any additional information, call the Fun Time Trolley at (865) 453-6444.
Gatlinburg’s Trolley Ride of Lights
The city of Gatlinburg also celebrates Winterfest with trolley rides through the glowing streets of the city. This year, all the lights have been replaced with LED versions and new depictions of area wildlife have been added to other old time favorites. Riders of all ages will be in awe of Gatlinburg’s brilliant light displays.
Visitors can take the trolley every evening between November 12th and January 25th. The rides leave from the Welcome Center at 88 River Road, next to Ripley’s Aquarium, or as locals refer to it, the #5 stoplight on the Parkway. Tour times are 6:30 p.m., 7:30p.m., and 8:30 p.m. and cost $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at the official Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride website.
Large groups of 10 or more should call the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau for reservations and information. The phone number is (865) 436-0535.
Dazzling displays of Smoky Mountain Christmas lights await your arrival. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg plan all year for Winterfest and take pride in making all their visitors’ holidays extra special. Visit our Cabins in Gatlinburg page to start planning your winter vacation in the Smokies!
