Winter Wonderlands in The Smokies

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

The goal of almost every Christmas vacation, particularly a Christmas vacation to the Smoky Mountains, is to come as close to experiencing a literal Winter Wonderland as possible with your family or group; and we have several excellent recommendations for our guests who want to do just that for this Christmas season.

Take a look at what can complete the holiday season for you:

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas

This is usually the first recommendation that comes to mind for Smoky Mountain Winter Wonderlands for a reason - Dollywood transforms almost the entire park into a Christmas dream come true. Millions of lights are affixed to buildings, structures, trees and even some of the rides from one end of the park to the other. Classic decorations are in great supply - you'll see snowy textures, icicles, giant toys, gingerbread men, bells, wreaths and amazing Christmas trees.

The park stays open well into dark with many of the rides in operation. Christmas fills the air from the theaters to the atmosphere of music (often coming out of cleverly designed stereo systems masquerading as small stone boulders) alongside professional carolers and more. There are nightly parades featuring many of your favorite Christmas icons starting at 8:00PM and Santa's Workshop is back up and receiving visitors at the County Fair section of the park.

Christmas Shows for this year include:

It's A Wonderful Life

Appalachian Christmas

Christmas in the Smokies

Christmas With the Kingdom Heirs

O' Holy Night

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

MistleTones

See more on Dollywood

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tunes and Tales

Downtown Gatlinburg itself offers plenty of good Christmas Appalachian atmosphere to enjoy while shopping and exploring the main strip. The Village is one such place where a quaint environment makes you feel a cozy sense of familiarity while The Mountain Mall offers a wide variety of unique shops with a mall structure you've likely never seen before. North Gatlinburg is as quiet and delicate as it comes; and then you have The Shops at Carousel Mall, Calhoun Village and so much more.

Is it possible to add even more to the experience? You bet, and that's where Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tunes and Tales comes from. Each weekend up to December 17th will have professional entertainers sing mountain songs, Christmas carols, tell stories and even showcase Christmas characters like Santa's elves, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It's a very delightful throwback to the ways of old and it mixes very well with the Christmas of today.

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Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland

Don't think Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are the only places to have Winter Wonderland bliss in the Smokies, in between Sevierville and Kodak we have an awesome little place to entertain families and groups with at the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium on Highway 66.

Shadrack's, like Dollywood, transforms its amusement property into a full manifestation of Christmas spirit with hundreds of thousands of lights and lighting displays synced up to rock, synthesizer and orchestral arrangements of Christmas music - like those in Youtube videos you've probably seen except on a much grander scale and, of course, live action played right in front of you. Shadrack's also features a petting zoo, the "Double Play Cafe", inflatable fun things, photos with Santa Claus and plenty of other things to keep kids of all ages lit up with excitement.

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And yes, all of these attractions can be gotten to with relative ease from our vacation houses in the Smokies. You'll want to choose a cabin that comes closer to the attractions you're more interested to see, but you'll still be able to get back without taking up a huge portion of the day for travel alone.

Find the cabin that best serves you