Christmas Dining in the Smokies

There’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin getaway in November. The air is crisp, the trees are bursting with color, and the Smoky Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a quiet escape with friends, here’s how to make the most of your cozy cabin stay this fall.

1. Settle In and Get Cozy

Start by creating that classic cabin atmosphere. Light a fire in the fireplace, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a good book or conversation by the glow. Make use of the cabin’s amenities, play a round of pool or board games, watch a movie on the big screen, or soak in the private hot tub while taking in the cool autumn air. With a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill, you can cook up a hearty dinner and enjoy your meal on the deck surrounded by the beauty of fall.

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

When you’re ready to venture outside, take advantage of the season’s stunning scenery. Drive along scenic routes like Cades Cove Loop Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Go for a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just start early to avoid crowds. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch, explore Gatlinburg’s charming downtown, or stop by the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival for crafts and seasonal fun.

3. Plan Ahead for a Perfect Trip

November is a busy month in the Smokies, so book your cabin and activities early. For a quieter experience, try visiting midweek instead of the weekend. And don’t forget to plan your meals and stock up on groceries before you arrive so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your autumn escape.

If you're ready to take the plunge or are just interested in where you should stay this fall click here for the best autumn cabins around.

Where to DINE during the Holidays

The following is a list of restaurants we expect to be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas day for those of you who won't be able to cook or simply would prefer eating out for Christmas dinner this year. Times and availability may change, so please call ahead of time for up-to-date information.

 

* Alamo Steakhouse

Open Christmas Eve only

3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

www.alamosteakhouse.com

(865) 908-9998

(Pigeon Forge location Only, Gatlinburg location no longer available)

 

* Bennett's Pit BBQ

Open Christmas Eve only

714 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

bennetts-bbq.com

(865) 436-2400

 

2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

bennetts-bbq.com

(865) 429-2200

 

* Big Daddy's Pizzeria

Open Christmas Eve only

3053 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

bigdaddyspizzeria.net

(865) 429-7171

 

714 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

bigdaddyspizzeria.net

(865) 436-5455

 

1820 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862

bigdaddyspizzeria.net

(865) 908-1123

 

* Blue Moose Burgers and Wings

Open Christmas Eve only

2430 Teaster Ln # 108, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

bluemooseburgersandwings.com

(865) 286-0364

 

* Bullfish Grill

Open Christmas Eve only

2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

bullfishgrill.com

(865) 868-1000

 

* Calhoun's

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

calhouns.com

(865) 868-1500

 

1004 Parkway #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

calhouns.com

(865) 436-4100

 

* Cheddar's Casual Cafe

Open Christmas Eve

3240 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

cheddars.com

(865) 908-9555

 

* Cherokee Grill

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

cherokeegrill.com

(865) 436-4287

 

* Cici's Pizza

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

1811 Parkway #105, Sevierville, TN 37862

cicis.com

(865) 774-6696

 

3189 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

cicis.com

(865) 366-1616

 

* Corky's

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

3584 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

corkysbbqpf.com

(865) 453-7427

 

* Cracker Barrel

Open Christmas Eve only

3960 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

locations.crackerbarrel.com

(865) 428-4613

 

2285 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

locations.crackerbarrel.com

(865) 908-4459

 

690 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876

locations.crackerbarrel.com

(865) 908-3202

 

* Crawdaddy's

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

762 Parkway #5, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

crawdaddysgatlinburg.com

(865) 430-3755

 

* Denny's

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

3716 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

locations.dennys.com

(865) 774-5047

 

2480 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

locations.dennys.com

(865) 428-2411

 

* Fuddruckers

Open Christmas Eve only

168 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862

myfuddruckers.com

(865) 453-2221

 

* Geno's Pizza

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

3971 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

genospizza.com

(865) 428-2498

 

385 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

genospizza.com

(865) 430-9300

 

* Golden Corral

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

3610 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

goldencorral.com

(865) 453-1827

 

513 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876

goldencorral.com

(865) 453-8859

 

* Gondolier Italian Restaurant

Open Christmas Eve only

964 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862

gondolierpizza.com

(865) 428-8050

 

* Hard Rock Cafe

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

2050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

hardrock.com

(865) 430-7625

 

* Howard's Restaurant

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

976 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

howardssteaks.com

(865) 436-3600

 

* Huck Finn's Catfish

Open Christmas Eve only

3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

huckfinnsrestaurant.com

(865) 429-3353

 

* Iron Boar Saloon

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

104 Waldens Main St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

ironboarsaloon.com

(865) 429-7779

 

* Johnny Rocket's

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

735 Parkway #2, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

johnnyrockets.com

(865) 430-5844

 

* JT Hannah's Kitchen

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

jthannahs.com

(865) 428-4200

 

* Loco Burro

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

735 Parkway #1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

kennedy-concepts.com

(865) 430-5624

 

* Mama's Farmhouse

Open Christmas Eve only

208 Pickel St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

mamasfarmhouse.com

(865) 908-4646

 

* Margaritaville

Open Christmas Eve only

130 The Island Dr Suite 6101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

margaritavillepigeonforge.com

(865) 210-8530

 

* Mellow Mushroom

Open Christmas Eve only

2485 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

mellowmushroom.com

(865) 286-2229

 

131 The Island Dr Suite 3101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

mellowmushroom.com

(865) 286-3800

 

903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

mellowmushroom.com

(865) 277-0600

 

* Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

1001 Parkway #2, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

obergatlinburg.com

(865) 436-5423

 

* Old Mill Restaurant

Open Christmas Eve

164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

old-mill.com

(865) 429-3463

 

* Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

131 The Island Dr #8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

pauladeensfamilykitchen.com

(865) 366-1510

 

* Pucker's Sports Bar and Grill

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

745 Parkway # 9, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

kennedy-concepts.com

(865) 430-7755

 

* Smoky Mountain Brewery

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

1004 Parkway # 501, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

smoky-mtn-brewery.com

(865) 436-4200

 

2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

smoky-mtn-brewery.com

(865) 868-1400

 

* Texas Roadhouse

Open Christmas Eve only

180 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862

texasroadhouse.com

(865) 908-4140

 

3786 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

texasroadhouse.com

(865) 286-1543

 

1019 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

texasroadhouse.com

(865) 430-4284

 

* Three Jimmy's

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

1359 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

threejimmys.com

(865) 325-1210

 

* Timberwood Grill

Open Christmas Eve

131 The Island Dr #1101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

timberwoodgrillpf.com

(865) 286-0600

Explore More Articles


Image for When are Fall Colors the Best in the Smoky Mountains?
When are Fall Colors the Best in the Smoky Mountains?

Fall is gorgeous in the Smokies, and it's something you don’t want to miss.

Featured Cabins