Visiting TN

My mother and farther are taking my brother and his family and myself and my family to Pigeon Forge for Christmas.  Actually we will be there from the 20th until the 27th.  My parents used to be huge campers and went to the Mtns prob about twice a year.  We used to go every summer when my brother and I were kids.  When my parents retired they would stay at their fav camp ground in Pigeon Forge and my dad would do odd jobs at the camp ground and my mom worked at a florist in town.  They would stay for about 3 months.  lol lol  Needless to say we all LOVE that area.  Well we have a cabin booked and to make what I know should have been a short story even longer I want some suggestions of places to visit that time of year.  We have done the Dixie Stampede and I figured it will be too cold for Dollywood and plus I will have a 12 month old baby with us.  We really like to site see so anything that is "free" would be great lol lol  Just would like some suggestions from people that truly know what is going on that time of year.  I know the lights will be beautiful.  Thanks in advance.
Denise

Something that wasn't free (but couldn't have cost too much or we wouldn't have gone!)  was the aquarium--very cool with the way you get to walk under the sharks!  They should have a lot of Christmas stuff going on that time of year.  Short hikes would be fun --it does get colder up there, so pack appropriately.  You might even see some flurries.  We used to live in Meridian, so even if it just flurries, we get excited!  Have fun!  Erika

Thanks Erika for the info.  I think the aquarium would be fun even for my year old!!!  We will for sure have to check that out.
Denise

That area seems to do alot to celebrate Christmas, Winterfest all through winter actually.  I am usually not in the area, but in WV at that time of year.  However, I believe that Dollywood does do some things around Christmas time.  There is an aviation museum just outside of Sevierville that is inexpensive.  I am not sure how expensive it is, but Wonderworks is a fun place to go.  It looks like an upside down building and is on the Sevierville side of Pigeon Forge.  You all will have a great time.  I just love getting a cabin and staying in the mountains.  If you want a pretty drive, head to Townsend and drive through Cade's Cove.

Hi,
This place just lights up at Christmas!  Dollywood has a gazillion lights and a Christmas parade and light show everynight and every single tree will adorned with lights.  It is spectacular!  The cheapest and best way to see the rest of the lights is through a trolley tour.  But, I warn you, call the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce soon to reserve your places, they fill up VERY quickly.  I think the tour last about 1 1/2 hours and it used to be about $2 per person, could be more now.

Marilyn

One thing to keep in mind it that all the theaters, including Dixie Stampede, will be doing special Christmas shows during that time. Some are really good. We saw the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner show one year and it was great. The food was great too. A little similar to the food at Dixie Stampede. I would suggest contacting the Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg Chambers of commerce and finding out about special events just for the holidays.
I hope you have a good time.
Blessings,
Karen

OMG I love the Dixie Stampede.  My family went to Gatlinburg last fall when the kids were out of school for fall break.  My oldest son carried a buddy, he'd never been to the Stampede he was so amazed.  We ended up on the front row so we had really good seats.  The food is awesome and by the way you don't get silverware to eat with you eat everything with your fingers.  It's great.  One year that we went during Christmas there was a man at the intersection of River Rd and the main road through Gatlinburg that was doing hayrides going around to see the lights, at this intersection there is a mall called the Mountain Mall (I believe).  Just down the main road on the left side of the road going toward the mountains there is a little place called the Village that has shops back off the roadway there is one little coffee shop that has hot cocoa in tons of different flavors, that stuff is great when you are out in the cold.  They had one flavor snickerdoodle with whip cream on top OMG. 

Thank you all so very much.  We are all so very excited to be there at Christmas this year.  I am going to check into alot of the suggestions ya'll had!  Thanks so much for everything!
Denise