Today we will take a look at just some of the many things waiting for you this Christmas season in the Smokies. Today will look at Gatlinburg, Tn. events in particular.

If you’ve visited this area before you are aware already of what this time of year is called around hear but if not, welcome to Winterfest! Celebrating the Christmas season around Gatlinburg is very easy and begins long before Dec. 25th and does not end until a couple weeks after Valentines day!

In honor of those special people who serve and have served our country,on Nov. 11th at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza there will be a musical tribute to salute America’s veterans. From Nov. 27th until Dec. 20th, you can listen to storytellers, caroling and enjoy some unique entertainment along the Parkway on Friday and Saturday nights.

The 34th annual “Fantasy of Lights” Christmas parade is right around the corner but as of this post the date is yet to be announced. You might want to call the chamber of commerce to find out the exact date, this is a very nice parade.

This is just a brief look at what is waiting for you and your loved ones this wonderful season in Gatlinburg,for a complete listing of the events take a look at smokymountainwinterfest.com.

It’s Christmas time so let the fun begin!

On your next visit to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg you will be greeted with millions of colorful little lights as Winterfest is now under way. From the time you get off the I40 interstate exit until you start up the mountain at the end of Gatlinburg, you will be delighted by the glow of Christmas lights and the familiar scenes of Santa, reindeer and snowmen.

Just because the weather is cooling off and the days aren’t quite as long is no reason to stay home by the furnace! Put a light coat, jacket or sweater on, gather up dad and the kids and come see the beautiful displays in the Smokies.  The Sevier county area has really worked hard to make the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg come to life around Christmas and the hard  work has paid off. Winterfest gets bigger and better every year and you should, if possible, plan a trip to this impressive Tennessee county.

Christmas joy is yours to have by just “getting in the spirit” and taking a ride down Dolly Parton Parkway!

Nightlife in Pigeon Forge can be a great time. You will find some home made brew at the Smoky Mountain Brewery if you want to explore a new type of beer or two. They also have food so this might be a good time for mom and dad to just take a break and enjoy some relaxing time. In the same area you will find TGI Fridays and Calhouns, both known for great food and Calhouns notorious for their own signature “fall off the bone “ribs.

Have you and your better half ever gone go cart (go kart) racing at night? If not this would be great alternative at one of the many area go cart tracks. One in particular is usually open very late called Startracks on the Parkway next to The Comedy Barn theater.
If you’re up for catching a recent production out of Hollywood, Reel Theaters is right off the parkway and you can find Movies on the Parkway in nearby Sevierville. While in Sevierville on your night out together, you might want to consider a great Aussie style meal at the Outback Steakhouse (now derving liquor and wine) . Also in Sevierville at The Governors Crossing, you will find a popular little place called the Roaming Gnome that many of the locals visit to unwind and shoot a game of pool, play darts or just kick back. If you’re a smoker, this is one of the few places around you can enjoy an after diner cigarette without having to go outside.

In Gatlinburg the Hard Rock Cafe is a favorite for music lovers and “hard rockers” serving some some great food and a good atmosphere. Blains is one of the few places to go dance in this entire area so if that’s your forte, give them a look. If you want to sing up a storm go to the Smoky Mountain Brewery at the end of the Parkway in Gatlinburg where the have not only karaoke but some good home brew and excellent fresh trout.

Please enjoy your nightlife responsibly and keep the drinking to minimum or at least call a cab. It can save you a lot of lawyer expenses and trouble but more importantly prevent anyone from being hurt or killed! Come back soon as we look at more of the live entertainment to choose from in the beautiful, “one of a kind”  Smoky Mountains!