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Colorful festival scene with lights and crowds celebrating outdoors

Events & Festivals

From Dollywood's award-winning festivals to free holiday light shows, there's always something happening in the Smokies.

Last updated: February 2026

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Spring

Spring flowers at Dollywood

Spring Guide

Blooming wildflowers and perfect hiking weather.

Best for: Wildflowers and outdoor adventuresWeather: Mild and pleasant
  • ✓Flower & Food Festival
  • ✓Hiking trails
  • ✓Rod Run
Giant floral sculptures at Dollywood Flower & Food Festival
$$$
10 min driveLate April - Early June

Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival

Dollywood Theme Park

More to Explore

Things to Do

Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg SkyLift, and 15+ attractions nearby.

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Where to Eat

Our favorite restaurants, BBQ joints, and breakfast spots nearby.

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Local Guides & Blog

Insider tips, scenic drives, and hidden gems from locals.

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Stay at the Top of the Mountain

Thistle Britches sits at the highest point on Parrot Mountain with panoramic views, a private hot tub, and Dollywood at the bottom of the driveway.

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Contact Us

  • 865-919-2755
  • thistlebritchescabin@gmail.com

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Stunning floral sculptures and garden-fresh flavors celebrate the arrival of spring.

Host tip: Don't miss the Umbrella Sky installation - it's a great photo spot.

Classic cars lined up on the Pigeon Forge strip during Rod Run
Free
8 min driveMid-April

Spring Rod Run

LeConte Center

One of the largest automotive events in the country, with thousands of hot rods and custom cars.

Host tip: Traffic on the strip will be heavy. Use the back roads we've marked in the welcome book.

Fall

Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood Harvest Festival
$$$
10 min driveLate Sept - Oct

Dollywood's Harvest Festival

Dollywood Theme Park

Huge pumpkins, great music, and the famous Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

Host tip: Stay after dark for LumiNights - the thousands of carved pumpkins are incredible.

Handmade crafts displayed at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
$
20 min driveMid-July & Mid-Oct

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair

Gatlinburg Convention Center

Artisans from across the country gather to showcase and sell their handmade work.

Host tip: This is the best place to find unique, high-quality holiday gifts.

Winter

Smoky Mountain Winterfest lights

Winter Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting the Smokies in winter.

Best for: Holiday lights and cozy cabin vibesWeather: Cold, possible snow
  • ✓Winterfest lights
  • ✓Dollywood Christmas
  • ✓Skiing at Ober
Dollywood covered in millions of Christmas lights
$$$
10 min driveEarly Nov - Jan 1

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood Theme Park

Voted America's best Christmas event, featuring over 6 million lights, holiday shows, and fireworks.

Host tip: The drone show is best viewed from our cabin deck if you want to skip the crowds.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest holiday light displays
Free
5 min driveEarly Nov - Mid Feb

Smoky Mountain Winterfest

Pigeon Forge Strip

The entire region is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights and holiday displays.

Host tip: Download the driving tour map to see the best light displays from your car.