By now, the Christmas decorations have (hopefully) been put away for another 10 months, the eggnog has long been drunk to its full contents, all the “Happy New Years” wishes have been granted and we move on to the quiet season of the Smokies as Winter continues on until the third week of March.
But does a quiet season in the Smokies mean nothing’s going on? Not at all! The post-holiday Winter months are when we see the highest chances for snow, that by itself is often an attention-getter for vacationers who do not typically get to see snow throughout the year, and it’s when we get some different, atmospheric and potentially romantic special events going on across the cities.
Here are some of our picks for Winter special events for 2024 coming up soon:
* SkyLand Festival of Lights at The Ranch
Now To February 18th, 2024
Visit Sevierville writes:
“SkyLand Ranch is introducing an incredible Festival of Lights beginning November 3, 2023 – February 18, 2024. More than 100 displays with up to 1 million lights, including a light-up nativity scene, light-up cowboy scenes, and a 25-foot tall LED Christmas tree will decorate the mountain. Walk through a tunnel of light from the courtyard to Legacy Lookout and enjoy the views of millions of lights in the city below. For a sweet holiday treat, stop by SkyLand Café & Bakery which will be transformed into a themed North Pole bakery. SkyLand’s Festival of Lights at the Ranch runs from 6 pm to 9 pm nightly during Smoky Mountain Winterfest. A separate ticket to the light festival from the general ranch admission is required for entry.”
See more on this event at https://www.skylandranch.com/.
* Dollywood’s Winter Music Series At DreamMore
Now To February 24th, 2024
My Pigeon Forge writes:
“The Winter Music Series is back at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. During January and February, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live musical performances by country music artists in an intimate setting. The ticketed event is open to both resort guests and non-resort guests and provides an unparalleled experience with performances every Friday and Saturday under the climate-controlled tent on the resort’s event lawn.
Admission options include individual tickets or a room package at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
Music Series Featured Artists
TG Sheppard in Concert
January 19-20, 2024
Ronnie McDowell in Concert
January 26-27, 2024
Aaron Tippin in Concert
February 2-3, 2024
Bryan White in Concert
February 9-10, 2024
T. Graham Brown in Concert
February 16-17, 2024
Linda Davis in Concert
February 23-24, 2024″
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/dollywoods-winter-music-series/.
* Ober Rocks
January 20, 2024
Gatlinburg.com writes:
“Ober ROCKS! Come surround yourself in music as Ober Mountain celebrates skiing at Tennessee’s ONLY Ski resort on Saturday, January 20th. Ober Mountain’s annual Ober ROCKS event provides adventure enthusiasts and music fans an opportunity to travel back to the 80’s.
Skiers and Snowboarders can take advantage of special discounts during the Ober Rocks night session from 5pm-10pm with $20 Lift Tickets, $20 Lessons, and $20 Rental equipment (skis or snowboards).
ROCKING the stage will be Journey Tribute Band: DEPARTURE, performing in the newly renovated Restaurant & Lounge from 7pm-9pm. Celebrating over 15 years together, DEPARTURE is the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation and focuses on the 70’s and 80’s when Journey ruled the radio!
Ober Mountain will host an 80’s Skate Party at the Ice Rink from 5pm until 9pm. Come ice skate to music from 80’s hair bands provided by a rink-side DJ with concert quality sound and lights.
For those looking for a more laid-back vibe, relax slope side by the firepits and 22 foot jumbo screen. The restaurant & lounge will open for you to enjoy Delauder’s BBQ, soup bread bowls and of course Yee-Haw beer!
Ober Rocks is an event the entire family will enjoy.”
See more on this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/ober-rocks/457/.
* Wildlife Week™
January 22nd to January 25th, 2024
My Pigeon Forge writes:
“Come celebrate the natural features, creatures and cultures of the Great Smoky Mountains. This year, we’ll be inviting some of the leading wildlife experts to lead informative discussions with you. This is a great opportunity to learn and ask questions about nature.
Showcasing what makes the Smokies so special, Wilderness Wildlife Week celebrates the abundance of wildlife, variety of plants, trees, and wildflowers, and rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee through a series of classes, seminars, demonstrations, guided hikes, panel discussions, and workshops. Free and open to the public, Wilderness Wildlife Week features a wide range of programs and activities for children and adults. Guided hikes range in difficulty from easy to challenging, and different classes are geared towards beginners or advanced students in the different topics.
Along with the classes, workshops, and guided hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge will feature vendor booths in an exhibit hall. Visitors can browse booths with photography, local art, handmade goods and more.
New in 2024!
We have updated the format of Wilderness Wildlife Week to provide the best experience yet! Updates include:
January 22-24 – Presentations and Craft Classes
January 22-25 – Hikes, Bus Trips, and Tours”
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/wilderness-wildlife-week/.
* Love is in the Air
February 2, 2024 – February 28, 2024
Gatlinburg.com writes:
“The Most Romantic Setting In The Smokies!
Celebrate your romance as you explore the “Tunnel of Love” this February on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. When the sun goes down, the world-famous bridge lights up with thousands of red and white lights!
Make sure to have your camera ready as there are numerous photo opportunities for you and your significant other to capture beloved memories on top of the mountain. The SkyBridge has quickly become one of the most sought out proposal locations in the southern part of the United States, so what better time to pop the question than in February – the month of love!
Enter To Win: Purchase a SkyPass anytime between February 2 – February 28 to be entered to win a SkyPark Prize Pack! Winners will be selected at random, and contacted via email!
The SkyBridge will be illuminated every night beginning February 8 until the end of the month. All park access is included with any admission ticket.”
See more on this event at https://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/events/love.
* Gatlinburg Pancake Week
February 19 – February 25, 2024
Gatlinburg.com writes:
“Highlighting the rich history of the sweet breakfast treat, participating restaurants in Gatlinburg will showcase their famous pancake stacks for an entire week.
Download the app and use the Pancake Passport to check-in to at least one participating restaurant to get a free scratch n sniff sticker. Check-in to 5 or more locations to win a free pancake week tshirt and be entered into the grand prize drawing for a 2 night stay in Gatlinburg!”
See more on this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-pancake-week/685/.
