Your 2025 Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving Guide
by Mountain MamaSo here's something most people don't know: Thanksgiving week in the Smokies might actually be MORE magical than peak fall foliage season. I know, I know – that sounds wild. But hear me out.
By late November, the tourist crowds have died down, the entire area is already lit up like an actual winter wonderland (we're talking MILLIONS of lights), and you get this perfect vibe where fall is wrapping up and Christmas is just starting. Plus the weather? Crisp mountain air without being freezing. It's honestly the sweet spot that nobody talks about.
I've been doing Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge since I was a little girl visiting my Mamaw and Papaw, and now I bring my own family every year. There's something about being in the mountains during this time that just feels... right. So I'm putting together everything you need to know to make Thanksgiving 2025 absolutely unforgettable.
Why Thanksgiving Week is Actually Perfect
Picture this: Thanksgiving morning starts with coffee on your cabin deck, mountain views stretching out in front of you, maybe a little chill in the air. You're in your coziest sweater, completely relaxed because you're not stressing about cooking a massive meal (unless you want to – our cabins have full kitchens!).
Later you either head to one of the amazing restaurants doing full Thanksgiving spreads, OR you stay in and make it a cabin feast. Then after dinner? The entire town is glowing with Christmas lights, Dollywood is in full holiday mode, and you're creating those core memories that stick with your family forever.
That's the Thanksgiving vibe in the Smokies. Zero stress, maximum cozy, and honestly just really special.
The Christmas Lights Are Already ON (And They're Insane)
Listen, by Thanksgiving week, the entire area is already lit up like the North Pole. We're talking over 6 million lights between Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. It's literally magical.
Smoky Mountain Winterfest runs from mid-November through February, so you'll catch the lights in their full glory. Downtown Pigeon Forge has this free Wonders of Light Walking Trail along the river with 25+ themed displays – including a 52-foot light-up caterpillar that the kids go CRAZY for.
And if you're at The Island in Pigeon Forge, they're doing their big Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 22nd. Even if you miss that, the 40-foot Christmas tree with synchronized lights and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel all lit up? Absolutely stunning.
Don't Miss These Light Shows
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov 1 – Jan 4) – Okay so Dollywood during Christmas is consistently voted one of America's best Christmas events, and I'm not arguing. Five MILLION lights, the Parade of Many Colors, live shows, Glacier Ridge... it's unreal. They're open most of Thanksgiving week (closed on Thanksgiving Day itself), so plan at least one day here. Pro tip: arrive late afternoon to catch rides in daylight, then stay for the nighttime magic.
SkyLift Park's "Lights Over Gatlinburg" (Nov 6 – Jan 31) – The record-length SkyBridge is covered in tens of thousands of lights, including this tunnel of lights you walk through 500 feet above Gatlinburg. Do the sunset time slot if you can – you get mountain views, the sunset, AND then all the lights come on. Three experiences in one ticket.
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland (Nov 14 – Jan 4) – This drive-through light show at Soaky Mountain Waterpark is HUGE. You tune your radio and the lights literally dance to music. It's one of those things you just have to experience – and it's perfect for families because you're in your car the whole time.
Anakeesta's Enchanted Christmas (Nov 14 – Jan 4) – The mountaintop park transforms into this winter wonderland with a million lights, live music, and faux snow. The view of Gatlinburg's lights from up there is absolutely stunning. Plus hot cocoa by the fire pits? Yes please.
Thanksgiving Events You Don't Want to Miss
Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show (Nov 25–30) – Free craft show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center with local artisans selling handmade quilts, pottery, jewelry, ornaments – perfect for early Christmas shopping. Open 10am-5pm daily (4pm on Sunday). More info
Gatlinburg Festival of Trees (Nov 26–30) – Dozens of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths fill the W.L. Mills Conference Center to benefit local charities. There's a kids' craft area, photos with Santa, and the whole thing is free (donations appreciated). It's genuinely heartwarming and gets you in the holiday spirit immediately.
"Christmas in the Smokies" Bluegrass Festival (Nov 20–22) – If you love bluegrass and gospel music, this multi-day festival at the Gatlinburg Convention Center is IT. The whole town is decorated, and hundreds of music fans gather for traditional mountain music. Details here
Thanksgiving Day at Ober Mountain (Nov 27, 11am–3pm) – Let someone else cook! Ober's doing a full Thanksgiving buffet with turkey, ham, all the trimmings, AND live music on the mountain. You ride the aerial tram up and enjoy the meal with incredible views. Reservations recommended. Info
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner (Because You're On Vacation)
Real talk – you did not come to the Smokies to stress about cooking a turkey. Here are the best spots serving Thanksgiving dinner:
The Can't-Miss Options
Mama's Farmhouse (Pigeon Forge) – All-you-can-eat Southern family-style feast. They bring turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and those famous biscuits right to your table. Seconds (and thirds) encouraged. Open 11am–9pm on Thanksgiving. Around $28/adult (2024 pricing).
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen (The Island, Pigeon Forge) – Family-style all-you-can-eat with massive portions. They do special Thanksgiving offerings plus their regular menu. Open on Thanksgiving Day – and you can catch The Island's fountain show after dinner.
Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant (Pigeon Forge) – Homestyle Thanksgiving feast 11am–4pm with oven-roasted turkey, mac 'n cheese, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie. First-come, first-served, and they usually have live music.
The Park Grill (Gatlinburg) – Woodsy mountain lodge vibes with a plated turkey dinner starting at 11:30am. They also have their regular menu if someone in your group isn't feeling turkey. Cozy fireplace atmosphere – perfect for a celebratory meal.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (Sevierville) – Classic country Thanksgiving on a working apple orchard. Those apple fritters alone are worth the trip. They serve Thanksgiving menu 10:30am–9pm and even offer "Feast to Go" packages if you want to bring it back to your cabin. Call early for reservations.
More Great Options
- The Old Mill Restaurant (Pigeon Forge) – Historic grist mill with Southern Thanksgiving classics
- Calhoun's (Both locations) – Open Thanksgiving Day for BBQ and steaks (plus turkey specials)
- Five Oaks Farm Kitchen (Sevierville) – Southern buffet, 10:30am–7pm
- Smoky Mountain Brewery (Gatlinburg) – Great for beer and burgers, open 11am-10pm
Want something unique? Anakeesta's Cliff Top Restaurant serves a Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving plate with views of Mt. LeConte. Or check out SkyLand Ranch (Nov 27, 11am–4pm) which includes the meal PLUS admission to their Festival of Lights.
Shows & Entertainment (Holiday Editions!)
Almost all the major dinner shows have Thanksgiving performances with Christmas twists:
Dolly Parton's Stampede – Christmas show with live Nativity and a four-course feast (their rotisserie chicken is legendary). They DO have shows on Thanksgiving Day.
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud – All-you-can-eat Southern comfort food plus the families' comedy Christmas disaster show. Open Thanksgiving evening.
Pirates Voyage – Captain Blackbeard's Christmas adventure with acrobatics and a four-course pirate feast. High-energy fun for all ages.
The Comedy Barn – Christmas variety show (Nov 17–Dec 31) with clean comedy, juggling, and music. Perfect post-turkey laughs.
Attractions Open Thanksgiving Week
Pretty much everything stays open! Here's what you can do:
- Ripley's Aquarium – Open daily including Thanksgiving. They're even doing special events like Pancakes & Penguins on Nov 20!
- Ober Mountain – Snow tubing typically opens Thanksgiving weekend (weather permitting), plus ice skating, Alpine Slide, and wildlife encounters
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Always open! Take advantage of the holiday to hike or drive Newfound Gap Road
- All the Pigeon Forge classics – Titanic Museum (decorated for Christmas!), WonderWorks, The Island attractions, etc.
What to Pack
Okay so November weather in the Smokies is unpredictable but manageable. Here's what you need:
Layers, layers, layers – Mornings can be in the 40s-50s, afternoons hit 60s-70s. Bring a cozy sweater, light jacket, and maybe a heavier coat for evening lights viewing.
Comfortable walking shoes – You'll be strolling through light displays and downtown areas.
Hot tub gear – Don't forget swimsuits! Most of our cabins have hot tubs, and there's nothing better than a mountain view soak in November.
Booking Your Thanksgiving Cabin
Listen, Thanksgiving week books up faster than you'd think. People are catching on to how magical this time is in the Smokies. If you're reading this and thinking "oh that sounds nice," BOOK NOW.
My Top Cabin Picks for Thanksgiving
For Couples:
Lost in Love Cabin – Hot tub, firepit, arcade loft, mountain views
Spellbound Cabin – Panoramic views, pool table, resort pool access
The Flame Azalea – Luxury Scandinavian treehouse with Mount Le Conte views
For Families (6-8 people):
Mamaw & Papaw's Place – Incredible views, game room, perfect location
Gray Fox Den – Theater room, arcade, hot tub, pool access
The Green Acorn – Game loft, hot tub, 5 smart TVs
For Big Groups (10+ people):
Presley's Retreat – Private indoor pool, arcade, mountain views
Overlook Swim Lodge – Indoor heated pool, theater, sleeps 16
Relaxation Retreat – Private pickleball court (!), hot tub, fire pit
Every single cabin has been personally vetted because I'm not about to recommend something I wouldn't stay in myself.
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
1. Do the nighttime stuff – The lights and shows are what make Thanksgiving week special. Don't skip the evening experiences.
2. Make restaurant reservations NOW – Popular spots like Applewood and Ober fill up weeks in advance for Thanksgiving Day.
3. Friday/Saturday after Thanksgiving = busier – If you want smaller crowds, visit Sunday-Thursday instead.
4. Check attraction hours – Most places are open, but a few close on Thanksgiving Day itself. Dollywood is closed Thanksgiving but open the rest of the week.
Let's Make This Happen
Here's what I really want you to know: Thanksgiving in the Smokies is one of those trips that people remember forever. It's the kind where you're sitting around next Christmas and someone goes "remember when we saw all those lights from the SkyBridge?" and everyone gets all nostalgic.
The mountains during this time have this magic that's hard to explain – it's cozy and festive and peaceful all at once. Plus, you get to skip the cooking stress and just enjoy being together in the most beautiful place.
Browse all our cabins here and if you have ANY questions – like literally anything – just reach out! Text us at (865) 412-4122 or email brittany@mamacabins.com. We're not some corporate booking site. We're real people who genuinely love these mountains and want you to have the best Thanksgiving possible.
Can't wait to help you plan your holiday getaway! 🦃✨
— Mountain Mama
P.S. – Want to see what Thanksgiving week looks like in real-time? Follow us on TikTok and Instagram! I'll be posting updates of the lights, events, and all the holiday magic as it happens. Plus you'll get first dibs on any last-minute cabin availability!
