Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday

We can't think of a better way to celebrate America turning 250 than enjoying one of America's favorite pastimes - Camping!

America will be celebrating 250 years in 2026 with events, media features and lots of memory sharing. Be part of the fun and create lasting memories during this milestone year in America's history!

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??Experience the magic of a Smoky Mountain winter in Pigeon Forge! From dazzling street displays and festive live shows to holiday shopping at local artisan boutiques, the season offers endless ways to celebrate.Pigeon Forge Winterfest lights up the entire area, and the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday puts you right in the middle of the excitement. Located just 2 miles from the heart of town (a quick 5-minute drive or a convenient local trolley ride), you are moments away from popular attractions like the historic Old Mill before retreating to your cozy campsite.

Dolly doesn't do anything halfway, especially Christmas. Five minutes from camp (2 miles), Dollywood swaps pumpkins for peppermint when Smoky Mountain Christmas takes over, November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
More than 6 million lights blanket the park, Peppermint Valley replaces the Country Fair, and a towering tree anchors the nightly show. Duck into Christmas in the Smokies or another holiday production indoors when your fingers need a break from the cold. Named America's Best Christmas Event for over a decade running, so plan ahead: even the slower nights fill up.

Craving a grown-up night out? About 35 minutes away (22 miles), on the quiet “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” the Grains & Grits Festival pairs Tennessee's best distillers with chefs for live-fire cooking over open pits, Saturday, November 7, 2026. Every dish gets a craft spirit to match, live music fills the gaps, and the mountains do the rest of the work as backdrop. One of the most flavorful nights of the fall season, and shuttles run for nearby accommodations if a tasting flight turns into a few more.

About 20 minutes away (9 miles), Gatlinburg throws the unofficial opening ceremony of winter: the Chili Cook-off and Winter Magic Celebration, November 12, 2026, staged right along the Parkway between the Mountain Mall and Gatlinburg SkyPark. Local restaurants go head-to-head for chili bragging rights while the town's Winterfest lights flicker on for the season behind them. Bring an appetite; the chili handles the staying-warm part.

Celebrate anime, Japanese culture and pop culture at Yama-Con in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This three-day convention brings fans together for a weekend centered on anime, gaming, comics and shared fandoms. Held at the LeConte Center, Yama-Con is a lively December event for enthusiasts exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.

Ring in 2027 with live music, family fun, and midnight fireworks at The Island in Pigeon Forge! This free New Year's Eve celebration brings a festive night to the heart of the Smoky Mountains, with a concert, nearby dining and shopping, and a fireworks display set to music. It's a memorable way to celebrate New Year's Eve in Pigeon Forge with family and friends.

Celebrate the natural beauty, wildlife, and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains at Wilderness Wildlife Week! This free, family-friendly event offers a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages, including classes, seminars, demonstrations, and guided hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Visitors can also explore exhibit booths featuring stunning Smokies photography, local art, handmade crafts, and more. Guided hikes cater to all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging treks, while classes are designed for both beginners and advanced participants. Wilderness Wildlife Week is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and enjoy the Smokies up close.

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Big skills and team spirit take center stage at the Make It Count Gymnastics SPECTACULAR in Pigeon Forge! Held at the LeConte Event Center, this five-day gymnastics competition welcomes athletes across multiple levels and divisions. Families can cheer on their gymnasts and enjoy the restaurants, attractions, and Smoky Mountain scenery that make Pigeon Forge a favorite destination for a competition getaway. Grab your spot today!

Volleyball action comes to the Smokies with the K-2 Volleyball Blue Ridge Battle! This two-day Pigeon Forge volleyball tournament brings teams and their families to the LeConte Event Center for a weekend of competition and team spirit. Between matches, families can enjoy local restaurants, attractions, and time together in the heart of Pigeon Forge.