Five ways to brighten up the holidays during Winterfest in Sevierville

During Winterfest, Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains sparkle with millions of twinkling lights (now through Feb. 28). But the lights aren’t all that shine bright in this Smoky Mountain town. Here are five sure-fired ways to brighten up your holidays and get in the Christmas spirit!

1. Go light looking

There is something magical about the glow of Winterfest Christmas lights – and the massive displays up and down the famed Smoky Mountain Parkway certainly don’t disappoint. Themes range from whimsical penguins and snowmen to beautifully depicted mountain scenes and provide plenty of holiday charm as you drive through town.

For those who really want a mega light show, visit Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium. As the world’s largest drive-through, fully synchronized LED light and music show, this 1.5 mile long behemoth will put your holiday spirit on hyper drive. At $20 per family car (complete price chart available at shadrackchristmas.com), this is a full evening of entertainment. Drive through the light show then finish the night with a visit to Santa’s Village (also located at Smokies Stadium) for a free petting zoo. Also available for a small fee: Christmas snacks, pony and camel rides, kid-friendly carnival rides and more. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

2. Sneak away for a night (or two)!

The pressures of the holidays can be enough to turn even the jolliest among us into a Grinch! This winter, think about giving yourself the gift of a night or two away. Tuck into a cozy cabin at luxurious resorts like Oak Haven Resort and Hidden Mountain Resort – where crews are on hand to salt and scrape the roads on snowy days. Or splash away the winter blues at Wilderness at the Smokies indoor water park (there are even weekend opportunities to swim with Santa during December). Get complete lodging information at VisitSevierville.com.

3. Grant wishes with gifts from Sevierville outlet malls

Be Santa’s best helper when you shop the nearly 200 stores in Sevierville. Discover 100+ high-end name brand outlets (like Michael Kors and Coach) at Sevierville’s famous Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center. Then peruse boutiques, galleries and specialty shops – like Bass Pro and Your Scrapbook Superstore – to come up with the gifts for everyone on your list.

4. Take a unique Christmas card photo

Visit the statue of Sevierville’s hometown girl, Dolly Parton, in historic downtown Sevierville and snap a unique family photo for your Christmas card!

5. Dig in to a holiday meal

Treat the whole family to traditional holiday fare at country cooking hot spots like Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Or, try a downhome dinner off the beaten path at local eateries like Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill – where the homemade desserts are out of this world.

For more information about brightening up your holidays during Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration, contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce -1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or (865) 453-6411 or online at www.VisitSevierville.com.

Sevierville Winterfest Events

Nov. 10, 2014 – Feb. 28 – 25, 2015 Annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest

Nov. 7, 2014 – Jan. 4, 2015 Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – shadrackchristmas.com

Dec. 6, 2014 Sevierville’s 52^nd Annual Christmas Parade – VisitSevierville.com

Dec. 11-13, 2014 Parker’s Greatest Knife Show – bulldogknives.org

Dec. 14, 2014 Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5K – santahustlesmokies.com

Feb. 28, 2015 Rose Glen Literary Festival – VisitSevierville.com