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Where to Find Santa in the Smokies: Christmas 2023

Where to Find Santa in the Smokies - Christmas of 2023

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas with a touch of magic, then look no further than the Smoky Mountains. In this enchanting corner of the world, Santa Claus is making appearances at various locations, creating joy and lasting memories for families from all over the world. This blog will guide you through the best places to find Santa in the Smokies during Christmas of 2023. Whether you’re seeking a classic meet-and-greet with Santa, a mountaintop breakfast, or a festive photo opportunity, the Smokies have it all!

Visit Santa’s Workshop

Where to Find Santa in the Smokies - Christmas of 2023 

  • Where: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN
  • When: Open Daily until December 23

Make sure to add a visit to Santa’s cabin at Dollywood to your holiday itinerary, as it is a crowd favorite and for good reason. Your children will be thrilled to see Santa hard at work on his famous list through the frosted window of his Smoky Mountain cabin. As they try to catch a glimpse of their name on the nice list, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the magic! The combination of festive decorations, live entertainment, and thrilling rides at Dollywood makes this Santa experience a must for families seeking some holiday joy.

Meet Santa in the Island

  • Where: The Island at Pigeon Forge, TN
  • When: Fridays (November 24th) and Saturdays (December 2nd–23rd) from 3 pm to 8 pm

Throughout December, your little ones will be thrilled to meet and take photos with Santa Claus at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Make sure to stick around for the Island Winterfest Christmas Show, which begins at 6 pm in the Fountain Courtyard. Enjoy this stunning choregraphed water show, complete with three 40-foot-high LED Christmas Trees, millions of lights, holiday jingles filling the air, over a mile of garland and so much more! Finish a festive evening with some holiday shopping or a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for an unbeatable view of the holiday lights covering the city. Trust us when we say, you won’t regret it!

Have Breakfast with the Clauses

Where to Find Santa in the Smokies - Christmas of 2023

  • Where: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
  • When: November 24th & 25th, December 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd from 7:45 am to 9:30 am

Looking for an unforgettable way to kick start your day with the family? Why not join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a mountaintop breakfast at Anakeesta! Your family will enjoy a delicious meal, sing-a-long to your favorite Christmas carols, and to top it all off, get a professional photo with the man of Christmas himself. Plus, with early access to the park, you can be sure to make the most of your time at Anakeesta. This event is perfect for kids eager to ask Santa for their dream gift and adults looking to recapture the holiday spirit of their youth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get into the yuletide mood!

Photo Ops with Santa or The Grinch

  • Where: The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, TN
  • When:
    • Santa: December 3rd, 10th & 17th from 1 pm to 3 pm
    • The Grinch: December 2nd & 16th from 12 pm to 3 pm, and December 9th from 11 am to 2 pm

At The Mountain Mile, get ready for a festive fusion of holiday cheer with photo ops featuring both Santa and The Grinch. These unique opportunities offers families the chance to capture the essence of Christmas with Ol’ Saint Nick or (for a touch of festive mischief) Whoville’s very own Grinch! Against the picturesque backdrop of the jumbo ornament lights, these photo ops promise to be both magical and memorable, ensuring a delightful addition to your Smoky Mountain Christmas experience.

See Santa with a Woodsy Twist

Where to Find Santa in the Smokies - Christmas of 2023

  • Where: Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge, TN
  • When: December 4th, 11th & 23rd from 2 pm to 5 pm

Step into a magical lumberjack setting at Lumberjack Feud, where Santa will be making an appearance with a charming woodsy twist. This unique event promises an enchanting and entertaining experience for the whole family. In addition to your family enjoying the holiday spirit with Santa, sing some Smoky Mountain folklore tunes befitting the season and enjoy the thrilling antics of the Lumberjack Feud Christmas Show. Buy your tickets online now and get ready to create some brand-new and unforgettable memories this season!

An Evening with Santa and the Polar Express

  • Where: Beyond the Lens in Pigeon Forge, TN
  • When: December 14th, 6 pm to 9 pm (One-time event, reserve tickets in advance)

Mark your calendars for December 14th from 6 pm to 9 pm for an evening with Santa and the Polar Express at Beyond the Lens in Pigeon Forge. This exclusive event combines the magic of the Polar Express, the excitement of meeting Santa Claus and the wonder of the holidays with jaw-dropping effects and cutting-edge technology. During this event, the whole family will be immersed in a winter wonderland filled with fun, enchantment, and cheer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories with your family- be sure to book your tickets in advance before they sell out!

Journey to Santa at the North Pole

Where to Find Santa in the Smokies - Christmas of 2023 

  • Where: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, TN
  • When: Now until December 31st (times vary, check online for details and ticket reservations)

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for another unforgettable Polar Express Experience. Inspired by the timeless children’s book and movie by the same name, the Polar Express train ride lets you relive the story of a young boy who boards a magical train on Christmas Eve and travels to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. The train ride lasts approximately an hour and a half, during which you’ll enjoy the spectacular Smoky Mountain setting, hot chocolate and cookies, festive song and dance, a reading of The Polar Express, and you’ll even receive a special gift from Old Man Winter, himself. The Polar Express is one of the most popular attractions in the Smokies, so be sure to reserve your tickets online as soon as possible. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of Christmas with your loved ones on the Polar Express.

A Holiday Getaway That Feels Like Home
Are you in search of a charming and magical place to stay in the Smoky Mountains after visiting Santa? Parkside Resort offers the ultimate in luxury accommodations with refined yet cozy lodgings, stunning views, endless amenities and unbeatable location. Treat yourself to a home away from home this holiday season and get ready to make some unforgettable Christmas memories with those you love most! So, tell us, where will you be visiting Santa first?

Where to Find Santa in the Smokies - Christmas of 2023

Call us today at 888-908-6066 or visit our website to learn more about our amazing accommodations!