12 Things to Avoid in the Smoky Mountains During the Holidays

Nothing can bring out your inner Grinch in Gatlinburg more than making some of the biggest holiday blunders. We want to help you avoid the mistakes while still maximizing your time during the holiday season on both sides of the Smokies. 

Sure, there are some obvious tips, like visiting during the week instead of the busy holiday weekends, but our advice goes far beyond that. Plus, we’ve talked to locals and frequent visitors about the lessons they’ve learned while soaking in the holiday spirit.  

Avoid Feeling Like You Have to See Everything

I’ve spent three holiday weekends in the Smokies, and I still haven’t seen all there is to see – and I’m someone who can get through all four Disney World parks in a day.

Savor the time and experiences you choose to do without putting your mind in a state of anxiety worrying about the future. Pick one drive-through experience. Opt for one snow tubing slide. Let the family vote on what holiday show in Pigeon Forge is preferred.  

For a multi-day trip, plan themed days. Day one could be for the rides, day two could be hiking, and day three could be shopping and a big dinner.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Book Popular Tours

By late October, the Polar Express Train through the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City will be booked on weekends. Snow tubing tickets at the tallest and longest snow slide at Smoky Mountains Snow Park sell out quickly. Even VIP options for the best holiday shows can reach capacity days or weeks in advance. 

If you truly don’t want to miss specific attractions or shows, book tickets as early as possible. 

Meanwhile, check out our Hidden Gems of Holidays in the Smokies to get some great ideas off the beaten path. 

Don’t Avoid the Parkway

While Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg traffic is notoriously thick, nobody seems to mind during the holiday season if you know where to look. As part of Winterfest, the Parkway and side streets – totaling 25 miles – are lit up with a bounty of lights. 

Maps of the route help you know where to look and give you great ideas of where to stop along the way. 

Avoiding Random Drives Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park

“Microclimate” is a buzzword during December in the Smokies. Even though Gatlinburg gets just nine inches of snow a year, on average, the snowiest spot in Tennessee is less than six miles south at Mount LeConte. 

Even Newfound Gap, the main driving artery through the park, gets about 83 inches a year. Temporary closures could ne underway while it’s sprinkling rain in Pigeon Forge. At the same time, don’t assume there is snow at the higher elevations. January and February are the snowiest months.

Then, you need to know about seasonal closures in places like Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Rich Mountain Road. Check the park’s website or call (865) 436-1200 to get road conditions and an updated list of closures. 

2024 Note: I-40 is closed at the state line until repairs can be made, which should be in early 2025. Check NCDOT for updates.

Know That “Closed” Usually Means Vehicle Traffic

As the most popular national park in the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be a hiking challenge during peak seasons with crowds. In winter, those trails thin out as soon as the last leaf falls in Cades Cove. 

You should know that even when Kuwohi Road is closed, you can still walk or snowshoe to Kuwohi’s summit. Peak baggers will enjoy the lack of leaves since it often means better views at the highest spots.

Related: 10 Must-Know Tips for Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Winter

Don’t Assume Bears are Hibernating

Just about everything we think we know about bears doesn’t really apply to the black bears of the Smokies.

The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains National Park might settle in for a long winter’s nap, but all it takes is a warming trend to wake them up. They technically don’t hibernate all winter. Also, instead of tucking themselves inside an underground den, you might see them denning in hollow trees.

You should still know bear safety tips and carry bear spray, just in case. Don’t bait, feed, or disturb bears. By December, the momma bears are about a month away from giving birth to the next batch of cubs. 

Avoid Assuming a Place in Western North Carolina Is Closed

Especially as it pertains to the cities near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the recovery from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 was remarkably quick. Part of what will make the process that much easier is for tourists to return. 

Places like Bryson City, Waynesville, and even many popular sections of Asheville are welcoming guests back. Every city’s social media page or website should detail the closures and considerations, but don’t just avoid cities that need you now more than ever. 

Avoid Waiting Too Long to Eat

I’ll be the first to say that the lines at any Smokies restaurant move faster than you’d expect, but it feels a lot longer if you’ve been working up an appetite all day. Grab samples from candy shops or bakeries along your journey and tuck a few away in case you get caught hangry. 

Some restaurants will take reservations, but most are first-come, first-served. On the flip side of your meal, don’t linger when you’re done if there’s a long line outside. 

Avoid Mixing Shopping with Attractions

Holiday shopping is special in the Smokies, with so many unique crafters and locally-owned stores.

Unless you’re staying really close to where you’re shopping, you’ll end up carrying bags, heavy objects, or fragile knickknacks as you’re about to get on a ski lift or stuff your purse under your seat at a show.

Set aside shopping-only time and take your stuff back to the hotel or cabin, where it will be safe until it’s time to leave. 

Avoid Outdated Information and Assumptions

Searching online is mostly helpful, but it can lead to wrong information. In addition, assumptions about how things used to be can get you into a bind.

For example, Dollywood no longer lets people in for free after 3pm, yet people who heard it from a friend keep asking about it. 

Assumptions can also lead to disappointment, so it’s important to read the fine print. Some attractions have ticketed access locations within the property. For example, Anakeesta’s Astra Lumina comes with an additional charge beyond the general admission fee.

Avoid Early Dinners

This has nothing to do with eating and a lot to do with what else happens at around 5:30pm in the Smokies. In December, the sunset happens around 5:25pm.

Arrive at your sunset spot about 30 minutes ahead of time, and plan to stay for 30 minutes after sunset when the “blue hour” reigns over the region. 

Winter also means less of the signature “Smoky” haze over the mountains, though winter fog can’t be ruled out.

Those looking to catch the sunrise should plan to be at the scenic vista around 6am for astronomical twilight or 6:30am for nautical twilight. That leads up to a 7:30am sunrise. 

The Most Important Thing to Avoid During the Smoky Mountain Holiday Season

This article took me twice as long to write because I was filled with memories, texting friends about belly-laugh-inducing memories. 

Don’t avoid the Smokies during this time of year because you’re worried about the crowds. It’s not even the busiest season of the year. That award goes to summer and fall. 

Avoid delaying a trip due to a tight budget because there are plenty of free light displays and festivities to enjoy. Plus, access to the national park is free, with parking costing $5 a day or $15 per week.

Finally, I would avoid counting calories. You’ll walk enough to burn energy, and you simply don’t want to miss the delectable Appalachian holiday treats that are waiting for you.