Charming Tennessee Christmas and Holiday Events for 2025

Tennessee offers the kind of holiday experiences you see in movies. From the Smoky Mountains to small towns and bustling cities, the state blends Southern charm with festive traditions in ways you won’t find anywhere else. 

We’ve done the hard work of searching out the most popular and talked-about events for 2025, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it’s popular or worth your attention.

1. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Pigeon Forge)

Dollywood transforms into a holiday wonderland with more than 6 million lights, award-winning musical productions, seasonal treats, and Santa meet-and-greets. Each area of the park is decked out with its own holiday theme, making it a full-day experience. Recognized nationally, it’s one of the country’s top Christmas theme park celebrations.

• Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  
• Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/smoky-mountain-christmas/

2. Pigeon Forge Winterfest 

This city-wide celebration covers Pigeon Forge with over 5 million lights, animated displays, and events ranging from parades to the Winterfest Kickoff. Highlights include Christmas at The Island and special entertainment throughout the season. With free displays all across town, it’s easy to enjoy for families and visitors alike.

• Dates: November 6, 2025 – February 15, 2026
  
• Address: Citywide, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes (many displays/events)
  
• Website: pigeonforgewinterfest.com

3. Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade & Events 

Downtown Gatlinburg shines with millions of lights and its signature Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 5. The city’s Winter Magic displays, Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter, and Santa sightings keep the celebration going through the season. The mountain backdrop makes it one of the most picturesque holiday settings in the state.

• Dates: Parade: December 5, 2025; Winter events: Mid-November 2025 – January 2026
  
• Address: Downtown Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes (parade/displays)
  
• Website: https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/holiday-events/christmas-parade/

4. Holly Jolly Festival of Lights at Lucky Ladd Farms (Eagleville)

Just outside Nashville, Lucky Ladd Farms hosts a mile-long walkable light trail with photo spots, live nativity scenes, campfires, and barnyard animals. Holiday character meet-and-greets make it extra special for kids. On select nights, even pups can join for “Pup Pics with Santa.”

• Dates: November 28 – December 23, 2025 (Wed–Sun, plus Dec 22–23)
  
• Address: 4306 Rocky Glade Rd, Eagleville, TN 37060
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (special nights)
  
• Free: Parking free, ticket required
  
• Website: https://luckyladdfarms.com/nashville-tn-holly-jolly-festival-of-lights.html

5. Christmas Fair at Knoxville Expo Center

This long-running event combines holiday shopping, festive foods, and family activities under one roof. Visitors can browse vendor booths and enjoy themed displays while kids meet Santa. It’s a Knoxville tradition that brings the community together every November.

• Dates: November 7–9, 2025
  
• Address: 5441 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Not specified
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: christmasfairtn.com

6. Festival of Lights by FrankTown Open Hearts (Franklin)

A drive-through display of synchronized lights stretches across Williamson County Ag Expo Park, set to music you can tune into from your car. Select walk-through nights feature fire pits, s’mores, and leashed dogs. Proceeds benefit a local nonprofit, making it both festive and meaningful.

• Dates: November 22 – December 31, 2025
  
• Address: 4215 Long Ln, Franklin, TN 37064
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes on walk-through nights
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: franktownsfestivaloflights.com

7. Christmas in Granville 

This small-town celebration features a Festival of Trees, fashion show, town tours, and streets lined with decorations. Shops and eateries join in the festivities, making it feel like a Hallmark-style holiday weekend. Many events are free, with affordable tours adding even more to the experience.

• Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
  
• Address: Downtown Granville, 169 Clover St, Granville, TN 38564
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Some activities free, tours $7
  
• Website: granvilletn.com

8. Memphis Holiday Market at Agricenter International 

With more than 200 merchants, this market is one of Tennessee’s biggest holiday shopping events. Visitors can find everything from artisan crafts to gourmet treats while supporting small businesses. It’s a great way to kick off the season early in West Tennessee.

• Dates: October 24–26, 2025
  
• Address: 7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Not specified
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: themarketshows.com

9. SkyLand’s Festival of Lights (Sevierville)

SkyLand Ranch combines a scenic chairlift ride with a half-million-light walkthrough, projection shows, and campfire spots for s’mores. The western-themed setting adds something unique compared to other light shows. Families appreciate both the views and the interactive activities.

• Dates: TBA (typically late Nov–Dec)
  
• Address: 1620 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: https://www.skylandranch.com/festival-of-lights/

10. Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

Step back in time at this immersive 1830s living history village as it's transformed with thousands of twinkling candles, live music, caroling, dance, sleigh rides, and demonstrations of classic holiday traditions. Enjoy gingerbread baking, chestnut roasting, and story readings for a magical and educational family outing in a beautifully preserved setting.

• Dates: Select evenings, December 2025 (typically weekends; check calendar for specifics)
  
• Address: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (admission ticket required)
  
• Website: osv.org/event/christmas-by-candlelight-2025/

Making Memories without the Stress

You can always count on a memorable night on the town during Christmas in Tennessee. From world-class theme parks to charming small-town markets, Tennessee’s holiday season has something for everyone.

Let us save you even more time! Join our email list and we’ll send you the best Christmas events, tips, and traditions straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for even more holiday inspiration. 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.