By Jim Watson © 2008, All Rights Reserved

It's time! Every November marks the kickoff of Winterfest in the Smoky Mountains. This four-month long celebration overtakes Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge with more fun than you can imagine. And many of the activities are free.  Here's just a taste of what you can expect when you take a trip to the Smokies this winter.

Winterfest Kickoff

For three days in a row, Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will kick off the festivities of Winterfest.  Sevierville illuminates the entire town with thousands of sparkling lights as well as free food, entertainment and fireworks.  Gatlinburg follows suit lighting over two million lights and hosting a chili cook-off with live entertainment and fireworks.  Then wrap up the inaugural events in Pigeon Forge as you celebrate in Patriot Park. Once the entire county enters Winterfest mode, you can look forward to all sorts of fun things to do and see.

The Lights

Nights become a fabulous display of twinkling lights as far as the eye can see during Winterfest.  Practically every building, streetlamp and signpost is adorned with sparkling Christmas lights.  It's one of the most beautiful exhibitions you've ever encountered.  For many, walking or driving through the towns to take in the amazing lights is what the holidays are all about.

Trolley Tours

If you'd prefer to see the lights via guided tour, check out the Trolley Tour of Lights offered in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  During your trolley tour, you'll visit each city's landmarks, learn about Winterfest and see the most astonishing light displays around.

Festival of Trees

Walk through a forest of Christmas trees all decorated to the nines for the holidays.  Hundreds of trees are displayed each year for all to enjoy.  In addition, you'll be lured to the gingerbread house contest (that also takes place during the Festival of Trees) by the smell of these enticing treats.  As beautiful as they are tasty, gingerbread is another treasured tradition of Christmas. Entrance to the Festival of Trees is free.

Parades

Both Gatlinburg and Sevierville host Christmas parades that can put the Macy's Parade to shame. These are seemingly never-ending exhibitions of singers, dancers, giant inflatable balloons, floats and - of course - Santa Claus.  With over 80,000 attendees lining the streets each year, it's easy to see why these events are so popular.

Winterfest is a magical time in the Smokies where the reason for the season shines through.  If you're looking to create a new holiday tradition that will hold countless fond memories, a trip to the Smokies is the perfect solution.  From Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival to the outlet sidewalk sales, Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas are the place to be this holiday season.  Bring the whole family and come celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way: with peace, love and goodwill.

Jim Watson is Owner of Timbercreek Cabins offering lodging near Gatlinburg. Vacation rentals are now available. Visit us online today for a complete listing of cabin rentals. © 2008, All Rights Reserved