Smoky Mountains: Holiday Lights Tour & Shadracks Show Bus

Summary

Holiday light tour through smoky mountain towns with shadracks finale

You’ll ride a cozy heated bus through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, watching millions of Christmas lights flicker past while your local guide shares stories and tips. The night ends at Shadracks with its wild dancing light show synced to music. Kids get a special gift too — and you might find yourself humming carols long after it’s over.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what 12 million Christmas lights actually look like? I didn’t either, until we found ourselves bundled up on a heated minibus rolling through Pigeon Forge. Our guide, Mark, had this way of pointing out the little things — like how some families have been stringing up the same porch bulbs for decades. The windows fogged up from our breath and the heater, so every few minutes someone would wipe a circle clear to catch another glowing reindeer or those old-school twinkling icicles. It’s funny how you start to notice the smell of cinnamon from someone’s thermos or hear kids giggling at the back when they spot something wild (giant Santa on a tractor, who knew?).

We drifted into Gatlinburg next — honestly, I lost track of time because it all blurred together in the best way. There was this one house with blue lights that looked almost icy against the night sky; Mark said the owner changes the pattern every year just to keep people guessing. At one point, an older couple waved at our bus from their porch and everyone waved back without thinking. I guess that’s what these holiday light tours do — make you feel like you’re part of something bigger for a minute.

The real surprise was Shadracks at Soaky Mountain in Sevierville. I’d seen videos but being there is different — hundreds of thousands of lights actually “dancing” to Christmas music over the speakers. It’s loud and kind of chaotic but in a good way; even Mark grinned when he caught me humming along (badly). Kids under 12 got these little gifts handed out by our driver — my niece hasn’t let hers out of her sight since. We piled back onto the bus after, everyone a bit quieter than before, maybe just taking it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Holiday light tour in Smoky Mountains

• View Christmas lights in Pigeon Forge
• View Christmas lights in Gatlinburg
• Visit Shadracks Christmas Light Show

Top questions

How long is the Smoky Mountain holiday light tour?

The tour lasts around 3 hours total, including stops in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville for Shadracks.

Is transportation included for the holiday lights tour?

Yes, transport is by heated mini bus throughout the entire tour.

Are children allowed on this Christmas lights tour?

Yes, children are welcome and those under 12 receive a free holiday gift.

Does this tour visit Shadracks Christmas Light Show?

Yes, admission to Shadracks winter lights show at Soaky Mountain is included.

Is there a minimum number of people required for this tour?

The tour requires at least 5 paying customers to operate.

Can infants join the Smoky Mountain holiday light tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; children 4 and under ride free on a parent’s lap.

Are service animals allowed on this holiday lights tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.

What cities does this Christmas light tour cover?

The route includes Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville (for Shadracks).

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup by heated mini bus with a friendly local guide sharing stories along the way, admission to Shadracks winter lights show at Soaky Mountain in Sevierville, plus a special holiday gift for every child under 12 before heading back after all those twinkling displays.