Winterfest Scenic Evening Tour: Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg lights

The lights tell stories as you drive through them, not just pass by.

The Winterfest Scenic Evening Tour is a narrated Jeep tour through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg's holiday light displays, departing from Pigeon Forge and running about two hours with a live guide. You ride in a heated open-air Jeep through both towns, viewing twinkling displays and lighted bridges while the guide explains the stories behind each one. Small groups keep the experience personal, and the route includes a vantage point overlooking Gatlinburg from above.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic winter lights tour

• Drive through Pigeon Forge lights
• Drive through Gatlinburg lights

The experience

If you've got a free evening in Pigeon Forge during the holiday season and want to see the lights without driving yourself, this tour handles the route. You depart from the office in Pigeon Forge and head south toward Gatlinburg, where you'll see the full scope of the light displays from the Jeep. The vehicle is heated and open-air, so you stay warm while moving through the displays rather than stopping at each one. A live guide narrates the tour in English, explaining what you're seeing as you wind through the illuminated bridges and decorated landmarks.

The route loops back through Pigeon Forge on the return, taking you through each lighted bridge in town and the stories the displays tell. One stop gives you a view of Gatlinburg from above before you head back. The whole experience runs about two hours, which fits into an evening without consuming the rest of your day. Small groups or families travel together, so you're not on a coach with fifty people.

What’s included

The tour includes the heated open-air Jeep ride, a professional guide who narrates in English, and passage through all the lighted displays and bridges in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00Last departure this season: 16 Feb 2027

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Smoky Mountains Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary and stories behind each display without strain. This works well for families with older children and for anyone who wants the lights explained rather than simply seen from a car window.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What should I wear on a heated open-air Jeep tour in the winter?

The Jeep is heated, so you'll stay warm, but it's still open-air and moving through cold evening air. Layers work best. A jacket you can adjust as needed, and a hat or scarf if you run cold. The guide will be narrating throughout, so you'll want to be comfortable sitting still for about two hours.

Do I need to book this tour in advance, or can I show up the evening I want to go?

The tour operates during the holiday season when Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are decorated with lights. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially on weekends and peak holiday dates when small groups fill up quickly.

What's included in the ticket price?

The tour includes the Jeep ride, the heated vehicle, and a professional guide who narrates in English throughout the two-hour route. Gratuities to your guide are not included in the price and are added at checkout.

Can I bring my young child on this tour?

Children of all ages can ride, but children under five years old require you to provide your own car seat, which you'll need to bring with you. Service animals are allowed on the tour.

How long does the tour take, and what time does it depart?

The tour runs about two hours total. It departs from the office in Pigeon Forge and includes driving through both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to see the holiday lights, plus a vantage point overlooking Gatlinburg before heading back.