From Pumpkins to Twinkle Lights: Fall - Winter Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains
The season the mountains shine the brightest...
The season the mountains shine the brightest...
One of my favorite things about living in the Smokies is how our little corner of Tennessee transforms with the seasons. From September through New Year’s Day, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg become a nonstop celebration—first with glowing pumpkins and fall colors, then with twinkling holiday lights and snowy mountain magic. And if you’re planning a getaway, Jason and I would love to welcome you to stay with us at Anson Arbor Farm, where our cozy cottages are the perfect retreat after a day of exploring. Some of our favorite seasonal events are:
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (Sept 12 – Oct 27, 2025)
We can’t resist Dollywood in the fall. Imagine thousands of glowing pumpkins lighting up the park, the smell of their famous cinnamon bread in the air, apple cider and hot cocoa for those cooler Fall nights, and live music around every corner. It’s a true welcome to the Fall season, and it never fails to get me in the fall spirit. Some things you can look forward to…
Great Pumpkin LumiNights: A night time spectacle with over 12,000 glowing pumpkins, including a massive 40-foot Pumpkin Tree and whimsical displays like Hoot Owl Hollow.
Artisan Crafts: Live demonstrations from Appalachian artisans showcasing crafts like woodworking and glass blowing.
Live Entertainment: Daily performances featuring Southern gospel, bluegrass, Americana, and country music across various venues.
Seasonal Flavors: Opportunities to sample fall favorites and seasonal dishes through the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass.
Fall Foliage & Decor: The park transforms into a fall wonderland with vibrant fall colors, golden autumn foliage, and autumn-themed decorations.
Smoky Mountain Winterfest (Mid-November – Mid-February)
As soon as November rolls around, our whole region comes alive with over 15 million lights. Seriously—you can’t drive anywhere without passing a glowing tunnel, a giant snowflake, or a twinkling reindeer. From Sevierville to Gatlinburg, it’s like stepping onto a Hallmark holiday movie set.
Some of our favorite Winterfest highlights:
The Winterfest Kickoff in Pigeon Forge (Nov 6) with music, fireworks, and the big light switch-on.
The Polar Express Train Ride (Nov–Dec) where you can sip cocoa as you watch the mountains roll by.
Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Trolley Tour—a slow, cozy ride past dazzling displays.
Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade (Dec 5) - an award winning parade featuring elaborate floats, marching bands and an appearance by Santa Clause.
Sevierville’s Christmas Parade (Dec 6) and Cocoa Crawl Christmas Market (Dec 13), which feel like pure small-town holiday magic.
Ringing in the New Year
If you’re around for New Year’s Eve, the Smokies know how to celebrate. The Island in Pigeon Forge throws a big party with live music and fireworks, while Gatlinburg hosts a charming ball drop right in the middle of town. Both are a blast if you love ringing in the year with a little sparkle.
And if big crowds on New Year’s Eve isn’t your idea of fun, that’s okay!! If you prefer a quiet celebration with your favorite person, Anson Arbor Farm is the perfect spot to cozy up by the bonfire or settle in for a soak in your private outdoor tub with a glass of champagne.
Rest, Recharge & Reconnect at Anson Arbor Farm
After a full day of exploring the Smokies—whether it’s pumpkins glowing at Dollywood, twinkling lights downtown, or a winter evening trolley ride —there’s nothing better than coming back to a place that feels like home. That’s exactly what we designed Anson Arbor Farm to be: your cozy retreat in the middle of all the adventure.
Each of our 12 cottages are thoughtfully designed for couples to rest and reconnect. You’ll find king-size beds with luxury linens, dual walk-in showers, outdoor tubs on private patios, fireplaces for chilly nights, and kitchenettes for a late-night snack or morning coffee. The farm itself spans 20 peaceful acres, with wide-open skies, a gathering barn for bonfires, and plenty of quiet corners to enjoy a change of pace.
An Open Invitation…
Jason and I poured our hearts into creating Anson Arbor Farm, and it brings us so much joy to share it with our guests. Whether you’re here for the fall colors, the glow of Winterfest, to enjoy a quiet, cozy Christmas, or to ring in the New Year in the Smokies, we would be truly honored to welcome you.
- Jason & Angela