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A Look at Tennessee Events to Wrap Up the Year

A person walking through a tunnel of lights at one of the popular Tennessee holiday events.

There’s never a bad time to book a getaway with Bear Camp Cabin Rentals. Our Smoky Mountain cabins have served as a home base for countless family vacations and romantic getaways for years. If you’re trying to figure out when to book your Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin rental, look at the lineup of memorable Tennessee events still on the horizon.

A Guide to Entertaining Events and Festivals

  • Taking place the Thursday before Halloween, Halloween Spooktacular in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit if you’re on a family vacation. Head to the Pigeon Forge Community Center for trick or treating.
  • Plan a visit to Dollywood to check out Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Running from the end of September through October, this annual event features thousands of jack-o-lanterns and massive pumpkin displays.
  • Another fun fall event at Dollywood is the Harvest Festival. Taking place until Oct. 28, this annual event features talented musicians, fall treats, and more.
  • During the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival, the town of Gatlinburg becomes decked out in fall decor. Local businesses compete for Best Harvest Decorations, while visitors can go on a scarecrow scavenger hunt for unique figurines scattered throughout downtown.
  • Purchase tickets for the Gatlinburg Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff. Taking place at the beginning of November, this celebration gives you a chance to sample mouth-watering homemade chili while listening to live music.
  • Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season. From November to mid-February, drive along the Pigeon Forge Parkway to view millions of holiday lights.
  • For over five decades, Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees has taken over the W.L. Mills Conference Center in November. View festive trees and wreaths, let your kids play in the craft area, or have their picture taken with Santa.
  • There’s nothing like Christmas at Dollywood. Smoky Mountain Christmas, which runs from November through the beginning of January, adds a bit of holiday sparkle to the park’s rides and attractions.
  • Gatlinburg Winter Magic offers you another chance to view magical light displays between November and mid-Februry. In addition to holiday lights, this annual event includes a snowpeople scavenger hunt.
  • Taking place at the beginning of December, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg is a can’t-miss event. Find your spot along the route to watch the festive lineup of marching bands, floats, and holiday balloons.
  • Go for a stroll through illuminated displays at Skyland Ranch during the Festival of Lights. Running through mid-January, your journey starts with a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the ranch.
  • Say goodbye and hello to the new with Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Ball Drop. Witness a colorful display and countdown to the ball drop that marks the closing of another year.
  • The Island in Pigeon Forge is known for its own New Year’s Eve Celebration. The free event includes a concert and fireworks display the whole family will love.

Find Your Perfect Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental

A Smoky Mountain rental that's close to local Tennessee events.

Timing your Smoky Mountains vacation around any of the local Tennessee events listed above is an excellent way to add a bit of extra fun to your getaway. Before purchasing tickets to any of the events listed above, be sure to take a look at our list of Xplorie partners for ways to save. Be close to the festivities while having a peaceful oasis to call home by renting a cabin from Bear Camp Cabin Rentals. Our selection of well-appointed vacation rentals includes unique treehouses, pet-friendly cabins, rentals with mountain views, and more. Call 1-800-705-6346 for help reserving your year-end escape.

⚡ New Rentals Discount

Check out some of our most recently added listings below and use promo code NEW2024 to save 5% on all new bookings for a limited time!

🌟 FREE Night Mountain Escape

Create lasting memories with our most popular offer – a FREE night in paradise when you extend your stay!

  • Book 6 nights, get your 7th night completely FREE
  • Valid for ALL our cabins including premium cabins
  • Perfect for family reunions and extended vacations
  • Available year-round (excluding holiday periods)
  • Use Promo Code: STAY6GET7TH
  • Best value: Save up to $500+ on weekly stays

💫 Midweek Mountain Getaway - 30% OFF

Escape the crowds and save big with our exclusive weekday discount – Our deepest savings of the year!

  • Save 30% on stays Sunday through Thursday
  • Valid: November 1, 2024 – May 22, 2025
  • Minimum 2-night stay required
  • No promo code needed
  • Select properties participating
  • Not valid during peak season or holidays
  • New reservations only

⚡ Last-Minute Getaway Deal

Score the absolute lowest rates on Last-Minute mountain escapes!

  • Book before December 19th, 2024.
  • Save up to an Additional 25% on remaining inventory.
  • Available for flexible travel dates
  • Call for help with best available rates
  • Subject to cabin availability
  • Cannot be combined with certain other offers including VIP and Buy 6 & get 7th Free.

🎖️ VIP Discount - 5% OFF

Special savings for those who serve – our way of saying thank you!

  • Use Promo Code: VIP
  • Available for:
    • Active Military & Veterans
    • First Responders (Police, Fire, EMT)
    • AAA & AARP Members
  • Valid on most properties
  • Can be used year-round
  • Holiday blackout dates apply

Deposit Protection

Deposit protection enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule less the deposit protection amount and applicable tax. In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 30 days prior to arrival (for 1-3 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 4 bedroom and larger).

With Deposit Protection, once inside this window, you may still reschedule your reservation within 12 months and receive full credit for the amount paid minus the deposit protection amount if you reschedule at least 15 days prior to arrival for 1-3 bedroom properties or 30 days prior to arrival for 4+ bedroom properties. Once the 12 month time frame has expired all monies paid will be forfeited.

Without Deposit Protection, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed.

Deposit Protection

Deposit protection enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule less the deposit protection amount and applicable tax. In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 30 days prior to arrival (for 1-3 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 4 bedroom and larger).

With Deposit Protection, once inside this window, you may still reschedule your reservation within 12 months and receive full credit for the amount paid minus the deposit protection amount if you reschedule at least 15 days prior to arrival for 1-3 bedroom properties or 30 days prior to arrival for 4+ bedroom properties. Once the 12 month time frame has expired all monies paid will be forfeited.

Without Deposit Protection, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed.

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