When to go: Winterfest kicks off on November 9 and has a whopping run through the middle of February. Check out their full calendar of events here.
What else to do: Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, which will also delight with more than 5 million twinkling lights, rides, and music as part of Winterfest. Cheer for your favorite elf at Dolly Parton’s Stampede or do any number of things suggested by the living legend herself.
Why you’ll love it: Looking for lights and libations? You’re in luck: After you drive or walk through the Festival of Light for free, you can hit up the food truck park and the festival’s ticketed activities, like a Ferris wheel, carousel, ice rink, and carriage rides.
When to go: Visit November 18 to December 31, 6–10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
What else to do: Stick around nearby Oklahoma City for a holiday cocktail at the Mary Eddy’s Dining Room inside the 21c Museum Hotel, built inside an old Ford assembly plant.
Why you’ll love it: A local favorite, Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a family-owned and operated light show in honor of the late Bando patriarch. Each year, the Alum Creek State Park Campground transforms into a 30-minute tour of winter wonderland. Organizers recommend tuning in to 88.3 FM to listen to Fantasy of Lights radio courtesy of local music students.
When to go: Fantasy in Lights is open from November 17 through January 1. Entry starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends.
What else to do: If you don’t mind a few more hours in the car, head up to Cleveland to check out the home featured in the timeless holiday flick, A Christmas Story. Now known as the A Christmas Story House Museum, the fully-restored house is available for tours and features original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the film.
Why you’ll love it: Only one of many sweet and merry Hersheypark attractions available this holiday season, the drive-through Hershey Sweet Lights promises to pair perfectly with a steaming mug of to-go hot chocolate. The illuminated drive spans two miles of wooded trail and boasts 600 animated displays.
