Tennessee in the Winter: 7 Amazing Places to Explore
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Planning a visit to Tennessee in winter? Here are some of the best places in Tennessee I recommend visiting during a winter trip.
Tennessee might not be the first place that comes to mind for a winter escape. But with snow-covered landscapes and the magical holiday season, I find the state just as enjoyable in winter as any other time of year.
I love spending time outdoors skiing, seeing Christmas lights, exploring fascinating indoor exhibits, and catching captivating theater shows, whatever suits my mood. Check out these wonderful places to visit in Tennessee in winter and discover all the fun you shouldn’t miss out on!
Best Places to Visit in Tennessee in the Winter
1. Gatlinburg
There are so many things I love to do in Gatlinburg, and I think it’s the perfect winter oasis. First, I always start by going skiing at Ober Mountain. Located on Mount Harrison and open since 1962, Ober Mountain is the go-to spot for skiing in Gatlinburg. The ski season usually kicks off in mid-December and runs through the beginning of March.
After spending time on the slopes, I like to warm up at Wild Bear Falls Water Park. It’s a fantastic indoor water park with slides, lazy rivers, and so much more. In my opinion, it’s the perfect winter activity for the whole family in Tennessee.
Now, for something that’s definitely not for the whole family, going to a whiskey distillery for a tasting! The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery is my favorite place for this, and the samples are only $5.
If you need a morning pick-me-up after a night of tasting, I highly recommend heading to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. It’s been around since 1840 and serves the best home-cooked breakfast to help you recover.
These are just a few of the many amazing reasons I think you should visit Gatlinburg during the winter.
Recommended by Victoria Yore of Southern Trippers
2. Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is absolutely one of my favorite places to visit in Tennessee in winter. This small city transforms into a true winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights, trolley tours, and festive parades. The highlight of the season for me is always Winterfest. Three mountain towns come together to create a magical oasis for travelers like me who are searching for that holiday spirit.
Whenever I drive down Pigeon Forge Parkway during Winterfest, I’m amazed by the 12 Days of Christmas in lights. The fun doesn’t stop with the lights; there are events throughout the festival, including arts and crafts for kids, a chili cook-off, tributes to Christmases past, and lively parades. After soaking in the festival atmosphere, I always make it a point to stop at Dollywood, where the entire park feels like Santa’s workshop.
As a nature lover, I also recommend taking a scenic drive through Cades Cove. It’s easily one of the most beautiful spots in the Smokies, and I always find it worth taking my time to enjoy the breathtaking views. And if you want to truly unwind, renting a cabin with a hot tub is the way to go. There’s nothing like relaxing in warm water while breathing in the crisp winter air.
One of the best places I’ve stayed in Pigeon Forge is Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains. Its central location and fantastic amenities make it the perfect base for a holiday getaway in Pigeon Forge.
Recommended by Corritta Lewis of Itz A Family Thing
3. Cheekwood Lights, Nashville
Every winter, I love visiting the 55-acre Cheekwood Botanical Gardens as it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Cheekwood Lights is, in my opinion, one of the best holiday light displays in America.
While Cheekwood hosts special events year-round on its historic estate, nothing compares to the transformation during the winter light display. I’ve seen people travel from all over the Southeast and across the country just to experience it. The paths are lined with dazzling lights, starbursts, candy cane-wrapped trees, glowing tunnels, and beautifully illuminated trees. It truly feels like there are millions of lights.
Beyond the lights, there’s so much more to enjoy. The garden railroad is all lit up and decorated for the Christmas season, and it’s always a huge hit with kids. I always look forward to seeing Santa and his friends, and meeting the real live reindeer is an extra treat.
Cheekwood Gardens is about 30 minutes southwest of downtown Nashville.
For dinner, I usually stop at Café 29, the onsite restaurant, or try one of the great spots in nearby Belle Meade. As I wander the gardens, I always make sure to grab a hot chocolate or a hot toddy from the beverage stations.
While most people stay at a downtown Nashville hotel, I’ve found that the Hampton Inn & Suites – Green Hills is the closest option if you want to be near Cheekwood.
The Cheekwood Lights are absolutely magical, I can’t recommend them enough!
Recommended by Lance and Laura Longwell of Travel Addicts
4. Chattanooga
Chattanooga in winter is truly one of my favorite places to visit in Tennessee. The entire city transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, making it perfect for any kind of getaway. One of my personal highlights is Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights.
Perched atop Lookout Mountain just six miles from downtown, these beautifully decorated gardens are divided into four enchanting “realms of wonder”: Yule Town, Magic Forest, North Pole Village, and Arctic Kingdom.
Another must-see for me is Ruby Falls, home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States. Visiting Ruby Falls during the holidays feels extra special, with the whole area aglow in snow and lights. Exploring the caves here is an adventure I never get tired of, no matter how many times I go.
If you’re into winter hikes like I am, you’ll be amazed by the Bluff Trails along Lookout Mountain, which offer breathtaking views of Chattanooga’s skyline. I also recommend mountain biking or hiking at Raccoon Mountain up to Laurel Point. There’s nothing like taking in the rugged natural beauty and sweeping valley views.
Chattanooga really comes alive in winter, and I always look forward to my next visit!
5. Knoxville
Knoxville is a dream destination for anyone who loves history and architecture, and I always find myself enchanted by its historic sights. Catching a classic performance at the Tennessee Theatre is a must for me. I’m always amazed by its beautifully preserved architecture and timeless elegance.
I also love exploring James White Fort, Blount Mansion, and the Mabry-Hazen House Museum, each offering intriguing collections and a glimpse into Knoxville’s past.
Whenever I’m in Downtown Knoxville, I make it a point to check out the colorful murals; they’re truly Instagram-worthy! I also like to stop at the Double S Wine Bar to indulge in some of the best wines, desserts, and gourmet cheeses around. If I’m in the mood for ice skating, Knoxville’s Ice Chalet is just five miles from downtown and always promises a fun time, no matter my skill level.
For a little winter adventure, I love chasing frozen waterfalls in the area. And if you’re up for some hiking, the Ijams Nature Center offers plenty of scenic nature trails to explore, even in the colder months.
Knoxville in winter never disappoints, whether I’m in search of culture, good food, or outdoor fun!
6. Jack Daniels Distillery Tour
One of the best winter attractions in Tennessee could be a visit to Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg. Warming up with the world’s most iconic and well-known whiskey brand can be an excellent idea for a winter getaway. Lynchburg is only 75 miles from Nashville, so you might want to head there on a frosty day. You can go there by shuttle or guided tour.
It’s possible to book a trip with alcohol tasting or just a dry tour. Of course, it is also possible to go to the distillery on your own and buy a tour directly at the visitor centre. The distillery is a great place to visit. In addition to the production complex, huge barrel house, there is also the home of Jack Daniels and his family. The guide will tell you fascinating facts about his life and explain in an understandable way how whiskey is made. You will learn how Jack created this world-class distillery business.
What’s more, you will hear how determined and passionate Jack Daniels was. There is also a visitor centre, an alcohol and souvenirs store, and a restaurant on site. You will find the best rates and choices of accommodation in Nashville. However, if you decide to stay overnight in Lynchburg, you should know it is a dry county. It means that you will not find Jack Daniels products in any restaurant or store (except distillery).
7. Bristol Speedway Christmas Lights
One spectacle not to be missed in eastern Tennessee is in the Tri-Cities area, right on the Virginia border. It’s one of the largest holiday light shows in the Southern United States. Each winter, the Bristol Motor Speedway decorates its 4.5-mile track in over two million Christmas lights. There are over 250 unique Christmas light displays to enjoy.
In addition, the race track outfits the oval inside the track with a full Christmas village. Visitors can enjoy driving what is known by NASCAR fans as the “world’s fastest half-mile” as well as walk around the village. The Christmas village offers a variety of activities from roasting marshmallows and shopping for artisan crafts to carnival rides and seeing Santa.
One of the best parts about this Christmas display is that it’s a charity event! All proceeds benefit the Speedway Children’s Charities. The event, which runs from mid-November through the end of December, is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the organization.
The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights costs $20 for cars from Sunday through Thursday, and $25 per vehicle on Friday and Saturday nights. Group vehicles cost more: vans are $50 and buses are $125. Visitors can also take advantage of the Jingle Bell Lane fast pass, an additional cost option that allows visitors to skip the wait on select nights when traffic lines get long.
Recommended by Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life
What’s your favourite winter activity in Tennessee? Share with us in the comments section below.
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