Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Light Up the Smokies' Winterfest Season
The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff is the official start of one of the South’s longest holiday seasons. The evening features a lighted parade down the Parkway, a community lighting ceremony at Patriot Park, live entertainment, and the flip-of-a-switch moment when 5 million LED lights illuminate Pigeon Forge for the next 14 weeks.
Stay nearby at Smith Creek Resort and walk into a glowing Pigeon Forge for the start of Winterfest 2026–27.
Who It’s For: Families, locals, parade lovers, holiday enthusiasts, and anyone visiting the Smokies in early November.
What to Expect: Lighted parade floats, marching bands, live music, the ceremonial lighting of Pigeon Forge’s 5 million LEDs, hot cocoa, and food vendors.
Do’s: Arrive an hour early for parking, dress warmly, and stick around for the lighting moment after the parade.
Don’ts: Don’t park along the parade route. Don’t expect rain delays — the event runs in light weather.
Information
Date and Timings
- Start Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
End Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Hours: Parade ~6:00 PM; lighting ceremony ~7:30 PM
What to Know
- Type of Experience: Outdoor lighted parade, community lighting ceremony.
- Fun Fact: Pigeon Forge Winterfest first launched in 1990 and now features more than 5 million LED lights — making it one of the longest-running and largest small-town winter light celebrations in America.
