The Best Places to Visit in Tenneseee This Winter

Planning a winter getaway to Tennessee? After exploring the Volunteer State on numerous trips, I’ve discovered there’s just as much to enjoy during the colder months. From sparkling Christmas lights to its legendary music scene and charming small towns, Tennessee has much to offer. I’m sharing the best winter events for 2026–2027, exciting new attractions, and some of my favorite places to visit, whether you’re planning a couples getaway, girlfriends’ trip, or weekend adventure.

Highlights:

• Discover top winter events, Holiday and winter festivals across East, Middle and West Tennessee.
• Explore new 2026 attractions, including Dolly Parton-inspired destinations
• Uncover expert travel tips, boutique stay options and holiday traditions statewide.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted at some of these locations.

Tennessee’s Winter 2026/2027 Events

Tennessee knows how to celebrate the holidays! From millions of Christmas lights in the Smoky Mountains to festive celebrations in Franklin and Memphis, there’s plenty to see and do.

This winter brings some exciting additions, including Journey to the North Pole at Anakeesta and Dolly Parton’s new SongTeller Hotel in Nashville. And the celebrations don’t end with Christmas. Live music, museums and mountain getaways give you plenty of reasons to visit throughout the winter. And you’re invited!

Let us inspire your travels! Sign up for our newsletter now.

What’s New This Winter

• In Dolly’s Footsteps is a self-guided walking tour in Sevierville, Dolly Parton’s hometown.
• Songteller Hotel in Nashville, inspired by the life and music of Dolly Parton. It features immersive exhibits, live entertainment and a rooftop bar.
• Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum on the third floor of the Songteller Hotel
• Journey to the North Pole at Anakeesta replaces the Enchanted Christmas. After dark, Santa’s Flight runs on the Treetop Skywalk.
• Metal Museum in Memphis is open and It is the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to fine metalwork. The museum now welcomes visitors at 1930 Poplar Avenue, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The former Bluff location is closed to the public.

Best Tennessee Holiday Lights and Christmas Events for Adults 2026

• Winterfest Lights Pigeon Forge | Gatlinburg | Sevierville | November 6 – January 31 Millions of small, twinkling lights come together on streets throughout the mountain towns to form elaborate displays that will leave you in awe. Book early!
• Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood Pigeon Forge | Dollywood | November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027 A winter wonderland twinkling with more than six million twinkling lights, dozens of towering Christmas trees and holiday music in the chapel.
• Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour at Dollywood Pigeon Forge | Dollywood | November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027 General Admission, plus an extra per person fee.. Enjoy a guided tour, food tastings and more.
• Gatlinburg Winter Magic November 5, 2026, to February 15, 2027.)
• Journey to the North Pole at Anakeesta Gatlinburg | November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027 Includes the North Pole Express, a holiday version of the all-glass Crystal Express Gondola.
• Enchanted Garden of Lights: Rock City | November 13 – December 31, 2026)
• Graceland Holiday Tree Lighting Weekend Memphis | November 19 to 21 Christmas tours will follow.
• Peabody Tree Lighting Memphis | November 27, 2026 | 3 to 6:30 PM The ceremony is for hotel guests only
• Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade Gatlinburg | December 4, 2026 | 7:30 PM
• Dickens of a Christmas Franklin | December 12-13. 2026
• Bristol Sessions Nights Bristol | November 20, December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19 and April 16 | 7:30 PM Road to 100, a music and storytelling series at the Bristol Listening Room. The December 18 concert is titled The Holiday Sessions.

SheBuysTravel Tip: See our story about Tennessee Foodie Road Trip: Holiday Dining and Winter Favorites, where you’ll find food festivals and events plus the best places to eat at Tennessee destinations.

Year-Round Top Tennessee Places to Visit

Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Tennessee—from Nashville’s vibrant music scene to cool, foggy mountain sunrises in the Smokies. The state shifts personalities fast, which is why it welcomed 150 million visits in 2025 according to the Tennessee Tourism’s 2025 Economic Impact of Travel. Here are the best places to visit, drawn directly from my own travels through the Volunteer State.

East Tennessee

1. Chattanooga & Rock City

• Why Go: Chattanooga packs a surprising amount into one getaway. You can explore the underground waterfall at Ruby Falls, take in the views from Rock City, and end your day with a cocktail overlooking the Tennessee River. I especially enjoy how easy it is to explore downtown without constantly moving the car.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Descending underground to tour Ruby Falls, the deepest cave waterfall in the country.
  • Ascending to Rock City, for panoramic views of 7 states from Lookout Mountain and walking along its cliffside overlooks. Don’t miss the Enchanted Garden of Lights.
  • Catching sunset views over the river while sipping craft drinks at Whiskey Thief’s rooftop bar.
  • Boarding the restored vintage dining car at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for a multi-course, white-tablecloth dinner ride during the exclusive Dinner on the Diner excursion.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Order the house-made hot biscuits at The Feed Co. Table and Tavern paired with a local Tennessee craft IPA.
• Basecamp: The Read House (Historic 1920s downtown hotel — read our review: The Read House Hotel Review: Historic Luxury in the Heart of Chattanooga.)

SheBuysTravel Tip: When visiting Chattanooga, staying downtown makes all the difference — we always hop on CARTA’s free electric shuttle to glide right between the Choo Choo and riverfront without touching the car.

2. Gatlinburg and Anakeesta

• Why Go: Gatlinburg is busy, nostalgic and wonderfully over-the-top. Chairlifts glide overhead, fudge shops tempt you at every turn, and the smell of pancakes seems to follow you down the Parkway. During winter, the town adds thousands of holiday lights, making an already lively destination even more festive.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Riding the SkyLift up to Gatlinburg SkyPark to walk across the SkyBridge overlooking the Smokies. The new SkyTrail offers beautiful views with plenty of seating for rest and views.
  • Exploring Anakeesta high above Gatlinburg: where you can walk among the treetops, enjoy mountain views, and stay after dark for Astra Lumina. For winter 2026, the new Journey to the North Pole adds another reason to visit during the holidays.
  • Trying hands-on pottery making with local artisans at Fowler’s Clay Works.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Stacked wild blueberry pancakes and a tasting flight of moonshine at Ole Red – Gatlinburg.
• Basecamp: The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton (Iconic high-rise resort featuring 360-degree Smoky Mountain views).
  

SheBuysTravel Tip: Downtown Gatlinburg traffic can be intense, so I leave the car at the hotel and ride the free trolley; my personal favorite stop is Fowler’s Clay Works where we threw our own clay souvenirs.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Why Go: I’ve visited the Smokies in different seasons, and winter has its own special appeal. There’s something beautiful about the morning fog rising over the mountains or seeing snow covering the higher elevations. You won’t always find snow, but when you do, the scenery is spectacular.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Driving through Cades Cove at sunrise to spot native wildlife emerging through the morning fog.
  • Hiking on snow-covered trails surrounded by the dense forest canopy.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Hot coffee poured from a thermos.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to check the National Park Service road status for high elevation closures. On my countless trips into the Smokies, entering the gates early is my golden rule, you’ll have a better chance of spotting wildlife without the crowds. and buying your parking tag online ahead of time saves huge hassle.

4. Pigeon Forge and Dollywood

• Why Go: Don’t assume Pigeon Forge and Dollywood are just for families with children. There’s plenty for adults, too, including distillery tastings, dinner shows, shopping, and mountain views. During the holidays, Dollywood adds millions of Christmas lights, festive entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy that famous cinnamon bread.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Exploring Dolly Parton’s rise to fame at the Songteller Dolly’s Journey exhibit at Dollywood and sampling warm, freshly baked cinnamon bread straight from the Grist Mill, accompanied by cold sweet tea.
  • Riding The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at Night: This climate-controlled glass gondola at The Island rises 200 feet for sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains.
  • Step aboard the Titanic Museum for a look at the ship’s history through its recreated spaces and exhibits.
  • Tasting Craft Spirits Along the Parkway: Skip the theme park crowds for an afternoon of local moonshine, small-batch whiskey and fruit wine tastings at Ole Smoky Moonshine or Old Forge Distillery.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Family-style Southern fried chicken dinner with mason-jar fruit iced tea at The Old Mill. For unique dining, try a Pigeon Forge dinner show.
• Basecamp: Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort (a high-end, nature-inspired mountain resort featuring cozy fire pits, upscale lounges and a relaxing spa).

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Visit mid-week in the holiday season to enjoy shorter coaster wait times, peaceful spirit tastings and clear driving down the Parkway without weekend traffic. Dollywood is not open every day during winter, so be sure to check their calendar for January closures.

5. Knoxville

• Why Go: Knoxville surprised me. I enjoyed exploring the downtown murals, shops and restaurants, and there’s plenty of live music to discover. It’s also a convenient stop if you’re traveling between Nashville and the Smoky Mountains. You can spend the day exploring downtown and still have time for a great dinner.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Listening to live regional musicians play in the open air at Market Square.
  • Sipping literary-themed craft cocktails inside the cozy Peter Kern Library speakeasy, The Vault.
  • Visit Zoo Knoxville, then explore the trails and quarry views in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. With more than 50 miles of trails, it’s a great option for travelers who want to combine city attractions with time outdoors.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Artisan food-stall bites at Kern’s Food Hall. For another unique cocktail experience, visit The Vault, housed in a former bank vault on South Gay Street.
• Basecamp: The Oliver Hotel (Historic boutique hotel housing the Peter Kern Librarya cozy speakeasy).

6. Sevierville

• Why Go: Sevierville provides access to the Smoky Mountains with a more relaxed pace. Known as the birthplace of Dolly Parton, it offers mountain views, a charming and walkable downtown and outdoor adventures without the theme-park crowds.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Sampling wine and cider at The Apple Barn and Cider Mill where you’ll enjoy fruit wine, hard cider and fresh fritters at a historic apple orchard complex.
  • Following the self-guided “In Dolly’s Footsteps” historic tour starting at her downtown statue (check out the detail in her toes!)
  • Tasting small-batch spirits and wine at local distilleries and vineyards like Hillside Winery.
  • Taking in mountain scenery, live acoustic music and riding the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster at Skyland Ranch.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Elevated Southern cuisine at The Appalachian followed by local moonshine cocktails at Shine Girl.
• Basecamp: The Historic Central Hotel (Boutique luxury condo-style hotel located in downtown Sevierville).

SheBuysTravel Tip: Fill your tank at one of Buc-ee’s 170 pumps and allow time for shopping – these mega roadside stops, with super clean restrooms and snacks galore, are so worth the stop.

7. Bristol

• Why Go: Bristol is a must for country music fans. At the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, you can learn how the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions helped shape country music.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Exploring historic 1927 recording sessions at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
  • Journeying through Bristol Caverns’ paved pathways, underground streams and towering limestone formations carved deep beneath the earth’s surface.
  • Grabbing a selfie while straddling two states on State Street, with one foot in Tennessee and one foot in Virginia, followed by craft drinks and brews at Elderbrew or Cascade Draft House.
  • Getting your high-speed, NASCAR thrill on at the Bristol Motor Speedway, also known as the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” for its short track and steep banks.
• Basecamp: The Bristol Hotel (Historic restored 1920s boutique hotel next to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum).

Middle Tennessee

8. Nashville

• Why Go: Nashville never feels like a one-note destination. Every visit introduces me to a new neighborhood, restaurant or place to hear live music. While Broadway gets much of the attention, some of my favorite Nashville discoveries have been away from the honky-tonks.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Touring legendary country music memorabilia inside the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • Uncovering the roots of American sound, as influenced by African American music across every genre, from the sacred hymns we sing to the daily soundtracks of our lives at the National Museum of African American Music.
  • Crafting custom Southern cocktails during a hands-on workshop at Liquor Lab.
  • Catching live music, in the venues along Broadway and throughout Nashville’s neighborhoods, at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium or the newest venue, The Pinnacle.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Heritage pork dish at Rolf and Daughters, an intimate and innovative dining experience.
  **Note Rolf and Daughters will be closed, November 25–26 and December 24–25, 2026.
• Basecamp: The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville’s historic, 5-star landmark hotel) or Dolly’s new Songteller Hotel.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit the new Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum on the third floor of the Songteller Hotel.

9. Franklin

• Why Go: Franklin feels like a Hallmark movie especially during the holiday season. Between the historic downtown, live music and upscale restaurants, it became one of my favorite Tennessee discoveries. Located about 20 miles south of Nashville, the city is notably dog-friendly with water bowls on the porches of businesses welcoming pets.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Strolling Franklin’s award-winning Great American Main Street, 16 blocks of Victorian architecture, local boutiques, artisan bakeries and historic sites. A great time to visit is during their Dickens of a Christmas festival.
  • Exploring Civil War history at Carnton and the Carter House, iconic historic homes and grounds that stood in the epicenter of the 1864 Battle of Franklin.
  • Shopping and dining at The Factory at Franklin, a repurposed 1929 stove factory now buzzing with artisan retail shops, craft cocktail bars, local bakeries and live performance venues.
  • Sip and sample along the Masters & Makers Trail, a scenic drive through Williamson County to sample craft whiskey, local wines and craft beers.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Southern comfort staples at Puckett’s or 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room; and grab a craft cocktail at Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club.
• Basecamp: Southall Farm & Inn (Luxury countryside resort and wellness retreat).

10. Lynchburg

• Why Go: Lynchburg, renowned as the home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, and trailhead of The Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Visitors can stroll the square and learn about the town’s role in whiskey history. A special note: Jack Daniel was only five feet four inches tall — a small man with a big legacy.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Touring the Jack Daniel’s Distillery to see how every drop of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is crafted, ending with a premium flight tasting.
  • Dining family-style at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant, a legendary 1908 boarding house serving Southern comfort food and traditional fried chicken.
  • Strolling historic Lynchburg Town Square’s vintage country shops and local artisan boutiques, anchored by the 1885 Moore County Courthouse.
  • Sampling local spirits along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, or stop for bourbon tastings at Company Distilling tasting room just off the Town Square.
• Local Flavor & Sip: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel flight accompanied by fried chicken and candied yams at Miss Mary Bobo’s.
• Basecamp: The Tolley House (Historic 19th-century bed & breakfast with direct ties to the Jack Daniel family).

SheBuysTravel Tip: Reserve tours early and book your distillery tour to include lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s for a complete experience.

11. Clarksville

• Why Go: Clarksville surprised me, especially with its restaurants, local breweries and art galleries. I enjoyed discovering a city that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Between the Cumberland Riverwalk , historic downtown and growing food scene, there’s plenty to fill a weekend.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Tasting craft spirits at Old Glory Distilling Co.: Sample small-batch bourbon and cocktails. While there, check out their new restaurant.
  • Sipping wine at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery: Relax on the lawn (weather permitting) with wine flights at Tennessee’s oldest single-family-owned winery.
  • Exploring Dunbar Cave State Park: Hike the scenic lake trails. The cave is closed for the season.
  • Shopping at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace: Browse 200+ vendor booths filled with curated antiques, home decor and boutique clothing.
• Local Flavor & Sip: The signature “Pork n Roll” (a cinnamon roll topped with smoked pulled pork and BBQ sauce) at Legends Smokehouse & Grill; or grab a seat at The Mailroom or Strawberry Alley Ale Works for the made-from-scratch menus and craft cocktails.
• Basecamp: DoubleTree by Hilton Clarksville Riverview (Premier downtown hotel overlooking the Cumberland River).

West Tennessee

12. Memphis

• Why Go: Memphis has so much history packed into one city. You can visit Graceland, spend a thought-provoking morning at the National Civil Rights Museum, and listen to live blues on Beale Street that evening. And you certainly don’t want to leave without trying some Memphis barbecue or MICHELIN-recommended restaurants.
• Signature Experiences:
  • Walking through interactive exhibits detailing pivotal moments and figures of the Civil Rights Movement at the National Civil Rights Museum. Don’t miss the Lorraine Hotel Rooms, preserved from the final stay of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, before his assassination in 1968.
  • Touring Elvis’s preserved living quarters inside the classic mansion Graceland and viewing his extensive collection of gold records, iconic stage jumpsuits and custom classic cars. I loved visiting when it was decorated for the holidays.
  • Listening to live blues bands perform in historic clubs along Beale Street.
  • Watching the iconic daily Peabody Duck March across the red carpet in the lobby. Don’t miss the hotel’s holiday gingerbread display and elaborate Christmas decorations.
• Local Flavor & Sip: 
  • Slow-smoked dry-rub pork ribs paired with a classic cocktail in the lobby bar at The Peabody.
  • Peanut butter and banana grilled sandwiches at Vernon’s Smokehouse with sweet Southern iced tea.
  • MICHELIN-recommended dining at Felicia Suzanne’s
• Basecamp: The Peabody Memphis (Famous historic hotel known as the “Grand Dame of the South”).

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you only have a day, spend the morning at the National Civil Rights Museum, the afternoon with Elvis and then enjoy the nightlife on Beale Street. The morning will be somber and reflective, the afternoon, a bit whimsical and nostalgic and the evening, a musical celebration.

Visiting Tennessee FAQs

Read More:

• Tennessee Whiskey Trail: Essential Planning Guide
• Why Chattanooga, Tennessee is a Michelin Guide Contender!
• Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows
• Best Museums in Memphis: Elvis, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Music
• Tennessee Food Travel: Culinary Stops Worth the Drive
• Fun Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids This Winter (And Why to Book Early)