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4 Reasons Why Your Kids Would Love a Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving at home is always a fun time to visit with family and friends, this year is a great time to start a few new traditions! When you spend your holidays in the Smokies, your whole family is guaranteed to have a blast and your kid will make memories that they’ll never forget. Here are 4 reasons why your kids would love a Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving:

1. Seasonal Activities

fall colors in smokiesThe Smokies are filled with tons of seasonal activities that we know your kids will want to try! As November draws to a close, the last of the Autumn leaves are falling from the trees, providing some awesome hiking views. Spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the fall is a can’t-miss activity while you visit the area.

We also suggest taking some time to drive through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to take in the twinkling lights of the Smoky Mountain Winterfest! With over 5 million LED lights strung all down the Parkway, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll want to see during your Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving!

Check out these other fun things to do in the Smokies in winter!

2. Holiday Attractions

Lots of the attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge host holiday events that are sure get you into the Thanksgiving and Christmas spirit. Head to Dollywood to enjoy the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, filled with amazing performances, a beautiful firework show and holiday treats! Your kids will love spending the day exploring this award-winning theme park while celebrating the holiday season.

The Island in Pigeon Forge also has their own Winterfest celebration, complete with a choreographed light and fountain show! Your kids will also have the opportunity to meet the big man himself, Santa Claus. While your little ones are having fun taking in all the sights, you can get some Christmas shopping done at any of the stores throughout The Island.

3. The Cozy Cabin

mountain shadow lodge cabin for a Smoky Mountains ThanksgivingAnother perk of spending your Thanksgiving holiday in the Smokies is getting to hang out in your cozy cabin after a day of adventuring. There is nothing like coming back to one of our secluded cabins and spending some quality time with the family. Your kids will love the amenities that these cabins offer, including game rooms, home theaters and private pools. Our cabins also come with fully equipped kitchens where you can cook all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!

4. This Year’s Thanksgiving Dinner

If you don’t feel like cooking your own Thanksgiving dinner in your cabin, don’t worry, there are plenty of Smoky Mountain restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re craving the traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing and pie, or you want to branch out, there are options for you. If the kids want pizza, seafood, steak, burgers or anything else their brains could come up with, you will have that option while dining in the Smokies on Thanksgiving.

Now that you know just a few of the reasons that your kids will love a Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving, you can begin planning your family’s holiday getaway! Are you looking to save on lodging so you can spend more on having fun with your kids? Check out our current cabin specials and stick to that vacation budget this year!