Vacation is not synonymous with long, hot summer days. Sometimes, the most memorable vacations are done away from the beaches and the typical spring and summer activities. Sometimes, just where you want to be on a wintery day in February is meandering the cozy downtown streets of a quaint mountain town. Sometimes, the best place to be in February is in the Tennessee town of Pigeon Forge.
February in Pigeon Forge is a special time. There’s a bit of quietness on the streets during this soft lull between the busy holiday season and the even busier spring and summer seasons. Locals put on special events and the mountains are a special type of treat with their soft snow caps. Still not sure if this is the right time to travel to this Tennesse town? Consider the following great things happening in Pigeon Forge this February:
1. Enjoy the sparking lights of Winterfest before they’re gone!
Photo Credit by @pigeonforgetn on Instagram
Winterfest is a special time in Pigeon Forge that begins on the eve of Veterans Day and continues on to mid to late February (February 19, this year). During this time, local businesses, individuals, and government entities drape the town in over six million holiday lights. The town becomes a festival of unique themed lighting locations, such as the Fairytale Fantasy display along Teaster Lane that tells beloved children’s tales via moving lights. Make sure to check out the city’s Winterfest map online to see this and all of the other Winterfest locations for this year.
2. SkyLand Ranch Festival of Lights
Photo Credit by @mrsjrogers2013 on Instagram
Most of the official Pigeon Forge Winterfest lighting displays exist within the city’s downtown area. However, more and more of the community at large are getting excited about this style of holiday celebration and you will find big light displays and events throughout the region. SkyLand Ranch is an excellent example of a company doing more with the idea. Take the skylift up to SkyLand Ranch from now until February 18, 2024, to enjoy their own lighting event called Festival of Lights at the Ranch. Here, you can stroll through tunnels illuminated by thousands of lights and wonder at gigantic moving light structures and displays.
3. Enjoy Dollywood’s Winter Music Series
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Every winter season, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa hosts what they call the Winter Music Series. This is a special concert series that takes place within a special climate-controlled tent on the resort’s grounds every weekend of the winter, through the end of February. But you don’t have to be a resort guest to purchase tickets! We love this music series for the cozy atmosphere that connects audience members with premier country music artists.
4. Plan for Valentine’s Day Romance
How can we forge the holiday of the month?! At the heart of February is Valentine’s Day, the day to share with that other half of your heart — and isn’t Pigeon Forge just a wonderful place to do so? Here, you can rent a cozy cabin complete with a hot tub, or choose a grand ole suite at one of the area’s many fantastic luxury lodges and resorts. But before you tuck in for the evening, make sure to book a dinner at one of the many romantic restaurant options Pigeon Forge has to offer. The Old Mill, Guacho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse, and Johnny Carino’s are just a few of the great choices for a romantic meal for two that can be found in this mountain town.
5. Book a First Class Valentine’s Dinner at the Titanic Museum Attraction
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Do you or your valentine have a special love for history and elegance? If so, then consider booking your Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Titanic Museum. The Titanic Museum Attraction is a two-story historical museum that was built as a half-scale replica of the original ship. The museum is home to hundreds of artifacts across multiple galleries, but what’s important to note here is that the museum closes the evening of Valentine’s Day and transitions spaces into luxury dining options.
Dining guests can reserve unique tables set up in various areas of the museum so as to enjoy a truly romantic and elegant dining experience. For example, still available is the Jack and Rose Grand Staircase Package where the team behind the dinner will set up a table right at the center of the Grand Staircase, the location for that iconic “Meet me at the clock” scene in the movie. Check the museum’s website for more information and to view the planned menu for the evening.
6. Enjoy Snow Sports at Ober Gatlinburg
For more action-packed fun and thrills, head on over to Ober Mountain Ski Area & Adventure Park. This mountain-top amusement park features snowboarding and skiing trails, snow tubing opportunities, ice skating, and a special Family Snow Zone that younger children are sure to love. While real snow is nice and great, this resort utilizes its own snowmaking equipment as well to ensure that the entire place is blanketed in the perfect bed of snow for all of its outstanding snow sports. They also have their own great equipment rental program that makes partaking in the fun a breeze.
Prepare for Your February Vacation in Pigeon Forge
The key to a successful winter vacation is ensuring you pack right because while February is very beautiful in its own wintery way, it can also be an uncomfortable time if you’re not bringing the right clothes for comfort. February sees the most snowfall and has an average high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. So you will want to pack plenty of warm, cozy clothes to ensure you stay comfortable throughout your stay!
Also, if you’re interested in learning more about Pigeon Forge and the many things the city has to offer, make sure to check out our other pages outlining the best of the best for every season, and for all year long.
