top of page

5 Reasons "Off Season" & Winter
is the Best Time to Go to Gatlinburg

When is "Off Season" in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?

​

Think January and February

With the exception of Valentine's Day week, you can expect the lowest rates and the least crowds

during these 2 months.

​

Also consider early December and early March as alternatives.

​

See Cabins with No Scary Roads, Motorcycle Friendly

& Holiday Cabins

​

Christmas Attractions

​

See All My Cabins Suggestions Here

​

​

1.)  Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the Least Crowded in Winter

 January and February are so much less crowded in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during these months. This means you won't have to wait in long lines, or worry about getting reservations with the best views!  Shows may not be sold out and finding the best rooms or cabins will be alot easier, with less competition.
         
And don't forget about traffic.  No worries of long waits, inching along while the kids get restless, or traffic jams.  Finding a place to park suddenly becomes no problem, and your stress melts away. 

The whole area just feels more relaxed.

outdoor cozy firepit Pigeon Forge, TN
Adult and child smile as they go snow tubing down a winter hill

2.) It's the Most Affordable Time of Year

What is the cheapest time to get a cabin or a hotel room in Gatlinburg?  You will see the lowest nightly rates January and February (except Valentine's week).  Weekdays will usually cost less than weekends.
 
There is no better time to take the vacation you've been dying for if you are on a budget or want to save money.  Everything is generally less expensive and sales and discounts are more abundant. Want to go shopping? You will find deals and sales in many of the shops too.

Large Cabins for Groups

Person holds a cup of coffee or tea and looks out over an evergreen forest from a mountaintop,  flannel shirt, person holding a coffee cup above a forest of pine trees
Happy girl sits in a cozy cabin in front of a Christmas Tree

3.) Better Selection and Availability of Cabins, Hotels, Condos and Chalets
It can be frustrating when you find that perfect cabin only to realize it's completely booked up for the entire season or holiday weekend and unavailable.  Booking the exact days you want is much easier during the "off season" months. 
Maybe you'd like a honeymoon cabin or like the thought of going swimming in your very own cabin with an indoor pool.   Well? The options are endless.

See All My Cabin Suggestions
Kid Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge
Kid Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg

Christmas log cabin in the woods
The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN

4.)  See the Hidden Parts of the Smoky Mountains
Stunning view, vistas and hidden gems emerge from behind the trees.  Truly see get to see "the real" Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that is normally obstructed from view when the leaves or hiding them.  

For this reason alone, it is my favorite part of the year. The mountains take on a whole new look. Take in scenic views of snowy mountaintops and frozen waterfalls you will never forget.  Just don't forget your camera, because the photos will be breathtaking.

Scenes of the Smoky Mountain life you have never noticed before will now come into view.  Nature unveils its wonder and sense of adventure.

wicker star and pine cone sit gracefully in snow on a mountainside
Log Cabin with snow on the roof and snowy mountains and pine trees in the background

5.) The Towns are Decked Out in Lights 

From late November until the end of February, the Winterfest lights go on all around the Smoky Mountain area of Sevier County.  It's a tradition that includes tree lightings, Christmas parades and many other winter celebrations.  Take the "Trolley Ride of Lights" in Gatlinburg and the "Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights" through Pigeon Forge.  

You might also enjoy the lighting of the tree and other lights at The Island in Pigeon Forge.  Millions of winter lights will be on display.  

Christmas Inn, Pigeon Forge with Christmas lights display

There is So Much to Do !

For more info, go to Winter Attractions in
Gatlinburg and
Pigeon Forge

Sevier County is now a year-round destination. 
 Many winter attractions like Ober Gatlinburg, Indoor water parks, and holiday events ramp up.  

Cabins on Lakes Creeks & Rivers
Cabins with Indoor Pools 

Valentine
's Day & Honeymoon Cabins
Large Cabins for Groups in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg 
Attraction Discount Tickets
New Unique & Unusual Places in Gatlinburg

Cabin Connection

 

Disclosure:
Expedia Group compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I also participate in other affiliate programs and accept commissions based on link performance.  I strive to only promote things that I believe have integrity, add value and positively affect my readers.
Commission-based affiliate partnerships, help to support in fulfilling the goals for this site.  The goal of this site is to shine a light on the best of the Smokies by providing helpful information so that visitors can have a better experience while visiting the area.

Thanks for submitting!

 This site was created with love to promote the place 

 we call home-the Sevier County area and the beautiful 

 Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. 

Contact:

​

SmokyMountainStarlight@gmail.com

​

Copyright 2025 Smoky Mountain Starlight

All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy

​

SmokyMountainStarlight.com (SMS) respects your privacy.

When you subscribe to this website, you may be sent updates and news of interest to you.  SMS will never spam your inbox. If, at any time, you choose to unsubscribe, you will find the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of all email.

 

SMS may sometimes use emails to reach out when we think it will be helpful to you based on your subscription to our Events Updates.  By subscribing, you give us permission to do so. Some content contain links that enable cookies. This allows us to be compensated for referring your business to others based on your interest in the Smoky Mountains.

 

This site also contains links to other sites that may be helpful to you and try to show only those with authority on each subject.  Please be aware that once you leave SmokyMountainStarlight.com, each outside site has their own individual privacy policy.

 

You may contact SmokyMountainStarlight@gmail.com.

 

Thank you for being a Smoky Mountain Starlight Subscriber! Happy you are here!

​

​

​

​

​

bottom of page