The holiday season in Sevier County is packed with festive fun, and meeting Santa Claus is one of the highlights! From photo ops in beautiful Christmas displays to festive breakfasts with the big man himself, there are plenty of places for locals to make lasting holiday memories. Here’s your ultimate guide to where you can meet Santa around Sevier County this year.
Where to Take Photos with Santa
The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Dates: November 16, Select days from November 22 to December 21, 2024
- Details: Santa kicks off his visits with a tree lighting event on November 16, with photo opportunities available from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Stop by Santa’s workshop on select dates in November and December to capture a festive photo!
Crave Golf Club
- Dates: November 30 and December 21, 2024
- Details: Capture photos with two of your favorite holiday characters! Snap a picture with The Christmas Grouch from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and with Santa Claus from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Incredible Christmas Place
- Details: Meet Santa at his Haus! Santa’s Haus offers a beautiful holiday setup perfect for family photos. Find the schedule here and reserve a spot for your own holiday card photo!
Toy Box Mini Golf
- Date: December 7, 2024
- Details: Celebrate with Santa and the Christmas Grouch at this kid-friendly mini golf spot! Join them for photos on December 7 as they spread holiday cheer in a festive mini golf environment.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Dates: November 4 to December 23, 2024
- Details: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting families in Gatlinburg at the Aquarium. Pose for photos and share Christmas lists with Santa in this enchanting aquatic setting.
Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay
- Dates: December 14 and 22, 2024
- Details: The all new mini golf course on the Pigeon Forge parkway is getting a visit from Santa and the Christmas Grouch. Free photos will be available from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. on December 14 and 22.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
- Dates: Select nights from November 15 to December 30, 2024
- Details: Soaky Mountain hosts Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. Take a photo with Santa among holiday lights, carnival games, and bounce houses in a vibrant holiday village.
Christmas at the Courthouse in Downtown Sevierville
- Date: December 6, 2024
- Details: Enjoy a charming holiday event with Santa photos, crafts, snacks, and live music. Don’t miss this community event with a classic tree lighting ceremony and festive fun for the whole family.
Wilderness at the Smokies
- Dates: November 28-29, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-23, 2024
- Details: Wilderness at the Smokies features ice skating, crafts, and Santa appearances. Book an overnight package for an immersive holiday stay.
Bass Pro Outdoor World
- Details: Capture a free 4×6 photo with Santa. Reservations are required, so book your visit online for a fun holiday photo-op and seasonal craft giveaways.
Dollywood
- Dates: November 1, 2024, to January 5, 2025 (Santa visits through December 23)
- Details: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration includes lights, shows, and Santa visits. Perfect for creating a memorable family holiday outing.\
Where to Eat Breakfast with Santa
Anakeesta
- Dates: Select dates from December 7 to December 23, 2024
- Details: Enjoy early park access, breakfast at Cliff Top, caroling, and a professional photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Advance tickets are required.
SkyLand Ranch
- Dates: November 1, 2024, to January 20, 2025
- Details: At SkyLand Ranch’s Festival of Lights, catch a Country Christmas Breakfast with Santa on specific days. Enjoy breakfast surrounded by twinkling lights.
Golden Corral, Sevierville
- Date: December 7, 2024
- Details: Kickstart your morning with Santa from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at this beloved breakfast buffet.
Flapjacks Pancakes, Sevierville
- Date: December 10, 2024
- Details: Santa will be joining for “breakfast for dinner” from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., offering a unique twist on the holiday breakfast experience.
Quaker Steak & Lube
- Date: December 22, 2024
- Details: Bring the kids to Quaker Steak for a fun Kids’ Day with Santa from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Great for Santa photos and holiday excitement!
Dave & Buster’s
- Date: December 8, 2024
- Details: Get early access to the store, play games, and snap a photo with Santa at this fun-filled breakfast event starting at 9:00 a.m.
Ober Mountain
- Dates: December 14 and 21,2024
- Details: Start your holiday season with Cereal with Santa from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus featuring cereals, pastries, and holiday treats, plus a holiday sing-along, Christmas movies, and a special gift. Tickets include a Fast Pass for the Aerial Tram and general admission to Ober Mountain, with options to add unlimited access to attractions like ice skating, the Mountain Coaster, and more. Reservations are required—don’t miss this festive family tradition!
Extra Festive Meet-and-Greets
For a unique Santa experience, try the Polar Express Train Ride, departing from Bryson City, NC. It’s just a short drive from Sevier County, and kids will love meeting Santa as he boards the train at the “North Pole.”
