The Thanksgiving Weekend special events for this year are bringing tradition back to a post-Social Distancing world. Although, for obvious reasons, not all events we usually look forward to are scheduled or posting information for 2020 (at least not yet), but there are still some worthwhile Winterfest recommendations we can report to you for family fun in the Smokies during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Take a look:

* Thanksgiving/Christmas Craftsmen Fair *
11/24/20 – 12/6/20

From Gatlinburg.com:
The Great Smoky Thanksgiving & Christmas Arts & Crafts Show runs from November 24 – December 6. Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans makes its home in Gatlinburg and the 8-mile Arts and Crafts Loop along Route 321, Buckhorn Road and Glades Road.

The Tennessee artists and craftspeople here create beautiful and useful things with techniques handed down for centuries. Find gorgeous quilts, old-fashioned straw brooms with hand-carved handles, exquisitely woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, Victorian ceramic pitchers, pottery, dulcimers, stuffed bears and leather vests. There is handmade jewelry, unlike anything you’ll find in the malls back home. Painters capture scenes of landscapes and mountain life, while potters and weavers work magic with clay and cloth.
https://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/;

* Festival of Trees *
11/25/20 – 11/29/20

From Gatlinburg.com:
Hospitality Solutions is happy to announce that the long-standing holiday tradition of the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees will continue in 2020! This year has brought unprecedented changes, and our event might be a bit different than in years past. We are working to redesign the event to adhere to the TN Pledge guidelines, and Festival related activities will be determined by current conditions at the time of the event. The Festival of Trees runs from November 25th to November 29th and promises to provide holiday cheer and memories for families to kick off the holiday season!

The proceeds of this event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains serve more than 1,600 local youth across Sevier County. The clubs offer youth a safe place to learn and grow through programs designed to build character and strengthen life skills while not at home or school. The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation awards college scholarships each year to graduating seniors. We are very pleased to announce that the proceeds from the Festival’s 46th Anniversary year netted a donation of over $55,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and $12,000 to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Please join us in continuing the tradition of ringing in the Christmas season with the 2020 Festival of Trees. We greatly appreciate your support of this event, which has been a part of our community for over 46 years.

* Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas *
November 7th, 2020 to January 3rd, 2021

From mypigeonforge.com:
Wander through more than five million holiday lights shining bright throughout the Dollywood park, delight in the spectacular holiday performances, soak up the warm Christmas atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is such a beloved holiday tradition.
See Award-Winning Christmas Shows

Celebrate the season with award-winning holiday musical performances like It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas in the Smokies and many more. Bring your family to Dollywood and experience these cherished holiday stories this Christmas.
Experience the Wonder of Christmas

The whole family will delight as they wonder through Glacier Ridge, Dollywood’s winter wonderland filled with sparkling displays and a spectacular 50 foot video motion Christmas tree.
Create Family Memories

More than 20 of Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions operate in a festive environment that is sure to get everyone into the spirit of the season. And guests can indulge in seasonal specialties and treats offered at various eateries throughout the park.   See more info at www.dollywood.com.

* Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud *
November 1st, 2020 – January 2nd, 2021

Come join Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy as they try to set aside their differences in the spirit of the Season. Watch as these two famous feudin’ families come together for a night of fun, food and entertainment. The Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud is guaranteed to make you feel better about spending the holidays with your in-laws!

Whether you’re city-folk or country cuzins, you’ll love the holiday singing and dancing, mighty feats of strength, jaw-dropping stunts and side-splitting comedy. There’s something for everybody at the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Feud!

And Granny’s pulling out all the stops for the holiday dinner! She’s cookin’ up a heap of fried chicken and country pulled pork shoulder barbecue. Add smashed taters, creamy coleslaw, homemade rolls, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup and Granny’s special dessert. Afterward, you’ll need to loosen up your belt! It’s the best dinner in town–Granny guarantees it!

See more information on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/hatfield-and-mccoy-disaster-dinner-feud.

* Christmas At Dolly’s Stampede *
November 3rd 2020 – January 2nd, 2021

Your experience during Christmas at Dolly’s Stampede begins in our non-alcoholic saloon where you will enjoy special entertainment from our house band Mountain Ruckus. Hear some of your holiday favorites performed with a mixture of comedy added.

During the Christmas show, the cast, including 32 magnificent horses, takes you on a nostalgic holiday trip with a friendly North Pole – South Pole rivalry. Watch in delight as the Sugar Plum Fairy brings toys to life right before your eyes. Our live nativity scene, which includes three kings arriving atop real camels, brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. Santa himself will also make an appearance in a horse-drawn sleigh.

See more information on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/dollys-stampede-christmas.