"Discover the Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations in Tennessee During Winter Season"

If you're considering a winter trip to Tennessee, there are many wonderful places to visit that you should check out.

Tennessee may not be the first place you think of for a winter getaway, but don't let that stop you from experiencing all the fun the state has to offer during this season. From skiing to admiring Christmas lights, attending theatre shows, or exploring indoor exhibits, there's something for everyone. Take a look at some of the top spots to visit in Tennessee during winter.

Gatlinburg is a perfect winter oasis with plenty of exciting things to do. Start by heading to Mount Harrison for skiing at Ober mountain, which has been open since 1692. The ski season runs from mid-December to early March. After skiing, you can warm up at Wild Bear Falls Water Park, which has indoor water slides, lazy rivers, and more. The entire family can enjoy it.

If you're looking for a more adult-oriented activity, visit the Ole Smokey Moonshine Distillery for whiskey tasting, which costs only $5. Afterward, if you're feeling the effects of a hangover the next morning, head to Crockett's Breakfast Camp, a homely diner that's been serving customers since 1840. These are just a few of the many exciting things you can do in Gatlinburg during winter.

Pigeon Forge is another excellent place to visit in Tennessee during the winter. This small town transforms into a winter wonderland with lights, trolley tours, and parades. The most popular winter event in Pigeon Forge is the Winterfest. During this festival, three mountain towns come together to create a winter oasis for travelers seeking holiday spirit.

Driving down Pigeon Forge Parkway is a treat, with 12 Days of Christmas lit up in lights. As you progress through Gatlinburg and Sevierville, you will see more lights and some of the native wildlife. Family fun events are held throughout the festival, including arts and crafts, a chili cook-off, a Christmas past event, and fun parades. After spending some time at the festival, make a stop at Dollywood, where the entire park becomes Santa Claus's workshop.

For nature enthusiasts, taking a scenic drive through Cades Cove is a must. It is one of the most breath-taking places in the Smokies, so take your time and admire the views. A cabin with a hot tub is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the chilly air while soaking in warm water. Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains is a centrally located accommodation that has everything you need to enjoy your holiday in Pigeon Forge.

Remember, This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you. These places are just a few of the many reasons why Tennessee is an excellent winter vacation destination that should not be missed.

Discover the magic of winter in Tennessee by exploring some of its top destinations. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville is a winter wonderland transformed by Cheekwood Lights. This stunning spectacle is one of America's top holiday light displays, featuring dazzling illuminated paths, starbursts, candy cane wrapped trees, light tunnels, and millions of lights. Kids will love the garden railroad lit up and decorated for Christmas, live visits from Santa and his friends, and reindeer encounters. Restaurants such as Cafe 29 and nearby Belle Meade offer delicious dining, while beverage stations throughout the gardens provide hot chocolate and hot toddies. The Hampton Inn & Suites - Green Hills is the closest hotel to Cheekwood.

Chattanooga is another must-see winter destination. Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights is a breathtaking display located atop Lookout Mountains. Four "realms of wonder" await visitors: Yule Town, Magic Forest, North Pole Village, and Arctic Kingdom. The gardens also feature ongoing live music and entertainment. Ruby Falls is a memorable adventure with the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States, perfect for a magical holiday experience with snow and lights. Hiking at Bluff Trails or mountain biking at Raccoon Mountains to Laurel Point offer stunning views of the city's skyline and rugged nature.

Knoxville offers plenty of historic sites for history and architecture lovers, like the majestic Tennessee Theatre, James White Fort, Blount Mansion, and Mabry-Hazen House Museum. A classic performance at the Tennessee Theatre will leave you admiring its stunning architectural beauty and elegance. These historic attractions feature intriguing ancient collections.

Don't miss out on the vibrant murals that are perfect for a shareable Instagram moment during your stay in Downtown Knoxville. Be sure to make a stop at the Double S Wine Bar to indulge in premium wines, decadent desserts, and gourmet cheese. Just a quick 5-mile drive from Downtown lies Knoxville's Ice Chalet where you can get your ice skating fix, regardless of your skill level.

For thrill-seekers who relish the chilly outdoors, winter is an ideal time to explore the frozen waterfalls around Knoxville. If you fancy a winter hike, head over to Ijams Nature Center where you'll find numerous nature trails to keep you occupied.

Jack Daniel's Distillery - Tennessee in Winter

One of the ultimate winter getaways in Tennessee is a visit to the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg. Embrace the warmth of the world's most iconic whiskey brand while you're here. Lynchburg is just 75 miles away from Nashville, making it a perfect destination on a frosty day. You have the option to get there via a guided tour or a shuttle; you can also book a tour with an alcohol-tasting, or simply do a dry tour. Alternatively, you can go solo and purchase a tour at the visitor center. The distillery is a fascinating place to visit; apart from the production complex and the massive barrel house, you'll also get to explore Jack Daniel's home and learn about his life. The guide will walk you through the whiskey-making process and give you valuable insights into how this world-class distillery came to be.

You'll be inspired and moved by Jack Daniels's story of determination and passion. There's a visitor center, an alcohol and a souvenir store, and a restaurant to check out onsite as well. Nashville offers the best rates and choices of accommodation, but if you decide to stay overnight in Lynchburg, be prepared for the fact that it is a dry county, which means you won't find Jack Daniel's products in any restaurant or store (except the distillery).

By Agnieszka of The Van Escape

Bristol Speedway Christmas Lights - Tennessee in Winter

One winter spectacle that you have to witness in eastern Tennessee, right on the Virginia border, is located in the Tri-Cities area. It's one of the largest holiday light shows in the Southern United States. Every winter, the Bristol Motor Speedway adorns its 4.5-mile track with over two million twinkling Christmas lights, with over 250 unique Christmas light displays to take in. What's more, the race track sets up a full Christmas village inside the oval part of the track. Visitors can rev up their engines and go for a drive on what NASCAR fans call the "world's fastest half-mile," or take a walk around the village. The Christmas village has a variety of activities to enjoy, including roasting marshmallows, shopping for artisan crafts, carnival rides, and visits with Santa.

One of the best things about this Christmas display is that it's a charity event; all proceeds benefit the Speedway Children's Charities. This event runs from mid-November until the end of December and is one of the organization's largest fundraising events of the year.

The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights charges $20 per car from Sunday through Thursday and $25 per car on Fridays and Saturdays. Group vehicles like vans and buses have higher fees: vans are $50, and buses are $125. Visitors can also purchase the Jingle Bell Lane fast pass, which allows them to skip the lines on select busy nights.

By Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life

We'd love to hear from you about your preferred winter pastime in Tennessee. Kindly drop your comments underneath, highlighting your top picks! Remember, we're looking out for your personal favourites, so don't hesitate to share them with us.