Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday Blog
Escape to the Smokies! Enjoy RV sites and camping cabins as low as $50.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From Cherokee: N 441 to park boundary, then Big Cove Rd. (Hwy 19 and Blue Ridge Parkway are not recommended.) Enter Big Cove Road when using GPS.
We are located on Big Cove Road in Cherokee, NC 28719.
Note: As of 8/3/25 US441/Newfound Gap Road is closed from Sugarlands to Newfound Gap.
Get Google Directions
The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit Cherokee, North Carolina! Surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee offers a unique holiday getaway filled with sparkling light displays, festive activities, rich cultural heritage, and scenic mountain adventures. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a weekend escape, or a relaxing end-of-year road trip, Cherokee has plenty of ways to make the season special.
Make Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday your home base for exploring the area's holiday attractions, discovering local traditions, and enjoying the beauty of the mountains.
One of Cherokee's most festive seasonal attractions, the Enchanted Island of Lights transforms Oconaluftee Island Park into a winter wonderland. Enjoy illuminated displays, colorful holiday decorations, and seasonal music as you stroll through the glowing pathways.
It's a wonderful way to spend an evening with family and friends, take festive photos, and enjoy the magic of the season against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
The 2026 display is scheduled for November 27, 2026, through January 2, 2027. Check local event listings for operating hours and additional details before your visit.
Looking for more holiday fun? Cherokee Winterfest brings seasonal excitement to the area with activities that can include ice skating, food trucks, and special evening entertainment.
Gather your family, lace up your skates, and enjoy a festive outing surrounded by the mountain scenery. It's a fun way to add something different to your holiday itinerary and enjoy the community atmosphere.
The 2026 Winterfest season is scheduled for November 27 through December 31, with ice skating and the Food Truck Rodeo featured on select Fridays and Saturdays. Check the official event calendar for the latest schedule and details.
A holiday trip to Cherokee is also an opportunity to learn more about the history and living culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People to explore exhibits that share Cherokee history, traditions, art, and experiences. The museum offers an engaging way to deepen your understanding of the people and culture that make this destination so special.
You can also stop by Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, where Cherokee artists showcase traditional and contemporary handmade crafts. From baskets and pottery to beadwork and other artwork, it's a meaningful place to discover local artistry and find a one-of-a-kind gift.
Check seasonal operating hours before visiting, as holiday schedules may vary.
The holidays are a beautiful time to experience the natural surroundings of Cherokee. Located near the southern entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee provides convenient access to scenic drives, mountain views, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
Head toward the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to explore the Mountain Farm Museum and learn about the region's Appalachian history. Keep an eye out for elk in the surrounding valley, particularly in open fields during quieter times of day.
For a scenic outing, consider a drive along Newfound Gap Road when weather and road conditions allow. Winter brings a peaceful atmosphere to the mountains, and a dusting of snow can make the scenery especially memorable.
Travel tip: Winter weather can lead to temporary closures along Newfound Gap Road and US-441 between Cherokee and Gatlinburg. Check National Park Service road conditions before setting out.
Looking for a special souvenir or a thoughtful holiday gift? Cherokee offers opportunities to shop for locally made art, handcrafted items, jewelry, and regional keepsakes.
Spend some time exploring local shops and galleries, discover work by Cherokee artists, and bring home something that reminds you of your mountain getaway. Shopping locally is also a great way to support the artists and businesses that help make Cherokee unique.
Afterward, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and take in the mountain scenery as you explore the area at your own pace.
After a day of exploring holiday lights, discovering local culture, and enjoying the mountain scenery, return to the comfort of Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday.
Our campground offers a welcoming place to unwind while keeping you close to Cherokee's attractions and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Choose an RV site or a comfortable cabin for your getaway, then spend your evenings relaxing, gathering around the campfire, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Book your stay today and discover the magic of the holidays in Cherokee, North Carolina!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
