Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday Events

We can't think of a better way to celebrate America turning 250 than enjoying one of America's favorite pastimes - Camping!

America will be celebrating 250 years in 2026 with events, media features and lots of memory sharing.

Be part of the fun and create lasting memories during this milestone year in America's history.

Book your stay now!

About 30 minutes away (20 miles), Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville light up for Winterfest, November 6, 2026 through February 15, 2027, with more than 15 million lights strung across all three towns. Cruise the Pigeon Forge Parkway for the 12 Days of Christmas in lights, then head into Gatlinburg for animal-shaped displays. Free and everywhere: a great excuse for an evening drive off the quiet Townsend side.

About 30 minutes away (20 miles), Dollywood trades fall color for 6 million Christmas lights when Smoky Mountain Christmas opens November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Peppermint Valley takes over the Country Fair, a towering tree anchors the nightly show, and indoor productions like Christmas in the Smokies keep things warm between light displays. Named America's Best Christmas Event for over a decade running, worth the drive from the quiet side of the mountains.

Bundle up the family for the Townsend Christmas Parade! Enjoy colorful floats, marching bands and plenty of holiday cheer surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. This hometown celebration is a fun way to make Christmas memories during your family camping trip in Townsend, Tennessee.

Bundle up and enjoy an old-fashioned family Christmas at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend! Explore historic buildings, watch Appalachian traditions come to life and warm up with seasonal refreshments. It's a chance to slow down, spend time together and make Christmas memories in the Smoky Mountains.

Bundle up and enjoy an old-fashioned family Christmas at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend! Explore historic buildings, watch Appalachian traditions come to life and warm up with seasonal refreshments. It's a chance to slow down, spend time together and make Christmas memories in the Smoky Mountains.

Discover the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains together at Wilderness Wildlife Week, January 4–7, 2027! This free event in Pigeon Forge offers nature programs, demonstrations, exhibits and guided hikes for curious kids and grown-ups alike.Held at the LeConte Event Center, approximately 22 miles from Townsend/Great Smokies KOA, it's a fun family outing about a 40–45-minute drive from the campground.

Bundle up and bring the family for a winter Jeep adventure in Townsend, Tennessee! The Jeep Freeze Out Ride the Cove brings Jeep enthusiasts together to enjoy the winter scenery of Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Share the adventure with fellow Jeep families and make mountain memories during your winter camping getaway.

Gather the family for two days of uplifting gospel music, worship and time together at Smoky Mountain Jubilee in Pigeon Forge! Enjoy choirs, Southern gospel groups and encouraging messages alongside families who share your faith.This free event takes place at the LeConte Event Center, approximately 22 miles from Townsend/Great Smokies KOA—about a 40–45-minute drive from the campground.

Discover what mountain life was like long ago at the Winter Heritage Festival in Townsend, Tennessee! Enjoy children's games, storytelling, live music and demonstrations of traditional skills such as blacksmithing, quilting and open-hearth cooking. Held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, just a short drive from Townsend/Great Smokies KOA, it's a fun way for the whole family to explore Appalachian history together.