What’s Happening in February in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Man snowboarding on Ober Mountain.

February in the Smoky Mountains means the action is on the slopes for ski season, or out on the hiking trails with their special appeal in winter. It’s cold outside, but it’s cozy warm in the cabin, made for snuggling with Valentine’s Day happening and a romantic getaway in the snowy mountains on the calendar.

Read on for all that’s happening in the area in February.


Image courtesy of Ober Mountain

The Winterfest and Winter Magic lights are still on and dazzling through the first half of the month, and the festivity of winter is in the air everywhere. The lights stay on through February 15 in Gatlinburg, the 18th in Pigeon Forge, and the 19th in Sevierville. For those who like to get away from the towns and out in the wild, it’s a pristine time to explore the many Winter Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

And still outdoors, up on the mountain above Gatlinburg, everything is white on the slopes, and Ober Mountain will be full blast with most or all trails open for all skill levels. Also there’s the Snow Zone for the kids to play, the Tubing slope open for no-skills downhill sliding fun for all ages, and the Terrain Park groomed for freestyle sessions, competitions and special events. Drive up or take the famous Aerial Tramway to the ski resort (and get a Free Ticket to the tram, on us). Check the Slope Report and the webcams for the latest news, as well as the resort’s Facebook page.

In case you can’t make it up the mountain, there are some other options to enjoy the snow, with the year-round outdoor tubing slope in Pigeon Forge at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark, offering a fun 500-ft downhill slope, with a conveyor ride back to the top off the hill. And you can find indoor snow all year, also in Pigeon Forge, at Pigeon Forge Snow – that’s real snow, in a comfortable temperature with lots of amenities on hand.

Romantic February

Also on the mountain top above Gatlinburg, both Anakeesta and the SkyPark offer fun for all the family, as well as couples holding hands, as Anakeesta offers long weekends of its Astra Lumina lights, and the SkyPark calls all of February the month for lovers with its Love In the Air light displays.

Others call February the month for lovers also, and the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge refits the ship for its traditional Sweetheart Month all through February. Long a favorite for wedding ceremonies, the Titanic has a special appeal for those in love and making memories. The attraction is also offering a special Valentine’s Dinner on February 10, 2024.

You could always choose to stay indoors too, and have your personal chef come to your cabin to prepare that special sweetheart dinner for two. Keep it even more luxurious with one of our many cabins with an indoor heated swimming pool – add that to the hot tub and the heart-shaped Jacuzzi and winter can just stay outside!

Cabins in the Smoky Mountains are a good option in February, with numerous specials and last-minute deals happening – it’s even been known during Valentine’s Day (that’s more rare, but always keep an eye on the Specials page or call us 24/7 at 855 91 SMOKY).

And check our romance packages to make that romantic getaway extra special. Valentine’s Day is that magical moment that many people choose to propose marriage (and then fix the date to come back in May to get married, or October during the fall colors).

If your heart’s bursting with song in February, you’ll find good company during the Tennessee Songwriters Week that features live music across all the genres, as well as stories and musical legends, from Tennessee-native songwriters. Qualifying rounds happen through January, and 140 artists move forward in February to this Showcase event. This occurs across the state in multiple venues during February 18-24, and hits Gatlinburg at Ole Red on February 21.

So those are the highlights of February in the Smokies, with multiple festivities around every corner, that we didn’t include. Spring time is not quite here yet, in February, but it’s coming soon, and that’ll be the story for next month. Stay tuned!

Musician performing on stage.


Image courtesy of Tennessee Songwriters Week


Check our Gatlinburg cabinsPigeon Forge cabins and our Wears Valley cabins for your best place to stay in the Smokies.

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