Christmas for Arts & Crafts Lovers in the Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg: A Craft Lover’s Paradise

Start your journey in Gatlinburg, home to the renowned Thanksgiving and Christmas shows by the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this annual event is a highlight for crafters and holiday shoppers alike.

The Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show is Nov. 25 – 30

The Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show is Dec. 1 – Dec.7

At both shows, Tennessee artists and craftsmen sell their creations of beautiful and useful things with techniques handed down for decades. 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, leather vests, and more. There is handmade jewelry unlike any you’ll find back home. Painters capture scenes of landscapes and mountain life, while potters and weavers work magic with clay and cloth.

Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts and watch artisans at work. For a listing of area events, check out our Area Guides Page.

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Loop

For more from the Great Smoky arts & crafts, check out the 8-mile loop just east of Gatlinburg where more than 80 artist shops, eateries and more are there for a full-day of enjoyment – and shopping.

The Arts and Crafts Community, also known as The Glades, is the largest independent organization of artisans in the United States. As such, the diversity of crafts you can see when you visit includes a wide assortment of items from dulcimers to stuffed bears to ceramics. The artists often will talk with visitors and discuss the history of their craft. Each shop offers plenty of free parking.

The 8-mile stretch starts on Highway 321 North at Traffic Light 3.

Pigeon Forge: Holiday Magic and Artisan Markets

Through Oct. 26, stop by the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival in Patriot Park to see and purchase handmade items from some of the area’s most talented artists and crafters – jewelry, pottery, quilts and much more. The festival is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Then get ready because Winterfest begins Nov. 6 and runs through Feb. 15. Winterfest is a major holiday celebration held from early November to late February in the Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee, primarily in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, featuring millions of twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and numerous festive events. 

The holiday spirit comes alive during Winterfest and its millions of lights, fairs, parades and more.

Check out the Wonders of Light Christmas Village Nov. 6-9 and Nov. 21-29. Here, 35 booths featuring artisans and crafters selling seasonal and gift items will offer a peek into the artists’ community in the Great Smoky Mountains. Admission is free.

Sevierville: A Cozy Christmas Shopping Experience

Sevierville is home to charming galleries showcasing local talent and unique artisan shops offering handcrafted treasures, Sevierville is a haven for art lovers and culture enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade crafts, exploring the arts and culture of Sevierville is a rewarding experience.

Don’t miss the Christmas and Candles Shop located in The Apple Barn Village on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. This 6000-square-foot store is a sensory delight, filled with glittering lights, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and the aroma of freshly poured candles. The shop offers a unique assortment of holiday decorations and gifts, making it a perfect stop for festive shopping.

One of the most iconic art destinations here is the Robert A. Tino Gallery. Located in a beautiful farmhouse, this gallery showcases Tino’s stunning landscape paintings of the Smoky Mountains. The gallery offers a wide range of original paintings, prints, and home décor.

Another local shop you don't want to miss is Two Coyotes Studio in downtown Sevierville. Located on Dolly Parton Parkway just across from Seasons 101, Two Coyotes owner and artist, Bev Gwinn Jones curates a wide variety of unique gifts. From hand painted cards (some even featuring our beloved Ms. Dolly) and custom made jewelry, there is something for everyone. An absolute must see!

Townsend offers beauty, small-town charm and crafting

The Holiday Handcrafters Festival is Nov. 15 in beautiful Townsend. Known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend is rich in history, from native Americans to Appalachian settlers.

The festival is more than just a shopping trip — it’s a chance to explore the beauty of the area and enjoy a cherished holiday tradition at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Not to be missed are all the artists at Dollywood, especially during theme park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. The park features craft-inspired displays, festive lights, and seasonal entertainment that adds to the charm of holiday shopping in the Smokies.

Among the artists working at Dollywood are the Valley Forge Blacksmith, the Handsville Wax Company, Mountain Blown Glass, Old Flames Candles and Smoky Creek Leather.

Visitors can watch the craftsmen at work, as well as take lessons and make something with their own hands. There are unique items to purchase for yourself or as a gift.

Plan Your Holiday Craft Adventure

Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind pottery, handwoven textiles, or festive decorations, the Great Smoky Mountains offer an unforgettable holiday shopping experience. Embrace the spirit of the season and support local artisans by exploring the rich craft heritage of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

You’ll need a place to stay for all this shopping and crafting fun. Let American Patriot Getaways find you the perfect spot. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action or somewhere high up to enjoy the spectacular views nature gives you, APG has you covered.