Holiday Happenings 2023
Christmas is one of our favorite times of year. The resort is festively decorated inside and out, and we have all sorts of fun holiday events. Plan now to be part of our celebration!
Ice Skating
Experience the fun of skating on a real ice rink from November 10-January 15 as a 3,200 square foot portion of our outdoor wave pool will once again be converted into a festive rink surrounded by holidays lights and decorations. Be sure to stop in our Winter Wilderland, get a cup of hot cocoa or make a s’more while you are there!
Skate for a Cause
On Saturday, November 18, from 10 am to 10 pm, we will be hosting a special fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, where 100 percent of the public ice skating admissions will directly benefit the agency.
For complete details on all of our special events planned and how you can come ice skate, visit https://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/blog/ice-skating-is-returning-november-10-2023-january-15-2024/
Santa’s Workshop
This fun tradition is returning! In Santa’s workshop kids can bring out their creative side, where there will be cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and even the opportunity to write a letter and mail to Santa. Santa’s workshop, which will be located in the River Lodge Conference Room as well as outside in the Winter Wonderland by our ice skating rink will be open:
- November 24,12-6 pm
- November 25, December 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 11 am-8 pm
- November 26, December 3, 10, and 17, from 10-2 pm
Santa Appearances
We’re happy to report that the jolly ol’ man will be at our resort this season. You can find Santa in our outdoor Winter Wonderland (the first hour of each scheduled appearance) as well as in our Santa’s Workshop in our River Lodge lobby (the last two hours of each scheduled appearance).
- November 24, from 2-6 pm
- November 25, December 1 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 3-6 pm
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Join Mrs. Claus on Friday, November 24, December 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 7-7:30 pm as she hosts 30-minute Christmas themed story times in our River Lodge lobby.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Soaky Mountain
Across the street from Wilderness at the Smokies, Soaky Mountain Waterpark will also be celebrating Christmas with Shadrack’s original Christmas Wonderland Light Display, November 17-January 7, from 6-10 pm in its parking lot. Afterwards, guests can visit Snowy Mountain where there will be extra-large yard games for all to play, fire pits to roast s’mores, a kid’s snow globe photo op, crafts and a bounce house. Plus, families can see Santa on November 24, 25, 30, December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23 from 6-9 pm. For details visit: https://soakymountainwaterpark.com/shadracks-light-display-is-returning-to-soaky-mountain/
Christmas Day Buffet
Our amazing Christmas Buffet is returning to Camp Social on Monday, December 25th, 2023 from 1-7 pm
Salad Table to include: a display of Fresh Seasonal and Tropical Fruits including Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew and Strawberries; Seasonal Greens with your choice of Dressing; Peel and Eat Shrimp Display with Cocktail Sauce and Lemons; Aged Cheddar Broccoli Bisque; and Loaded Potato Soup
Carving Station with: Slow Roasted Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin; and Slow Roasted Herb Prime Rib with Fresh Rosemary Jus served with Cranberry Sauce; Orange Mustard and Creamed Horseradish
Entrée Table to include: Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze; Blackened Salmon with Festive Mango Salsa; Smoked Turkey Breast with Giblet Gravy; Broccoli/Cauliflower Au Gratin; Cornbread Dressing; Roasted Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Marshmallow Topping; Sweet Yellow Buttered Corn; Traditional Cracked Black Peppered Mashed Potatoes; Macaroni and Cheese; Chicken and Dumplings and Dinner Rolls
Children’s Buffet with Chicken Nuggets; Mini Corn Dogs; and Tater Tots
Dessert Table to include: a fine selection of Desserts to include: Cake; Pecan Pie; Pumpkin Pie; Cream Pies; and Assorted Cheesecake
Cost is ages 12 and up $34.99; ages 7 to 11 years old $12.99 and kids 4 to 6 years old – $8.99. Enhance your experience with a glass of champagne for an additional $5 per guest.
Reservations will be required. Please call 865.868.4483 to make your reservation.
New Year’s Eve
To see how we plan on ringing in the New Year, visit: https://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/blog/ring-in-2024-with-us/