Holiday Happenings 2024

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 8-January 13 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! On Saturday, November 16, from 10 am to 10:30 pm, we will be hosting Skate for a Cause ,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/ice-skating-is-returning/  

Santa’s Workshop
This fun tradition is returning! In Santa’s workshop kids can bring out their creative side decorating cookies or writing and mailing a letter to Santa. Santa’s workshop, which will be located in the River Lodge Conference Room as well as outside in the Winter Wonderland where fun and games will be available by our ice skating rink will be open

  • November 29, 3-7 pm
  • December 6, 13, and 20 3 -8 pm
  • November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 22 and 23, from 11 am-8 pm
  • December 1, 8, and 15 from 10-2 pm

Santa Appearances
We’re happy to report that the jolly ol’ man will be visiting our resort this again season. You’ll be able to 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 29, from 3-7 pm
  • November 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, and 23 4-7 pm

Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Join Mrs. Claus on Saturdays and Sunday (Nov. 30th, Dec. 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd) from 8:30-10:30 am as she hosts 30-minute Christmas themed story times in Camp Social. Advance reservations can be made on our website by booking our Character Breakfast Package.  You may also add the package to an existing reservation by calling our reservations team at (877) 325-9453.

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 15-January 5, from 6-10 pm in its parking lot. Afterwards your family can visit Snowy Mountain Village (Open Nov 15 – 17 and then Nov 22 – Dec 30) Located inside Soaky Mountain Waterpark. It will feature holiday inflatables, seasonal lights, Christmas trees and fire pits. Plus, there will be loads of fun for all ages including holiday crafts for kids, a train and teacup rides for people to enjoy, an Elfie photo op experience, great food, delicious desserts, and visits with Santa or Boomer on some nights! For details visit: https://soakymountainwaterpark.com/shadracks-light-display-is-returning-to-soaky-mountain-2024/

Christmas Day Buffet
Our amazing Christmas Buffet is returning to Camp Social on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024 from 1-7 pm

Salad Table to include: a display of Fresh Seasonal and Tropical Fruits including Pineapple,    Cantaloupe, Honeydew , Strawberries, and Kiwi; Seasonal Greens with your choice of Dressing; Peel and Eat Shrimp display accompanied with Cocktail Sauce and Lemons; Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup; and Loaded Potato Soup

Carving Station with: Slow Roasted Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin and  Slow Roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib with Fresh Rosemary Jus, Cranberry Sauce and Creamed Horseradish

Entrée Table to include: Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze; Blackened Salmon with a Citrus Glaze; Smoked Turkey Breast with Giblet Gravy; Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Almonds; Cornbread Dressing ; Sweet Potato Soufflé; Sweet Yellow Buttered Corn; Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes;  Macaroni and Cheese; Chicken and Dumplings; and Dinner Rolls

Children’s Buffet with Chicken Nuggets; Tater Tots; and Mini Corn Dogs

Dessert Table to include: a fine selection of Desserts to Include, Pumpkin Pie; Pecan Pie,; Cream Pies; Mini Cakes; and Mini Cheesecakes

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 $4.95 per guest. Reservations are required. Please call 865.868.4483 extension 10106 to make one.