Holiday crowds arriving early in Sevier County as tourism leaders prepare for busy season

by: Klaryssa De La Cruz

Posted: Nov 24, 2025 / 05:25 PM EST

Updated: Nov 24, 2025 / 05:25 PM EST

SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourism leaders across the Smokies say the holiday season is arriving earlier than usual this year, with attractions already seeing heavier foot traffic ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Pigeon Forge typically welcomes about eight million visitors annually, and officials say they expect that number to rise as families travel for seasonal events. Tourism Director Leon Downey said the city is already feeling the effects of an early surge.

“We’re not used to having the kind of years we’ve had up to this point, but September was strong, October I think was strong, and hopefully in November it will finish,” Downey said. “And you know, again, the city has over the last year had $2.2 billion in terms of revenue, just in Pigeon Forge alone.”

Attractions such as The Island are also preparing for higher volumes of shoppers and sightseers. Staff say they are adjusting staffing and extending hours as needed to accommodate the holiday crowds. The Island typically sees about five million visitors a year, and officials say their focus this season is making sure families visiting can move safely and easily through the area.

Director of Marketing Amanda Webb said the holiday rush has already begun.

“We just had our big Winterfest, Winterfest kickoff, and some of our bands showed up a little bit late because traffic just keeps getting, you know, a little bit heavier as we get closer to the holiday season,” Webb said. “And I just think everyone enjoys being here in Pigeon Forge in the Smoky Mountains during the holidays.”

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Officials say the combination of seasonal lights, cooler weather and travel patterns is drawing visitors earlier this year than in the past. With the peak holiday period approaching, they urge travelers to plan ahead as traffic increases throughout Sevier County.