Cedar Pond Farms‘Tis the season for all things festive and fun for the whole family! We’re kicking off this month with a grand list of family-friendly activities you can do this holiday season, ranging from tourist attractions to local entertainment that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
In today’s blog, we’ll be your personal tour guides as we dive into some of East Tennessee’s holiday activities – let’s get started!
Dollywood Entertainment
Starting off strong, we have Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas! Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas by walking through a winter wonderland of over six million twinkling lights, heartwarming holiday shows, and delicious festive flavors on new menus provided by vendors. There are dozens of Christmas trees and other holiday decorations that contribute to the cheerful glow of Dollywood. Here, you can get your seasonal last-minute shopping done and enjoy creating special holiday moments in Santa’s Village.
Until January 4, 2026, you can embrace this special time of year with the whole family, so don’t miss out on the fun!
Knoxville Christmas Market
If you’re local to the Knoxville area, then you already know about the annual Knoxville Christmas Market that happens. The “Christkindlesmarkt” is their take on a traditional German Christmas Market, rich in history, as the original markets date back to the late Middle Ages. Spend time in this German holiday culture hotspot. Check out handcrafted products, German sweets, and sing along to traditional songs played by Polka bands.
Hang out with Santa and Krampus, drink beer in an igloo, or do some light Christmas shopping; there’s something for everyone!
Great Smoky Mountains Trails
It isn’t a Tennessee to-do list if we didn’t put down the Great Smoky Mountains! Enjoy the park’s pristine winter landscape, often covered in a layer of the season’s freshest powder. Even during the winter, you’re able to see amazing flora and fauna on a hike and enjoy the quieter season. The weather may be a bit unpredictable, so make sure to pack warm clothes and winter hiking boots, and check the conditions beforehand.
Now the big question is “Which trail should I go on?” There are over 850 miles of trail, including more than 150 official hiking trails, but here are a few we think are really notable:
Trillium Gap Trail is an 8.9-mile out-and-back trail that also serves as the trailhead for Grotto Falls Trail. This trail has a challenging 1,200-foot elevation gain, so be prepared for the climb.
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park. With its paved trail and beautiful waterfall, which often freezes over during the snowy months, it’s become a landmark for hikers.
Lastly, we have Charlie’s Bunion and the Jump Off, two of the most popular Appalachian day hikes for our Gatlinburg locals. With a scenic overlook and an unpaved 8-mile round-trip path, this offers the perfect challenge for hikers looking to get a little blood pumping before settling down for the holidays.
Holiday Adventures at Cedar Pond Farms
After a long day out, you’ll want to come back to a warm and inviting space. That’s where we come in! The holidays are the perfect time to connect with nature and unwind in a home away from home. At Cedar Pond Farms, we offer luxurious farm stays in our European-style barndominiums, providing a thoughtful layout for a top-tier experience. With our farm stays, you’ll get the chance to understand the inner workings of our farm. Also, what better way to get warmed up than by snuggling a fluffy Scottish Highland Cow? Our farm offers activities perfect for all ages, and our cows would love to spend a snippet of the holidays with you!
And the best part? Our farm is at the heart of all the East Tennessee fun, so if you want a good night’s rest before heading back out for more holiday activities, we’ve got you covered. Interested in a farm stay or any of our other special experiences? Check out our website for more information, and we’re looking forward to seeing you this holiday season!
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Phone: 865-630-0107
Our Location: 1369 Collins Road New Market, TN 37820
Farm Stay Check-In Time: 4:00 PM
Farm Stay Check-Out Time: 10:00 AM