Have you decorated your Christmas tree yet? You will find plenty of inspiration at Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees! Beginning on November 26th and lasting until the 30th, you can see a collection of the most beautifully decorated trees in the Smoky Mountains. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this yearly event is just minutes away from our Gatlinburg cabins. Here are the top five reasons you and your family will love the festival of trees:

1. It’s for a great cause.

The Festival of Trees is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries, a group which donates time and resources to those in need in Sevier County. Individuals and local businesses pledge money to the SMARM and sponsor the trees and decorations at the festival. Entrance to the festival is free, but guests will have the chance to support the SMARM with donations or the purchase of official Festival of Trees ornaments.

2. There is an incredible luncheon.

On November 26 (the Tuesday before Thanksgiving), you can attend the Grace Luncheon, which will feature delicious food and live entertainment. You’ll even hear a private bagpipe concert! To get tickets for this event call 865-908-3153.

3. The annual Gingerbread House contest.

On Tuesday nights, architects of all ages will compete to build the best gingerbread houses, ships, lighthouses, train stations and more! Your children will love watching, building (or perhaps eating) the epic candyland that will be constructed at the festival.

4. A hilarious Christmas Sweater Contest.

Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater sitting in your closet? If you can avoid a run in with the fashion police, put on that sweater and enter the Festival’s Christmas Sweater Contest! You could win a prize in several categories including “The Best Ever Homemade Christmas Sweater” and “The Best Ever Worst Christmas Sweater”.  The contest will be held on the 26th after the gingerbread competition.

5. It’s close to our cabins.

The Festival of Trees will be held right around the corner from our Gatlinburg cabins! Acorn Cabin Rentals offers luxurious lodging featuring fully furnished kitchens, jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, cable television and so much more. Visit our Specials page to learn how you can save over one hundred dollars on your next vacation!