Thanksgiving Cabin Rentals

Thanksgiving in a Smoky Mountain cabin

A Thanksgiving cabin rental gives your family the big meal and the time together, with the mountains right outside. Cook the turkey in a full kitchen, set one long table for everyone, and nobody has to drive home after dinner.

By Thanksgiving week, the Winterfest lights are up across Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and Dollywood is celebrating its Smoky Mountain Christmas. It's an easy way to start the holiday season together, with the rest of the long weekend for shopping, shows, and the national park.

Why spend Thanksgiving in a cabin

A real kitchen for the feast. Ovens, counters, and a fridge big enough for the turkey and all the sides. Cook the meal the way your family always does.

One table for everyone. No splitting up between hotel rooms. Grandparents, cousins, and kids all stay under one roof.

Room to relax after dinner. Watch the game, start a card game, or sit by the fireplace. Many cabins also have a hot tub on the deck for the evening.

A long weekend, not just one day. Thanksgiving is Thursday, but the trip can be four or five days of family time in the mountains.

Your Thanksgiving, your way

Cook it yourself

Pick up groceries on the way in and cook the whole feast in your cabin's kitchen. Bring your favorite pans and recipes, and check the listing for kitchen details before you go.

Eat out

Want someone else to do the dishes? See our guides to restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Many restaurants take reservations for the holiday, so call ahead.

Bring in a chef

A private chef or caterer can cook the meal in your cabin. Chefs and caterers count toward the cabin's maximum occupancy while on site, and their vehicles must fit within the cabin's parking.

Things to do Thanksgiving weekend

Holiday lights and Christmas at Dollywood

Winterfest lights line the Parkway, and downtown Gatlinburg glows with its Winter Magic lights. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas is usually underway by Thanksgiving weekend. Check the Dollywood calendar for holiday hours, and read our guide to holiday lights in the Smokies.

Black Friday shopping

Get a head start on your list at Tanger Outlets on the Parkway, then browse our guide to shopping in Pigeon Forge and more shopping spots in Pigeon Forge. The Incredible Christmas Place is a fun stop for ornaments and decorations.

Shows and family fun

Many Pigeon Forge dinner theaters switch to their Christmas shows in November. See our guide to Christmas shows in Pigeon Forge and our ideas for family activities during Thanksgiving week.

The national park

Walk off the big meal on a trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Late November is cool and quiet in the park, and the views open up once the leaves are down.

Room for the whole family

Count beds, not just bedrooms, and check the "sleeps" number on each listing. Big family gatherings will find more space in our large cabins and family cabins. A game room keeps the kids busy while dinner cooks. Bringing the dog? See our pet-friendly cabins.

Gatlinburg puts you close to downtown and the national park. Browse our Gatlinburg cabins. Pigeon Forge puts you close to Dollywood, the outlets, and the shows. Browse our Pigeon Forge cabins. For a quieter stay, see our Sevierville cabins and Wears Valley cabins.

Tips for booking a Thanksgiving cabin

Book as early as you can. Thanksgiving week fills fast, and the biggest cabins go first.

Check the minimum stay. Holiday dates usually have a minimum number of nights. Each listing shows the minimum for your dates.

Plan for traffic. The Parkway is busy over the long weekend. Leave early for shows and shopping, and plan a slow day or two at the cabin.

Coming back for Christmas? See our Christmas cabin rentals, our cabins decorated for Christmas, and all of our holiday cabins.

Free attraction tickets with every paid night

Some attractions close or change their schedule on Thanksgiving Day, so check before you go. The Stay & Play Pass is only for guests who book directly with Colonial Properties.

Book your Thanksgiving cabin direct

Colonial Properties has been managing Smoky Mountain cabins since 2005, and our office is in Pigeon Forge. The price you see includes all taxes and fees. Our own housekeeping and maintenance teams take care of every cabin, and guest support is ready 24 hours a day during your stay, holidays included.

New guests can save ten percent on their first stay by signing up through the "Get My Discount" link at the bottom of the page (blackout dates may apply). See our current specials for more ways to save, or browse all Smoky Mountain cabins.

Frequently asked questions

When should I book a Thanksgiving cabin?

As soon as possible. Thanksgiving is one of the earliest weeks to book up each year.

Is there a minimum stay for Thanksgiving?

Yes, holiday dates usually have a minimum stay. Check each listing for the minimum on your dates.

Can we bring in a caterer or private chef?

Yes. Chefs and caterers count toward the cabin's maximum occupancy while on site, and their vehicles must fit within the cabin's available parking.

Are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day?

Many are. See our lists of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and call ahead to reserve a table.

Are the Christmas lights up at Thanksgiving?

Yes. The Winterfest lights in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are up by Thanksgiving week, so the long weekend is a good time to see them.

Should I stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving?

Stay in Gatlinburg to be near downtown and the national park. Stay in Pigeon Forge to be near Dollywood, the outlets, and the shows. The two towns are a short drive apart.

Are taxes and fees included in the price?

Yes. The rates on our site include all taxes and fees.

Can I get help finding a Thanksgiving cabin?

Yes. Call us at 1-800-371-0341 and we'll help you find a cabin for your dates and group size.