4 Great Places to Go Christmas Shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN
Unless you’re Santa Claus, you probably don’t have an army of elves to make the perfect Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. While everything would be easier if you had your very own workshop in the North Pole, finding holiday gifts for your friends and family doesn’t have to be difficult! The cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are home to some of the best specialty shops in the Southeast. If you will be visiting the Smokies during the holiday season, be sure to check out the top four places to go Christmas shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN:
1. Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
Nothing demonstrates thoughtfulness quite like a handmade Christmas gift – even if it wasn’t your hands that did the making! The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is the ideal spot to pick up some beautiful handcrafted holiday gifts. This 8 mile loop road in Gatlinburg features the work of over 120 artists and craftsmen from East Tennessee. Some of the excellent items you’ll find in the shops along the loop include:
- Paintings
- Jewelry
- Pottery
- Baskets
- Photography
- Quilts
- Candles
- Leather
- Stained Glass
- Dolls
- Wood Carvings
The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in North America, so the loop road is truly unlike anywhere else in the country. If you would rather do your shopping right in downtown Gatlinburg, be sure to attend either the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show or the Great Smoky Christmas Arts and Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. At these shows, products from the Arts and Crafts Community will all be gathered together at one convenient location.
2. The Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge has 42 different retail and specialty shops! Featuring products from big names like Paula Deen and Jimmy Buffett, along with lesser known brands, The Island really has something for everyone. Some of our favorite places to go shopping at The Island include:
- The Paula Deen Store
- Margaritaville Store
- Ole Smoky Moonshine
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
- The Beef Jerky Outlet
- Bodacious Bags
- Big Rock Candy Kitchen
- Christmas and More
- Doc’s Magic Shop
- Pepper Palace
- Smokies Cigar Shop
- Key West Hat Company
The best part of shopping at The Island is that there are so many great places to eat and exciting things to do just steps away from the stores. Christmas shopping is a lot more fun when you make a day of it!
3. The Village
Reminiscent of a quaint European town, The Village is one of the most popular places to go Christmas shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN. Located right next door to the famous Pancake Pantry in downtown Gatlinburg, this collection of 27 boutiques, galleries, and clothiers offers the perfect mix of local and national brands. Some of the best places to pick up a gift in The Village include:
- Alewine Pottery
- The Day Hiker
- The Honey Pot
- The Silver Tree
- Zi Olive
- Tervis
- Life According to Jake
- Candle Cottage
- Coffee & Company
- Cartoons & Toys
- Thomas Kinkade at The Village
- The Spice and Tea Exchange
If your sweet tooth starts calling out to you during your shopping trip, be sure to swing by The Donut Friar or The Village Cafe & Creamery for a special treat!
4. The Old Mill
For Christmas gifts with some authentic Southern charm, head over to The Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge. Centered around the historic mill along the Little Pigeon River, the collection of shops at The Old Mill Square have a variety of items that you’ll only find in the Smoky Mountains. Here is a quick look at what you can expect at each store:
- The Old Mill General Store offers speciality mixes made from freshly ground grain, jellies, jams, dips, crafts, and more homemade products.
- Sassafras is a great place to find purses, bags, scarves, hats, jewelry, and other women’s apparel.
- Pigeon River Pottery is a top destination for handcrafted pottery, plates, bowls, serving pieces, salt & pepper shakers, and original sculptures.
- The Old Mill Candy Kitchen makes a variety of classic confections the old fashioned way, including chocolates, fudges, brittles, caramels, and Bear Paws.
For even more places to find Christmas gifts, check out our complete guide to Shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN!
