Winterfest in Pigeon Forge runs from Nov. 7, 2017 through Feb. 28, 2018. Image by Jeaneane Payne.

PIGEON FORGE, TN -- The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named Pigeon Forge, Tennessee’s annual Winterfest Celebration one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for November 2017.

This year’s Winterfest is Nov. 7, 2017 through Feb. 28, 2018. The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: Southeast Tourism Society and Travel Media Press Room.

Draped in more than five million lights, Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest Celebration creates a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike. A family tradition for many, Winterfest is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular events. Attractions throughout the city up the ante with additional light displays and special events. Dollywood theme park hosts its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival (Nov. 4 - Jan. 1, 2018), while theaters throughout town offer holiday shows, including Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures, Smoky Mountain Opry, Country Tonite and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud.

“The recognition of the Southeast Tourism Society puts Pigeon Forge and our Winterfest Celebration in the company of some of the region’s very best events,” Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey said. “As a family destination, Pigeon Forge is in the business of helping families make special memories, and Winterfest is certainly an occasion to do just that.”

“The Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Festival and Event list is an excellent guide for the Southeast’s visitors, residents and travel writers. The events selected represent the best, and often most unique, activities in our region,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society.

Events considered for the STS Top 20 recognition must be at least three years old and have attendance of at least 1,000. The online nomination link and submission deadlines are available at SoutheastTourism.org or by calling 770-542-1523.

STS, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism to and within 12 states—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

For more information about Winterfest or Pigeon Forge, please visit MyPigeonForge.com and www.MountainWinterfest.com.