Santa in the Smokies
Visitors gather around the cozy first-floor hearth for a festive Christmas book reading with Santa. Families can meet Santa by the fire to capture their own holiday pictures and craft ornaments to take home or display on the store tree. Guests can also browse seasonal shopping specials featuring outdoor brands, local crafts, and toys.
Sat, Nov 28, 2026 All ages Free photos with Santa.
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
Event listing: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM; holiday shopping specials: all day; story time with Santa: 12pm; ornament decorating: 12–4pm; free photos with Santa: 12:15–4pm.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring a personal phone or camera, since NOC does not provide a photographer for Santa photos.
- Keep photo poses simple because each family has five minutes with Santa to take their own pictures.
- Arrive in time for the noon story reading if your family wants to hear Santa read by the fire.
- Visit between noon and 4 p.m. to decorate an ornament, and decide whether to take it home or hang it on the tree.
- Browse the store during the event day to take advantage of the all-day holiday shopping specials.
Special Events & Promotions
- Holiday shopping specials are available all day on the event day.
- Story time with Santa takes place on the event day.
- Ornament decorating is available on the event day.
- Free photos with Santa are available on the event day.
Links & Contact
Run by Nantahala Outdoor Center
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Santa in the Smokies for?
It is a family-friendly event for children and families.
What activities are available?
There is story time with Santa, ornament decorating, photos with Santa, and holiday shopping specials.
What should I bring for Santa photos?
Bring your own phone or camera; NOC does not provide a photographer. Each family has five minutes with Santa.
Can I decorate an ornament to take home?
Yes. Decorate an ornament to hang on the NOC Gatlinburg tree or take home.
What can I find in the holiday shopping specials?
The store features outdoor brands, local crafts, and toys.
Browse Christmas in Maryville
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.