Do the first few notes of a favorite Christmas song instantly bring a flood of happy memories to mind? For many of us, these tunes form a bridge to the past. Just think of the simple pleasure of being a child on Christmas morning, waking to find piles of brightly wrapped gifts beneath a tree sparkling with hundreds of tiny lights. Share your memories with your own children this holiday season when you take in the sights and sounds of the Christmas festivities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.

Make New Childhood Memories

Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, one Christmas classic is sure to please: The Nutcracker Ballet. This enchanting drama tells the story of a young girl’s dream about a Nutcracker Prince and his battle with the Mouse King. Tchaikovsky’s haunting music is instantly recognizable even for those who have never seen the ballet. The giant toys marching across the stage will delight your children, while grownups are charmed by the Dance of the Snowflakes and other well-loved scenes.

The Great Smoky Mountain Dance Theatre has dubbed their rendition of the this family classic "The Nutcracker ‘Sweet.’" They offer performances Thanksgiving weekend at the W. L. Mills Auditorium.

For a musical event with a more modern feel, reserve your seat for Country Tonite’s Christmas Show. This high-energy production features a professional cast of dancers and singers performing old standards along with some new favorites. Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and other popular characters all join in the fun to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike. This heartwarming family entertainment is sure to become a favorite Christmas outing for many years to come.

The Streets of Gatlinburg Come Alive with the Sounds of Christmas

From November 25 through December 17, 2011, downtown Gatlinburg is host to a unique holiday show your family will love. Each Friday and Saturday evening, you’ll find singers and actors spreading Christmas joy along the Parkway. Carolers and barbershop quartets gather on street corners to sing Christmas tunes from the past, while actors dressed in Victorian-era clothing stroll along the avenues. Charles Dickens’ vision of Christmas is so close you might just catch yourself looking for Tiny Tim.

Holiday Concert to Benefit the Hungry

Want a way to make your heart sing this Christmas? Head to Pigeon Forge for their Community Chorus Holiday Concert. This free event will have you singing along with all your favorite Christmas music, plus it offers the opportunity to help someone less fortunate have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Donations of non-perishable food items are encouraged, and benefit the Sevier County Food Ministries. The concert begins at 3 p.m. on November 20th, 2011 at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater.

Gather your family together this holiday season to make some memories – and maybe begin a new tradition – in the Great Smoky Mountains. The heartwarming music, energetic dancing, and festive air that surrounds Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN will put everyone in a fine holiday spirit. This Christmas will be the one your children remember long after they have kids of their own.