The Christmas Place @ Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The incredible Christmas Place, at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, is the premier destination for Christmas gifts and collectibles, and provides a Christmas shopping experience like no other place.

- Marianne De Nazareth

THE little toy train parped its little horn, as it took the turn around an outdoor presentation of Smoky Mountain train kits, in The Christmas Place. We had come to see The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, because I love everything Christmas and the place is legendary in Southern USA. For me coming from India, it was like a vast fairyland of Christmas decorations, the likes of which I had never seen before. In typical American style -- the size of the place has one gaping, with each room’s display in different colours and styles. We were surprised by the quality and incredible displays of all the Christmas goodies, all under one roof. The store is celebrating 30 years and has grown into the largest Christmas shopping village, located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

One of the shop assistants explained that the store was open 365 days of the year with shoppers dropping in every single day. It was founded in 1986 and has grown into multi stores; literally a mini Christmas village, with the best Christmas decorations, gifts and collections for the season. It was amazing to view over 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees of every conceivable colour with matching decorations and ornaments. The displays were breathtaking and yet easily accessible to shoppers who walked up to check on prices and styles. Classical, contemporary and whimsical, and everything in between was on display and sale.