Wife and kids want to visit after Christmas. Hotel booked and she's got a list of things to do (Dollywood, sky lifts, etc).

I have my reservations about going with everything being so crazy.

Any recommendations of things to do (or avoid) from the hive?

The Trifecta all located in one area:

- Smoky Mountain Knife Works
- Bud's Gun Shop
- Lodge Cast Iron Outlet Store

Just came back about 2 weeks ago.  Pretty crowded.  Masks required everywhere but I never wore one.

I was in Gatlinburg yesterday.  It was not as busy as non-Covid times but still busy.  I would imagine Christmas will be the same.  All the commercial options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge looked to be open and most visitors were wearing masks inside of businesses.  If you're into the nature and history of the area, I would recommend the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.  It's a one way scenic loop that starts in downtown Gatlinburg and winds past waterfalls and old homesteads.  It's a lot like hiking without all the walking.  I've never driven it in the Winter but it's really nice in the Summer and Fall.  

https://smokymountains.com/park/things-to-do/roaring-fork-motor-nature-trail/

I made my yearly trip to a local fly shop in Gatlinburg about 2 weeks ago. I always come to the immediate conclusion as to why I only go once a year, the traffic absolutely sucks.

I came into town via US 321 as opposed to Hwy 66 from I-40, I can only imagine what that was like.

Sevierville is my hometown.  Traffic is at peak until after New Years Day.  Most of the popular shops are packed with tourists.  Highway 66, the main route in from I-40, is typical for this time of the year.  Gatlinburg is busy, too.  Mask mandate is in effect, with many wearing them to ward off the evil spirits.  Yet to see anyone thrown out of a business for not wearing one. Dollywood is doing what it can to finish its season (Ends 06 JAN 21, then reopens around March).

Very little ammo to be found and most of the guns are sold out at Buds and Smoky Mountain Knife Works.  Plenty of people still out and shopping.  Come and visit, we need the tax revenue.

Some people like it, I would argue Gatlinburg is pretty much horrible at any time.  I am also an admitted antisocial jerk so YMMV.