The Smoky Mountains are a popular vacation spot year-round, but during the winter season, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a wide range of festive events and activities for visitors of all ages. If you're planning a trip to Gatlinburg during the holiday season, here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Gatlinburg's Winterfest Celebration
Gatlinburg's Winterfest celebration is a annual event that typically begins in early November and runs through February. During this time, the city is adorned with millions of twinkling lights, and festive decorations can be found throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy a variety of winter-themed activities, including ice skating, snow tubing, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Gatlinburg Christmas Events
Gatlinburg offers a wide range of Christmas events and activities, including:
- Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade: This annual parade takes place in early December and features festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- Gatlinburg Winterfest Trolley Ride of Lights: Take a tour of Gatlinburg's Winterfest lights on a festive trolley ride.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood: Dollywood, a popular theme park in Pigeon Forge, offers a Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration, featuring festive decorations, holiday music, and special events.
- Gatlinburg's Christmas in the Smokies: This annual event features a festive market, holiday music, and visits with Santa Claus.
New Year's Eve in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a popular destination for New Year's Eve celebrations, with many events and activities taking place throughout the city. Some popular options include:
- Gatlinburg Space Needle New Year's Eve Party: Celebrate the start of a new year with a party at the Gatlinburg Space Needle, featuring live music, food, and drinks.
- Anakeesta's New Year's Eve Celebration: Anakeesta, an outdoor attraction in Gatlinburg, offers a New Year's Eve celebration, featuring live music, food, and a fireworks display.
Gatlinburg Winter Activities
In addition to the many festive events and activities, Gatlinburg also offers a range of winter activities, including:
- Ice Skating: Gatlinburg offers several outdoor ice skating rinks, including the one at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park.
- Snow Tubing: Ober Gatlinburg also offers snow tubing, a fun winter activity for all ages.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: For more experienced winter sports enthusiasts, Ober Gatlinburg offers skiing and snowboarding on its slopes.
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Gatlinburg, enjoying the festive lights and decorations.
Gatlinburg Winterfest Accommodations
Gatlinburg offers a wide range of accommodations, from cozy cabins and chalets to hotels and resorts. Some popular options include:
- Chalet Village Properties: Chalet Village Properties offers a range of cabins and chalets, many of which feature festive decorations and winter-themed activities.
- Gatlinburg Falls Resort: Gatlinburg Falls Resort is a popular destination for families, offering a range of accommodations, including cabins and condos.
- The Lodge at Buckberry Creek: The Lodge at Buckberry Creek is a luxurious resort, offering a range of accommodations, including cabins and suites.
Getting to Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, approximately 39 miles southeast of Knoxville. The city is easily accessible by car, and there are also several airports in the area, including the McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee.
Gatlinburg is a popular destination for winter vacations, and with so many festive events and activities to enjoy, it's easy to see why. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, Gatlinburg has something for everyone.
We hope you've enjoyed this guide to Gatlinburg Christmas events and activities. Whether you're a seasoned visitor or just planning your first trip, we're sure you'll find something to make your holiday season merry and bright.
What is Gatlinburg Winterfest?
+Gatlinburg Winterfest is a annual event that typically begins in early November and runs through February, featuring festive decorations, holiday music, and special events.
What are some popular Gatlinburg Christmas events?
+Some popular Gatlinburg Christmas events include the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, Gatlinburg Winterfest Trolley Ride of Lights, and Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood.
What winter activities are available in Gatlinburg?
+Gatlinburg offers a range of winter activities, including ice skating, snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding.