Gatlinburg does New Year’s Eve right, with a spectacular fireworks display and ball drop. But there’s much more to do on New Year’s Eve before the countdown begins! Check out these attractions open late on Dec. 31.
1. Lights of Wonder at Gatlinburg SkyPark
Get a bird’s eye view of downtown’s fireworks from a perch 500 feet above the city! First, groove the night away at a “silent disco” dance party, where the park provides you with high-end headphones. Dine, drink, and explore SkyPark. Then watch the fireworks from the illuminated SkyBridge–the continent’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
2. Anakeesta
The mountaintop theme park stays open late on New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss Astra Lumina, an immersive, walk-through special effects display that brings the stars to Earth. Then stroll high above the ground on the Treetop Skywalk. Try the elevated challenge course, kids’ play areas, mountain coaster, and ziplines. Eat and enjoy craft brews while you wait to watch the fireworks below.
3. Gatlin’s Escape Games
End the year with a challenge, teaming up with friends or family to conquer a thrilling escape room. Gatlin’s has mind-bending escape rooms going all evening long, right up until midnight. Will you get out of a haunted house? Master the art of magic? Seize a cursed treasure from a pirate’s hoard? These and more adventures await!
4. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Spend New Year’s Eve in glamorous Hollywood without ever leaving Gatlinburg! Just head for this pop culture museum, home to more than 50 famous cars from movies and TV shows.
Pose for selfies with iconic vehicles including the 1966 Batmobile, the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1, and six cars used in “The Fast and the Furious” films. Props and sets make you feel as if you’ve stepped right into the movies. For the holiday, the museum extends opening hours until 11 p.m.
5. Ober Mountain Skiing and Snow Tubing
Ober Mountain, the state’s only ski resort, adds extra hours on Dec. 31, giving you more chances to zoom downhill! Snow tubing stays open until 7:30 p.m. and ski slopes until 9 p.m. just for tonight. Come early to go skating or try the ice bumper cars.
A private, luxurious Gatlinburg cabin is the perfect spot to relax on New Year’s Day after a night of fun! Book your cabin today.
