Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Gatlinburg Christmas Parade

The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on Dec. 1 is Gatlinburg’s dazzling welcome to the holiday season. Visitors and locals alike return again and again for this beloved tradition, so why not join in the fun this year? 

Use this guide to plan your parade day. The No. 1 tip for a great experience: Arrive early. The parade attracts about 60,000 holiday-happy locals and tourists. Heading downtown early in the day is the best way to nab parking. Bonus: You can spend the whole day in Gatlinburg! 

When is the Parade?

The parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. Just before the parade begins, the city lights up its official Christmas tree at Traffic Light 3.

What to Expect

If you love a traditional parade, expect to be delighted! Peppy marching bands fill the air with holiday songs while decorated floats glide past. The casts of local stage shows bring their talents to the street, singing and dancing on floats. Giant balloons bob overhead. Costumed Christmas characters roam the route. Stay for the big finale, when a certain Jolly Old Elf arrives! 

Parade Route 

The parade begins on Baskins Creek Bypass and turns onto the Parkway at Traffic Light 3. The parade then follows the Parkway to Traffic Light 10, going through all of central Gatlinburg. The parade ends around 9 p.m.

What’s the best location for watching the parade? The Fantasy of Lights marches down almost the entire Parkway, so you have plenty of options for viewing spots anywhere along the route. 

Where to Park 

Downtown Gatlinburg has city parking garages as well as more than 20 private parking lots. Spaces can fill up for this popular parade, so don’t dash downtown at the last minute. Click to see the city’s parking map.

Grandstand Seats Available 

If you prefer a guaranteed viewing spot, buy grandstand seats for $52.25 each. Children under five years old can sit on an adult’s lap at no extra cost. For grandstand tickets, click here. 

Keep the Festivities Going

After the parade, go to your home away from home, a cozy Gatlinburg vacation cabin! Make hot chocolate and sip it by the fireplace while you debate which float was the best! Winter is a great time to visit the Smokies. Start planning your 2023 holiday getaway now.