A Night to Remember: Navigating Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Extravaganza

Ringing in the New Year with a ball drop and spectacular fireworks is a Gatlinburg tradition. So are crowded streets and full parking lots. Use this guide to plan your New Year’s Eve for maximum fun and minimum headaches. 

If You’re Driving: Come Downtown Early

The fireworks display typically draws up to 50,000 visitors downtown. Early birds snap up the parking spaces. It’s easy to fill the day before the fireworks, too! Take in an attraction, then dine out.

Make a Parking Plan 

Have parking locations in mind before you leave your cabin. You don’t want to waste a minute hunting for a space! 

City of Gatlinburg Parking 

• Aquarium Parking Garage: $10 per day. (Note: This garage is undergoing renovations that might affect the number of spaces available.)
• McMahan Parking Garage: $10 per day.
• Free Park and Ride Lot at the Spur Welcome Center, Route 441. 
• Free Park and Ride Lot at City Hall, Highway 321. Both of the park and ride lots accommodate passenger vehicles, RVs and buses. 

Commercial Parking Lots: There are 22 commercial lots all over Gatlinburg. 

Take the Trolley

You can park farther from the busy Parkway and walk to the nearest stop for the free Gatlinburg Trolley. The Trolley adds special hours on New Year’s Eve. Download the Trolley Locator app and you always know when the next trolley will arrive.

Pick Your Viewing Spot

If you love a lively crowd, no place beats being at the foot of the Gatlinburg Space Needle! The fireworks take flight from the top of this 400-foot-tall tower, so you’re directly underneath the display. Alternatively, choose a spot near Traffic Lights #3 or #5 along the Parkway. 

Watch from the Bypass

Don’t want to go into Gatlinburg at all? The Gatlinburg Bypass outside town is a good spot for watching the sparkling display with the whole city skyline beneath it. 

Find a Fireworks Watching Event 

Splurge on tickets to unique views. At Gatlinburg SkyPark, see the fireworks from 100 feet above the top of the Space Needle. At Anakeesta, enjoy winter decorations, entertainment and food, then watch the display from your mountainside perch. 

Enjoy the Fireworks from Your Cabin

Stay in a Gatlinburg cabin close to downtown and watch fireworks from your deck or porch! Plan ahead for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Reserve your cabin rental today.