The Top 6 Reasons to Visit Gatlinburg During Christmas
Published May 11, 2022
Come to Gatlinburg for the holidays. Whether you love a classic main street parade, gut-busting laughs, or snowy sports, Gatlinburg has it all, and more. Here’s why you should try Gatlinburg this Christmas.
1. Cheer for an Old-Fashioned Parade
Grab a spot along the Parkway on Dec. 1 for the Fantasy of Lights parade! Floats, balloons, marching bands, costumed characters, and Santa himself create a family-friendly, small-town celebration.
2. Make Memories in a Cozy Cabin
Cuddle up in your private cabin decorated for Christmas. Play board games or challenge each other to pool, foosball, or air hockey in the cabin game room. Tell stories and make gooey s’mores around the blazing fire pit. Watch Christmas movies together while cookies bake. Book a cabin now for your holiday getaway.
3. Take a Holiday Comedy Tour
Grab your tackiest Christmas sweater! Dress for holiday hilarity on the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour’s Christmas Light Ride. Watch for tipsy reindeer and jolly rednecks on board as you tour the lights with stops at Ole Smoky Moonshine and the national park.
Stroll and sip your way to Christmas cheer on the Christmas Comedy Tour by Gatlinburg Walking Tours. Your guide ambles through the lights, shows off fascinating local history, and leads you to watering holes for wine, beer, and moonshine.
4. Enjoy Winterfest
This November-to-February festival illuminates Gatlinburg with five million glittering lights. Drive through Winterfest displays or take a trolley tour. Look for Winter Tunes and Tales, a celebration of live holiday music, storytelling, and a little elfin magic. Visit merchants for winter food and drink specials.
5. Hit the Slopes
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced skier, you’ll love Ober Gatlinburg. Snowboarding, ice skating, and ice bumper cars add frosty fun. You don’t even have to drive to reach this winter wonderland–just ride the Ober tram from the heart of downtown.
6. Shop for Unique Gifts
Gatlinburg is famous for Appalachian crafts, making it the perfect destination for one-of-a-kind presents. Thanksgiving weekend brings the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Show, where artists sell ceramics, jewelry, toys, candles, leather goods and clothing, musical instruments, candles, and more.
Can’t make it to the show? Head for the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, home to dozens of artisans’ workshops. Try “make it yourself” crafting for the ultimate personal gifts!
Don’t miss out on the memories you’ll make here. Reserve your Gatlinburg cabin today.
