Visiting Gatlinburg During the Holidays

Make the holidays magical this year, with festive fun in Gatlinburg. From gorgeous decorations to delicious seasonal food, this mountain town offers an old-fashioned Christmas for all ages.

Plan Your Holiday Early

While winter is the tourist “off season,” holiday getaways are increasingly popular here. Weather is mild. Gatlinburg’s down-home celebrations feel like a warm embrace. But these delights mean you should reserve your vacation cabin as early as possible, to get the widest choice. With your cabin as home base, enjoy holiday outings like these!

Winter Magic 

From Nov. 7 through mid-February, Winter Magic illuminates Gatlinburg with millions of lights, transformed into animals, snowmen, forests of glowing trees, and dozens more historical, and humorous figures. Take a self-guided driving tour, or stroll through glittering tunnels of light for a magical evening.

Chili Cookoff

Winter Magic kicks off with a mouth-watering, tastebud-tickling chili cook off on Nov. 7 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Sample homemade chilis from simple to spicy and judge which is your favorite.

Lights Over Gatlinburg

Imagine walking in midair, a deep valley under your feet, glittering lights in the darkness around you. You’re at Gatlinburg SkyPark, crossing the continent’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge by night! SkyPark’s holiday lights are open Nov. 9-Jan. 31 and feature the illuminated SkyBridge and a towering Christmas tree. 

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

This Gatlinburg tradition welcomes visitors to ring in the holidays with a colorful parade! Arrive early for this popular event and grab a spot to cheer on the floats, marching bands, strolling characters, and Santa himself. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, and marches down the Parkway, from Baskins Creek Bypass to Traffic Light #10.

Festival of Trees

If you love a creative Christmas tree, you’ll love seeing dozens of them gathered under one roof. Enjoy trees, wreaths, photos with Santa, and kids’ crafts at this charity event at the Mills Conference Center, Nov. 27-Dec. 1.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Dec. 31 ends with spectacular fireworks bursting over downtown Gatlinburg. Shot from the top of the 400-foot-high Space Needle, these fireworks wrap up the holidays with a bang!

Your Cozy Gatlinburg Cabin 

Rent a cabin decorated for Christmas. Light a fire and start new traditions, like sipping hot chocolate while you watch “Elf.” Bake cookies in the fully equipped kitchen. Book your cabin and plan your Gatlinburg holiday now.