The holiday season is a breath of fresh air, especially when the year has been hit with wild weather and high temperatures. Provide your family with a journey to Gatlinburg to feel the holiday spirit and enjoy some time together. Gatlinburg offers the ideal ways to spend the holidays by enjoying holiday events all throughout the area. Take a look at the most popular Gatlinburg holiday events you can check out on your next vacation:
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
Start off your holiday fun by visiting Downtown Gatlinburg to experience Winter Magic. This is Downtown Gatlinburg’s season-long festivity that has been going on for over 30 years. Winter Magic brings out millions of Christmas lights that decorate the cityscape. Download a self-guided tour map from the city’s website so you can follow along around downtown and see the lights for yourself. Winter Magic is made especially fun by going on the Snowpeople Scavenger Hunt. You can download the scavenger hunt to track how many of the 43 unique snowpeople that are found around Downtown Gatlinburg. You can also see giant ornaments and displays too.
Gatlinburg Festival of Trees
Another popular holiday event that returns this year in Gatlinburg is our annual Festival of Trees. This will be the 51st consecutive year for the event, making it one of Gatlinburg’s longest standing traditions. This annual event supports the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains that serves over 1,600 youths in the area. The Festival of Trees is a multiday event that kicks off with a Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception on November 26th. Local businesses sponsor a Christmas tree that is housed at the WL Mills Conference Center. The festival allows guests to come see all of these wonderfully decorated trees up close and for free. The festival will officially be open from November 27th through December 1st and also includes a craft and play area for kids along with pictures with Santa Claus. You can explore the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM during each day it is open.
Lights Over Gatlinburg
One of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions is SkyPark. This one of a kind area features a variety of attractions including the SkyBridge that brings in countless visitors each year. One of the most popular events to take place at SkyPark is Lights Over Gatlinburg. You will find all of SkyPark covered in millions of Christmas lights, including their famous 300-foot-long tunnel of lights that covers the SkyBridge. There are plenty of photo op stops to snap a pic, along with the huge 38-foot-tall Christmas tree covered in lights that are synced to music. Lights Over Gatlinburg is included with a regular admission cost, so you can always visit during the day to hike around and then return in the evening to see the incredible light show. Santa Claus will join in on the fun on November 28th, December 9th, and December 16th as well; December 16th will also have Christmas carolers singing your favorite holiday songs. Lights Over Gatlinburg will take place from November 15th through December 31st from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Another long standing tradition that has been held in high regard here in Gatlinburg is our Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This year’s event will be held on Friday December 6th and will be the 49th annual event. The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will bring out decorated floats decked out in their best festive décor. Additional fun includes marching bands and Santa Claus himself joining in on the fun. The festivities kick off with the official tree light ceremony at 7:25 PM at Parkway Plaza. The parade is next starting at 7:30 PM. The parade will march through Gatlinburg Winter Magic so the millions of Christmas lights can light up the way. The parade itself will march the downtown Parkway and is absolutely free to see. However, the event is very popular, so getting a view spot earlier in the day is highly recommended. Visitors are also encouraged to purchase a VIP seating ticket if you do not wish to wait out long; VIP tickets grant you access to special bleacher seating and a festive Santa hat too. Don’t miss out on this event that will officially kick off the holiday season in Gatlinburg!
Get Ready for More Fun Gatlinburg Holiday Events
The best way to complete your travel planning is by reserving one of our holiday rentals here in Gatlinburg. Our rentals will keep you comfortable and nearby each of these wonderful holiday events only in Gatlinburg.
