Top 4 Things to Know About the Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta
While some people might consider the winter months as the “off-season” in Gatlinburg, this is actually one of the best times to visit the Smokies! You will not only find less crowds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but also lots of special events throughout the winter months! One of the most exciting events is the Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta, where the family theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland! Here are the top 4 things you need to know about the Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta:
1. What to Expect
The Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta is a celebration of the winter season with festive light displays, unique shopping opportunities, seasonal dining, and more! This is a perfect time to visit with Anakeesta with your family and friends, since you can gather around the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, stroll through the magical shopping villages, and enjoy a delicious dinner! For a fun experience, climb to the top of the AnaVista Tower perched on the summit of the mountain. This observation tower is the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg and provides an amazing view of the light displays!
2. Shopping Options
You will find plenty of exciting shopping options throughout the Enchanted Winter of Lights such as the Mercantile at Black Bear Village, Catching Fireflies, Adventure Outpost, and the Great Outdoors Trading Company. If you are visiting during the holiday season, this is the perfect chance to pick up some seasonal decor and gifts for your loved ones! Of course, you can always find farm-style home goods, nostalgic games, candies, handcrafted pottery, and much more.
3. Seasonal Dining Experiences
One of the best parts about attending the Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta is the opportunity to enjoy the seasonal dining experiences. The Cliff Top Restaurant features hand-cut steaks, entree salads, savory appetizers, and other tempting menu items to satisfy your appetite, while the Smokehouse is the place to go for barbeque favorites like pulled pork, brisket, and chicken. Be sure to save room for a peppermint hot chocolate or wassail from Pearl’s Pie in the Sky.
4. Operating Hours and Ticket Information
The Enchanted Winter of Lights at Anakeesta is open from late November to the end of February, giving you plenty of time to visit this festive event. When planning your trip, be sure to check the official operating calendar for Anakeesta for the current operating hours as the theme park is closed on some days in January and February. The general admission tickets to Anakeesta include unlimited Chondola or Ridge Rambler rides to the summit, North America’s longest Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, AnaVista Tower, and access to all of the beautiful light displays!
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg today to stay just minutes away from the Enchanted Winter event at Anakeesta! We look forward to seeing you this winter at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge!
